Family Day, 2008

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8292

Family Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Strong families are essential to the well-being of our
Nation. On Family Day, we celebrate the relationship
between parents and their children, and we recognize
the importance of families spending time together.

As a source of hope, guidance, stability, and love for
every generation, families both teach and exemplify the
values and virtues needed in today's changing world. As
parents and as role models to America's children, we
can help prepare our children for a bright future by
offering steadfast support and unconditional love.

The character of a child is formed in his or her
earliest years by the love and guidance of family
members and other caring individuals. Since 2001, my
Administration has worked to strengthen the American
family, and we have worked with faith-based and
community organizations to promote healthy marriages
and responsible fatherhood. By striving to ensure that
children remain connected to their families,
communities, places of worship, and schools, we are
helping them make good choices and build lives of
purpose.

Parents are the primary teachers of our Nation's youth,
and they are the first ones to educate them about the
differences between right and wrong. By being proactive
and involved in a child's life, families pass along the
traditions and principles that help make America a
compassionate, decent, and hopeful society.

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 22, 2008, as
Family Day. I call upon the people of the United States
to observe this day by engaging in activities that
strengthen the bonds between children and parents.

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