WHEREAS, National Family Week has been proclaimed during the month of November by every United States president since 1972; and

WHEREAS, The observance of National Family Week was initiated by Sam Wiley, a teacher, basketball coach, and school administrator in Whiteland, Indiana, who believed “strong, supportive families” made a clear difference in the lives of children; and

WHEREAS, Wiley conceived of the idea to set aside a time during November, when families traditionally gather to give thanks for their many blessings, “to recognize the important role family plays in our society”; and

WHEREAS, In the words of President Ronald Reagan in his first National Family Week proclamation, “The family is the basic unit of our society, the heart of our free democracy. It provides love, acceptance, guidance, support, and instruction to the individual”; and

WHEREAS, In the words of President Joseph Biden in his first National Family Week proclamation, “Our nation is stronger because of the love, compassion, and care that our families share”; and

WHEREAS, Across cultures, families play an important, irreplaceable role in the rearing and support of current and future generations; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, the United Nations created the International Day of Families to be celebrated every May 15, to reflect on the significance that the international community accords to the family as the basic unit of society, as well as raising awareness of the current state of affairs of the family unit around the world; and

WHEREAS, The International Day of Families is represented by the symbol of a heart that stretches upwards and forms the roof of a house, with the heart engraved in a green circle to signify that the family is the center of society and provides a stable abode to support people of all ages; and

WHEREAS, Australia observes National Families Week annually from May 15 to May 21, inclusive, in order to “explore and celebrate the strengths and significance of families”; and

WHEREAS, South Africa commemorates Family Day on the Monday after Easter Sunday to provide an opportunity for residents to spend more quality time with their families; and

WHEREAS, On December 25, Uruguay commemorates “Dia de la Familia” as the streets of Latin America are filled with holiday celebrations; and

WHEREAS, On the first Sunday in March, Mexico commemorates its “Dia de la Familia” as a day to celebrate with family and reflect on its importance to society; and

WHEREAS, Vanuatu celebrates Family Day on December 26 as families gather to give thanks and participate in community events; and

WHEREAS, Vietnam celebrates Family Day on June 28 to reflect on their core family values of prosperity, equality, and happiness; and

WHEREAS, Families play an important, irreplaceable role in nurturing and supporting the next generation of leaders in our society; and

WHEREAS, Throughout history, elected leaders and key figures across the world have promoted the importance of family; and

WHEREAS, Winston Churchill affirmed, “There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues...are created, strengthened and maintained”; and

WHEREAS, Mother Teresa once asked, “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family”; and

WHEREAS, Maya Angelou stated, “I sustain myself with the love of family”; now, therefore, be it