[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 47 (Monday, November 26, 2001)]
[Pages 1705-1706]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation--National Family Week, 2001

 November 21, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    American families are the bedrock of our society. They are the 
primary source of strength and health for both individuals and 
communities across our Nation. As we continue our recovery from the 
horrific acts committed by terrorists against the United States on 
September 11, our families provide us with a vital source of comfort and 
reassurance.
    Americans grieve with those who suffered the loss of a family member 
in the brutal and cowardly terrorist attacks. The September 11 tragedy 
has allowed America to see firsthand the profound bonds of love that 
characterize the American family. Parents, children, spouses, and 
siblings mourned their lost loved ones, cared for the injured, and 
prayed for protection and health for all Americans. In the midst of 
great loss, we saw great love flowing from the hearts of America's 
families.
    My Administration is committed to strengthening the American family. 
Many one-parent families are also a source of comfort and reassurance, 
yet a family with a mom and dad who are committed to marriage and devote 
themselves to their children helps provide children a sound foundation 
for success. Government can support families by promoting policies that 
help strengthen the institution of marriage and help parents rear their 
children in positive and healthy environments.
    My proposed budget includes initiatives that encourage family 
cohesion. It provides over $60 million for grants that encourage 
responsible fatherhood. Grants would be awarded to groups that promote 
successful parenting and strong marriages and to faith-based and 
community organizations that help unemployed or low-income parents and 
their children avoid or leave welfare. This initiative will help spur 
new community-level approaches to aid low-income families.
    To strengthen States' ability to promote child safety, stability, 
and well-being, my budget also proposes a substantial increase in 
funding for the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program. These 
additional resources will help States keep children with their 
biological families, when safe and appropriate, or place children with 
loving adoptive families. By undertaking more preventative efforts to 
help families in crisis, the prospects for children to live in a 
permanent home are enhanced.
    As we observe National Family Week, we must work to strengthen 
families in America as individuals and through Government and

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community-based organizations. This week serves to remind us of the 
values, security, and love that we give and receive in our families.
     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 November 18 through 
November 24, 2001, as ``National Family Week.'' I invite the States, 
communities, and people of the United States to join together in 
observing this day 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 one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

Note: At the time of publication, this proclamation had not been 
received by the Office of the Federal Register for assignment of a 
proclamation number.