[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 48 (Monday, November 29, 2004)]
[Page 2864]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7848--National Family Week, 2004

November 23, 2004

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Strong families are the foundation of our society. They provide 
stability for our citizens and instill responsibility and values in our 
children. During National Family Week, we underscore our commitment to 
supporting families and recognize the significance of family to our 
country.
    Families have an important role in teaching our Nation's young 
people to understand the consequences of their actions and to recognize 
that the decisions they make today could affect the rest of their lives. 
In times of change, the family values of compassion, reverence, and 
integrity serve as steady guides. My Administration is standing with 
American families because children should have the opportunity to grow 
up in a stable home.
    To help families, I was proud last month to sign the Working 
Families Tax Relief Act of 2004. Because of this legislation, more than 
90 million Americans will have a lower tax bill next year. With more of 
their own money, parents can save for retirement or a child's education, 
or invest in a home or small business. For many American families, the 
most valuable commodity is extra time. I have called on the Congress to 
give individuals the voluntary options of comp-time and flex-time as an 
alternative to overtime pay so that they may better juggle the demands 
of work and family.
    As we celebrate family this week, our Nation expresses its gratitude 
for the families whose loved ones serve in our Armed Forces. These brave 
military men and women are working to defend our country and spread 
freedom so that all Americans are safe and secure. We pray for them and 
for their families. And we will always remember the courage and selfless 
commitment of those who have paid the ultimate price for our security 
and freedom.
    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 21 through 
November 27, 2004, as National Family Week. I invite the States, 
communities, and all the people of the United States to join together 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-third 
day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 26, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 29.