[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9213--NOV. 21, 2014

Proclamation 9213 of November 21, 2014

National Family Week, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In big cities and small towns throughout our Nation, the strength and
diversity of hardworking families reflect the promise of America--that
with grit and determination, anyone can build a better future for
themselves and their children. Families provide love and encouragement,
and they are a source of support and inspiration to a generation limited
only by the size of their dreams and the power of their imagination.
During National Family Week, we celebrate our family members and the
countless ways they lift us up, and we continue our work to bolster the
bonds that tie all of us together.
Family is the bedrock of our lives, and my Administration is fighting to
ensure Americans are able to seize their every opportunity and fulfill
their responsibilities to their loved ones. Working mothers and fathers
should not have to choose between their career and their life at home--
especially when a new baby or an aging parent needs them most--and no
one who works full-time should have to raise their family in poverty.
Family leave, childcare, and workplace flexibility are not bonuses, they
are basic needs; and earlier this year, we held the first-ever White
House Summit on Working Families, bringing together private and public
sector partners who know that family-friendly policies are good business
practices too.

[[Page 4293]]

My Administration is supporting programs that help families thrive. Many
workers who would benefit from an increase in the minimum wage are
supporting children and families, and that is why I continue to work to
make sure an honest day's work is rewarded with an honest day's pay. The
Affordable Care Act expands access to quality, affordable health
insurance, providing millions of Americans with the freedom to take the
best job for their families without worrying about losing their health
care. And the Federal Government is leading the way by increasing
opportunities for flexible work schedules for Federal employees and
giving these workers the right to request them.
Each day, American families do everything right: they work hard, live
responsibly, take care of their children, and participate in their
neighborhoods. They deserve the opportunity to succeed and a country
that supports lasting economic security for all. This week, we recognize
the employers and communities that empower families, and we honor our
family members and all those who sacrifice to ensure every possibility
is within our reach. Let us recommit to building a society where dynamic
workplaces support strong families, where time with our loved ones is
precious but not rare.
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 November 23 through
November 29, 2014, as National Family Week. I invite all States,
communities, and individuals to join in observing this week with
appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor our Nation's families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA