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 Proc. 7630 Title 3--The President 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 22 through No- vember 28, 2002, as National Farm-City Week. I call upon all Americans, in rural and urban communities, to ioin in recognizing the accomplish- ments of all those who work together to produce and promote America's agricultural abundance. I also encourage citizens to strengthen our under- standing of the American farm-city partnership by participating in appro- priate community events and celebrations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twen- ty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7630 of November 22, 2002 National Family Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Families provide a loving environment where children can flourish; and they help ensure that cultural traditions and timeless values are passed on to future generations. During National Family Week, we reaffirm the impor- tance of families as a vital source of strength, confidence, and compassion for all of our citizens. Strong families play a critical role in developing the character of our Na- tion. They teach children important standards of conduct such as accepting responsibility, respecting others, and distinguishing the difference between right and wrong. By helping America's youth to grow into mature, thought- ful, and caring citizens, families help make our communities and our Na- tion safer and more civilized. Raising a child requires sacrifice, commitment, and time; and we must ex- pand our efforts to strengthen and empower families so that they can pre- pare children more effectively for the challenges of adulthood. We know that by helping couples to build and sustain strong, two-parent families, we will contribute to the well-being of our children and the strength of our so- ciety. Many single parents, grandparents, and others also raise their chil- dren in difficult circumstances, and these dedicated individuals deserve our respect and support. My Administration is firmly committed to helping our Nation's youth reach their full potential; and one of the most important ways to do this is by strengthening America's families. Earlier this year, I signed bipartisan legis- lation to expand the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, which provides States with vital resources to help families stay together and to promote adoption. The Program seeks to prevent child abuse and neglect, avoid removing children from their homes, support family reunification services, and help those children who are unable to return home by pro- 186

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