Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 116 Part 4.djvu/928

 116 STAT. 3356 PROCLAMATION 7630-NOV. 22, 2002 stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 22 through November 28, 2002, as National Farm-City Week. I call upon all Americans, in rural and urban communities, to join in recognizing the accomplishments of all those who work together to produce and promote America's agricultural abundance. I also encourage citizens to strengthen our understanding of the American farm-city partnership by participating in appropriate 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 twenty-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 reaf- firm the importance 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 Nation. They teach children important standards of conduct such as accepting responsibility, respecting others, and distinguishing the dif- ference between right and wrong. By helping America's youth to grow into mature, thoughtful, and caring citizens, families help make our communities and our Nation safer and more civilized. Raising a child requires sacrifice, commitment, and time; and we must expand our efforts to strengthen and empower families so that they can prepare 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 society. Many single parents, grandparents, and others also raise their children 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 legislation 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 providing crucial adoption and post-adoptive services. These important resources benefit families across our Nation and hold the promise of a bright future for countless young people.

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