    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 43 (Monday, November 3, 2008)]
    [Pages 1393-1394]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8315--National Adoption Month, 2008

     October 31, 2008

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        During National Adoption Month, we recognize the compassion of
    adoptive and foster families as we seek to raise awareness of the need
    for every child in America to have a safe, loving, and permanent home.
        Adopting a child is a great joy and also a great responsibility.
    Parents are a child's first teachers, and adoptive families can help
    children learn character and values, the importance of giving back to
    their community and country, and the courage to realize their potential.
    On November 15, caring parents across our Nation will celebrate National
    Adoption Day by finalizing their adoptions

    [[Page 1394]]

    and bringing home children in need of a hopeful life.

        My Administration is committed to helping young people find the
    love, stability, and support that a family can provide. We have joined
    with community and faith-based organizations to raise public awareness
    of foster children awaiting adoption. With the help of the Congress, we
    are assisting families in overcoming the financial barriers to adopting
    children through programs such as the Adoption Incentives Program. In
    addition, the Collaboration to AdoptUsKids project, which can be found
    at adoptuskids.org, provides guidance and resources for parents
    exploring adoption.

        During National Adoption Month, we honor adoptive and foster parents
    who have shown America the depth and kindness of the human heart. Their
    love and dedication inspire the next generation of Americans to achieve
    their dreams and demonstrate the true spirit of our Nation.

         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 2008 as
    National Adoption Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month
    with appropriate programs and activities to honor adoptive families and
    to participate in efforts to find permanent homes for waiting children.

         In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first
    day of October, 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, 8:45 a.m., November 4,
    2008]

    Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on
    November 5.