[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 189 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 50671-50672]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-23773]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 189 / Thursday, October 1, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 50671]]

                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.

[[Page 50672]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-23773
Filed 9-30-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P