Family Day

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, children are our future and society’s greatest asset; committed families shape and guide children by preparing them for obstacles and encouraging them to overcome life’s demanding challenges; and

WHEREAS, the cornerstone of an orderly society is the family, but Alabama’s families have grown progressively weaker and children are living in a world where TVs, cell phones and electronic devices have replaced playgrounds and conversation; and

WHEREAS, children who spend significant time with both parents show lower risks of suicide, dropout, teen pregnancy, prison time and drug abuse; however, the importance of children having two parents is diminishing in society as approximately 40,000 Alabama children a year are victims of court ordered visitation with one parent for only two to six days a month; and

WHEREAS, also, widespread availability of illegal drugs from outside the state, along with an increase in homegrown marijuana and the local manufacture of methamphetamine and designer drugs, has resulted in an increased drug threat with an estimated 281,000 Alabamians needing treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in 2012; and

WHEREAS, children of concerned and active parents are far less likely to exhibit risky and unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking or using illegal drugs because of the valuable time spent with parents and the positive examples set by parents, and social scientists agree that shared parenting should be the norm for children of all ages; and

WHEREAS, simple daily activities like sharing a meal, a conversation or a book can have an enormous impact on the life of a child; strong and engaged families help build a strong Alabama, and it is our responsibility as concerned family members to help create a solid foundation for the future health and happiness of all of Alabama’s children; and

WHEREAS, Family Day has grown to promote the importance of family interaction and connecting with kids throughout the day, and to stress that children NEED both parents; on Family Day we honor the devotion of parents and recognize their critical role in teaching children positive and healthy behaviors; and

WHEREAS, we encourage all Alabamians to visit CASAFamilyDay.org for information on talking with children about the perils of drug use, and we call on community and state leaders to support shared parenting because of its benefits for children:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 26, 2016, as

Family Day

in the State of Alabama and encourage our citizens to join together in observing this day by spending time with their families and by engaging in appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor and strengthen our state’s families.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 31st day of August 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor