Presidential Documents

50671 

Federal Register 

Vol. 74, No. 189 

Thursday, October 1, 2009 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8424 of September 28, 2009 

Family Day, 2009 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

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. 

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. 


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50672 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 189 / Thursday, October 1, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. E9–23773 

Filed 9–30–09; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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