[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8424--SEPT. 28, 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.

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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.
BARACK OBAMA