Family Day, 2002

Proclamation 7597 of September 20, 2002

Family Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's character begins in the home, where children
learn proper standards of conduct, principled values,
and the importance of service. Families provide
children the encouragement, support, and love they need
to become confident, compassionate, and successful
members of society. We must work together to promote
and preserve the health and security of our families by
upholding the timeless values that have sustained our
society through history.

Recent events have reminded Americans of the blessings
of family and friends, and of the importance of faith.
As a Nation, we have a renewed dedication to our
freedom, our country, and our principles. In homes,
schools, places of worship, the workplace, and civic
and social organizations, we must continue to encourage
responsibility, compassion, and good citizenship.

Americans must also act to fight crime and drugs, and
provide a safe and healthy environment for our
children. We can begin by working to strengthen the
bonds and improving communication between parents and
children. Research done by the National Center on
Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
has consistently shown that the more often children eat
dinner with their parents, the less likely children are
to smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs. Naturally,
parents should be the most prominent and active figures
in their children's lives. By spending more family time
together, parents can better engage with their children
and encourage them to make the right choices.

The nurturing and development of our families require
investment, focus, and commitment. Strong families make
strong and drug-free communities. By taking time to
develop positive and open relationships with their
children, parents help fight the war on drugs and
encourage positive choices. Across our land, citizens,
schools, and civic institutions can assist families by
helping to meet the needs of all those who live in our
communities. As we work together to strengthen our
families, we will build a Nation of hope and
opportunity for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim September 23, 2002, as
Family Day. I call upon the people of the United States
to observe this day by spending quality time with
family members and engaging in other nurturing
activities to strengthen the relationships between
parents and children and help fight against substance
abuse.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B