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National Family Week, 2008
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary November 20, 2008

National Family Week, 2008 A Proclamation by the President of the United
States of America

ÿÿWhite House News


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

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