Family.
“Our family provides one of the strongest influences on our lives.
American families from every walk of life have taught us time and
again that children raised in loving, caring homes have the ability
to reject negative behaviors and reach their highest potential.
Whether children are raised by two parents, a single parent,
grandparents, a same-sex couple, or a guardian, families encourage
us to do our best and enable us to accomplish great things.”
For more great resources on how you can build a healthy family
visit Family Equality’s
Resources webpage.
Follow the link below to read the official White House Press
Release proclamation celebrating September 28, 2009 as Family
Day.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 28, 2009
FAMILY DAY, 2009
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATIONOur
family provides one of the strongest influences on our lives.
American families from every walk of life have taught us time and
again that children raised in loving, caring homes have the ability
to reject negative behaviors and reach their highest potential.
Whether children are raised by two parents, a single parent,
grandparents, a same-sex couple, or a guardian, families encourage
us to do our best and enable us to accomplish great things. Today,
our children are confronting issues of drug and alcohol use with
astonishing regularity. On Family Day, we honor the dedication of
parents, commend the achievements of their children, and celebrate
the contributions our Nation’s families have made to combat
substance abuse among young people.
The 21st century presents families with unprecedented challenges.
Millions of women and men are struggling to balance the demands of
their jobs with the needs of their families. At the same time, our
youngest generation faces countless distractions in their social
environment. They are coming of age in a world where electronic
devices have replaced the playground, televisions have preempted
conversation, and pressure to use drug and alcohol is far too
prevalent. Parents bear significant stress and burdens to protect
their children from harmful influences.
It is our responsibility to talk with adolescents about the risks
of abusing alcohol, tobacco, or prescription and illicit drugs, and
other harmful behaviors. These substances can destroy the mind,
body, and spirit of a child, jeopardizing their health and limiting
their potential. Active parents, voicing their disapproval of drug
use, have proven themselves to be the most effective preventative
method for keeping our children drug-free. A strong and engaged
family can make all the difference in helping young people make
healthy decisions.
By coming together as a family and discussing the events of the
day, parents can foster open communication, share joys and
concerns, and help guide their children toward healthy
decisionmaking. A strong nation is made up of strong families, and
on this Family Day, we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that every
American family has the chance to build a better, healthier future
for themselves and their children.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the
Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim
September 28, 2009, as Family Day. I call upon the people of the
United States to join together in observing this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor and strengthen our
Nation’s families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth
day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred
and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA