[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 39 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Page 1595]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7597--Family Day, 2002

September 20, 2002

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    America's character begins in the home, where children learn proper 
standards of conduct, principled values, and the importance of service. 
Families provide children the encouragement, support, and love they need 
to become confident, compassionate, and successful members of society. 
We must work together to promote and preserve the health and security of 
our families by upholding the timeless values that have sustained our 
society through history.
    Recent events have reminded Americans of the blessings of family and 
friends, and of the importance of faith. As a Nation, we have a renewed 
dedication to our freedom, our country, and our principles. In homes, 
schools, places of worship, the workplace, and civic and social 
organizations, we must continue to encourage responsibility, compassion, 
and good citizenship.
    Americans must also act to fight crime and drugs, and provide a safe 
and healthy environment for our children. We can begin by working to 
strengthen the bonds and improving communication between parents and 
children. Research done by the National Center on Addiction and 
Substance Abuse at Columbia University has consistently shown that the 
more often children eat dinner with their parents, the less likely 
children are to smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs. Naturally, parents 
should be the most prominent and active figures in their children's 
lives. By spending more family time together, parents can better engage 
with their children and encourage them to make the right choices.
    The nurturing and development of our families require investment, 
focus, and commitment. Strong families make strong and drug-free 
communities. By taking time to develop positive and open relationships 
with their children, parents help fight the war on drugs and encourage 
positive choices. Across our land, citizens, schools, and civic 
institutions can assist families by helping to meet the needs of all 
those who live in our communities. As we work together to strengthen our 
families, we will build a Nation of hope and opportunity for all.
    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 September 23, 2002, as 
Family Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this 
day by spending quality time with family members and engaging in other 
nurturing activities to strengthen the relationships between parents and 
children and help fight against substance abuse.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this Twentieth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 24, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on September 23, and it was published in the Federal Register 
on September 25.