Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 116 Part 4.djvu/880

 116 STAT. 3308 PROCLAMATION 7598-SEPT. 27, 2002 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 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 Proclamation 7598 of September 27, 2002 Gold Star Mother's Day, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our rich history, many of our Nation's dedicated military men and women have served and sacrificed their lives to secure our country, defend our freedoms, and preserve the values of our democracy. Many of these heroes fell in battle, leaving behind family, friends, and loved ones who grieve their loss to this day. Every year, we recognize and honor mothers who have lost sons and daughters in service to our country—our Gold Star Mothers—and we thank them for their strength and their contributions to our Nation. Our Gold Star Mothers help us remember those who have been lost by upholding the ideals for which their children gave their lives. These brave women are devoted to improving and enhancing the lives of those in our Armed Forces, their families, and our veterans, and they encourage civic education, patriotism, and the teaching of American history. These efforts enrich the lives of countless young Americans, and they support my Administration's work to build a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in our country.

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