[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9371 of November 20, 2015

National Family Week, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Across the range of diverse experiences and traditions that have been
written into our Nation's story, family has remained a steadfast and
common foundation. Every day, families offer comfort and support to one
another with enduring and unconditional love and they contribute to
their communities and our country. During National Family Week, we
uplift and honor the families that give so much to forge a brighter
future for themselves and for America.
All families deserve every opportunity to thrive, and the Affordable
Care Act has given millions of American families the peace of mind that
comes with health insurance. My Administration is dedicated to helping
working families feel more secure in a constantly changing economy, and
I have pushed to make paid family leave available for all, so that new
parents can spend time with their newborns and still support their
families. And because too many hardworking people are still forced to
choose between a paycheck and caring for a sick child or an elderly
relative at home, I have taken action to help States enact paid leave
and paid sick leave laws of their own. Additionally, I continue to call
on the Congress to pass the Healthy Families Act, which would allow
working women and men to earn up to one week of paid sick leave per
year--precious time that could be used to care for themselves and their
families.
Raising the minimum wage is one of the best ways to give a well-earned
boost to working families. Benefiting employees, businesses, and our
whole economy, raising the wage will help Americans from all walks of
life breathe easier knowing they can pay their bills and provide for
their loved ones at the same time. Moreover, to secure the promise of
happy and healthy golden years for our Nation's seniors, we will
continue working to provide more Americans with access to strong and
flexible retirement plans that are stable and affordable. And because we
have a sacred obligation to the men and women who give

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so much to defend our country and our freedom, my Administration has
taken action to improve mental health care and education services for
veterans, service members, and their families. Joining Forces, an
initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, is
also working to support our selfless military families by connecting
them with the resources and services they deserve.
It is the responsibility of all Americans to build a country future
generations will be proud of and inspired by. This week, let us reflect
on and applaud the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our
families. As we reminisce on warm memories and share in the joy and love
family can provide, let us also pledge to lift up our loved ones and
recommit to the family bonds that have strengthened the fabric of our
Nation.
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 22 through
November 28, 2015, 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 twentieth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA