[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 47 (Monday, November 26, 2007)]
[Page 1521]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8206--National Family Week, 2007

 November 16, 2007

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    As families gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving, we underscore 
the comforting and positive role they play in our society. During 
National Family Week, we celebrate the contributions of families 
everywhere.
    Families strengthen our communities by teaching important values 
such as compassion and honesty to their children. Families also offer a 
supportive environment and help ensure that children grow into 
responsible members of society. By providing guidance and unconditional 
love, parents shape the character of their children.
    My Administration believes that the strength of our Nation is built 
upon the foundation of strong families. To help support families, we 
have doubled the child tax credit, reduced the marriage penalty, and 
lowered tax rates. We are also committed to promoting positive youth 
development. The Helping America's Youth initiative, led by First Lady 
Laura Bush, supports organizations, including faith-based and community 
groups, that continue this important mission.
    All Americans are grateful to our Nation's military families, who 
have stood by their loved ones in times of war and peace. Our country 
will always be especially thankful for the sacrifices of our military 
personnel and for their devotion to duty and their love of country. 
During National Family Week, we pray for their safe return and for the 
families who await them at home.
     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, 2007, 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 sixteenth day 
of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:06 a.m., November 20, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 21. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.