[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7597]

Proc. 7597

Proclamation 7597 of September 20, 2002

Family Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          America's character begins in the home, where children learn 
          proper standards of conduct, principled values, and the 
          importance of service. Families provide children the 
          encouragement, support, and love they need to become 
          confident, compassionate, and successful members of society. 
          We must work together to promote and preserve the health and 
          security of our families by upholding the timeless values that 
          have sustained our society through history.
          Recent events have reminded Americans of the blessings of 
          family and friends, and of the importance of faith. As a 
          Nation, we have a renewed dedication to our freedom, our 
          country, and our principles. In homes, schools, places of 
          worship, the workplace, and civic and social organizations, we 
          must continue to encourage responsibility, compassion, and 
          good citizenship.
          Americans must also act to fight crime and drugs, and provide 
          a safe and healthy environment for our children. We can begin 
          by working to strengthen the bonds and improving communication 
          between parents and children. Research done by the National 
          Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University 
          has consistently shown that the more often children eat dinner 
          with their parents, the less likely children are to smoke, 
          drink, or use illegal drugs. Naturally, parents should be the 
          most

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          prominent and active figures in their children's lives. By 
          spending more family time together, parents can better engage 
          with their children and encourage them to make the right 
          choices.
          The nurturing and development of our families require 
          investment, focus, and commitment. Strong families make strong 
          and drug-free communities. By taking time to develop positive 
          and open relationships with their children, parents help fight 
          the war on drugs and encourage positive choices. Across our 
          land, citizens, schools, and civic institutions can assist 
          families by helping to meet the needs of all those who live in 
          our communities. As we work together to strengthen our 
          families, we will build a Nation of hope and opportunity for 
          all.
          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 September 23, 2002, as Family Day. I call upon the 
          people of the United States to observe this day by spending 
          quality time with family members and engaging in other 
          nurturing activities to strengthen the relationships between 
          parents and children and help fight against substance abuse.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this Twentieth 
          day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, 
          and of the Independence of the United States of America the 
          two hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH