[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 46 (Monday, November 24, 2008)]
[Pages 1436-1437]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8321--National Family Week, 2008

 November 20, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National Family Week, we reflect on the important values and 
character that families instill in their children and in our society.
    Families offer a stable and nurturing environment for children by 
providing support and comfort. A child's parents, siblings, 
grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other family members show them love 
and teach them right from wrong. Strong families set a positive example 
and help young people grow into compassionate and responsible citizens.
    My Administration believes families strengthen our communities and 
help shape the character and future of our Nation. Over the years, we 
have demonstrated our deeply held commitment to supporting America's 
families by signing laws that respect the sanctity of life, lower taxes, 
double the child tax credit, reduce the marriage penalty, and empower 
parents to make choices about their children's education. In addition, 
the Helping America's Youth initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, is 
dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of positive youth 
development by keeping children connected to family, school, and 
community.
    National Family Week is also a time to show our appreciation to our 
Nation's military families. We recognize their sacrifices, and we pray 
for their loved ones in the Armed Forces who are laying a foundation of 
peace for future generations. We owe a debt of gratitude to the brave 
men and women who have answered the call to serve our country and their 
families who support them.
     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 23 through 
November 29, 2008, 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 twentieth day 
of November, 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

[[Page 1437]]

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 21, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 24.