12 2 STA T .53 52 PROCL A M AT I O N8 2 9 3 — S E PT. 2 4, 2 0 08 day’sch a ngi ng worl d .A s p ar e n t s and as role m odels to America’s chil - dren , we can help prepare o u r children f ora b right future by offering steadfast support and unconditional lo v e. T he character of a child is formed in his or her earliest years by the love and guidance of family members and other caring individuals. S ince 20 0 1 , my Administration has wor k ed to strengthen the American family, and we have worked with faith-based and community organi z a- tions to promote healthy marriages and responsible fatherhood. B y striving to ensure that children remain connected to their families, communities, places of worship, and schools, we are helping them make good choices and build lives of purpose. P arents are the primary teachers of our N ation’s youth, and they are the first ones to educate them about the differences between right and wrong. By being proactive and involved in a child’s life, families pass along the traditions and principles that help make America a compas- sionate, decent, and hopeful society. N OW ,T HER E F ORE, I , G EORGE W. B U SH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the C on- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 22, 200 8 , as Family D ay. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day by engaging in activities that strengthen the bonds between children and parents. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of September, in the year of our L ord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclam a ti o n8293 o fSep tem b er2 4, 2 0 08 GoldStarM ot he r ’sD a y,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Throughout our history, the men and women of the Armed Forces have put our Nation’s security before their own, doing their duty in the face of grave danger. On Gold Star M other’s Day, we pay solemn tribute to the mothers of the patriots lost serving this great Nation. Gold Star Mothers inspire our Nation with their deep devotion to fam- ily and country. These e x traordinary women serve their communities, dedicate their time to helping members of our Armed Forces and vet- erans, and bring comfort and hope to families whose loved ones laid down their lives in the defense of our liberty. Nothing can compensate for their sacrifice and loss, yet Gold Star Mothers demonstrate tremen- dous courage and resolve while working to preserve the memory and legacy of all our fallen heroes. On this day, we honor our country’s Gold Star Mothers and remember their sons’ and daughters’ noble service and great sacrifice. We offer them our deepest gratitude and our most profound respect, and we ask for God’s blessings to be upon them and their families.
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