Family Day, 2009

Proclamation 8424 of September 28, 2009

Family Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our family provides one of the strongest influences on
our lives. American families from every walk of life
have taught us time and again that children raised in
loving, caring homes have the ability to reject
negative behaviors and reach their highest potential.
Whether children are raised by two parents, a single
parent, grandparents, a same-sex couple, or a guardian,
families encourage us to do our best and enable us to
accomplish great things. Today, our children are
confronting issues of drug and alcohol use with
astonishing regularity. On Family Day, we honor the
dedication of parents, commend the achievements of
their children, and celebrate the contributions our
Nation's families have made to combat substance abuse
among young people.

The 21st century presents families with unprecedented
challenges. Millions of women and men are struggling to
balance the demands of their jobs with the needs of
their families. At the same time, our youngest
generation faces countless distractions in their social
environment. They are coming of age in a world where
electronic devices have replaced the playground,
televisions have preempted conversation, and pressure
to use drug and alcohol is far too prevalent. Parents
bear significant stress and burdens to protect their
children from harmful influences.

It is our responsibility to talk with adolescents about
the risks of abusing alcohol, tobacco, or prescription
and illicit drugs, and other harmful behaviors. These
substances can destroy the mind, body, and spirit of a
child, jeopardizing their health and limiting their
potential. Active parents, voicing their disapproval of
drug use, have proven themselves to be the most
effective preventative method for keeping our children
drug-free. A strong and engaged family can make all the
difference in helping young people make healthy
decisions.

By coming together as a family and discussing the
events of the day, parents can foster open
communication, share joys and concerns, and help guide
their children toward healthy decisionmaking. A strong
nation is made up of strong families, and on this
Family Day, we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that
every American family has the chance to build a better,
healthier future for themselves and their children.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim September 28, 2009,
as Family Day. I call upon the people of the United
States to join together in observing this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor and
strengthen our Nation's families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.