[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 37 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[Pages 1229-1230]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8292--Family Day, 2008

 September 19, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Strong families are essential to the well-being of our Nation. On 
Family Day, we celebrate the relationship between parents and their 
children, and we recognize the importance of families spending time 
together.
    As a source of hope, guidance, stability, and love for every 
generation, families both teach and exemplify the values and virtues 
needed in today's changing world. As parents and as role models to 
America's children, we can help prepare our children for a bright future 
by offering steadfast support and unconditional love.
    The character of a child is formed in his or her earliest years by 
the love and guidance of family members and other caring individuals. 
Since 2001, my Administration has worked to strengthen the American 
family, and we have worked with faith-based and community organizations 
to promote healthy marriages and responsible fatherhood. By striving to 
ensure that children remain connected to their families, communities, 
places of worship, and schools, we are helping them make good choices 
and build lives of purpose.
    Parents are the primary teachers of our Nation's youth, and they are 
the first ones to educate them about the differences between right and 
wrong. By being proactive and involved in a child's life, families pass 
along the traditions and principles that help make America a 
compassionate, decent, and hopeful society.
     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

[[Page 1230]]

States, do hereby proclaim September 22, 2008, as Family Day. I call 
upon the people of the United States to observe this day by engaging in 
activities that strengthen the bonds between children and parents.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:15 a.m., September 
22, 2008]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
September 23.