[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 25, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 60103-60104]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-24466]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 25, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 60103]]


                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.

[[Page 60104]]

                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

[FR Doc. 02-24466
Filed 9-24-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P