On National Adoption Day President Bush Encourages Americans to Explore Adoption
This Thanksgiving, "many children will be giving thanks for being part of a family they never thought they would have. Many parents will look across the table at children who once were strangers and who are now priceless treasures in their lives...Nothing is more vital to this country's future than helping young people find the love, stability, and support from families."
(Washington, D.C.)—The following are excerpts from a recent speech by President Bush marking National Adoption Day. In attendance were members of the National Adoption Day Coalition. (White House Photo)
PRESIDENT BUSH: Few missions in life are more rewarding than uniting loving children with moms and dads for the very first time. Each of you have known this blessing. That's got to make you feel good in your soul. You've shared it with others, and in so doing, you've strengthened what is the very foundation of our country, and that is the American family. I want to thank you for being part of something that is so remarkable and so special.
It is fitting that we celebrate this day in a room honoring George Washington...He raised four children who were not his by birth. He cared for them, provided for them, and he offered them advice—even when they didn't want it.
Since Washington's time, this house has known many leaders who understood that not every family is defined by biology. A true family is defined by love... And here in this room are children who have strengthened families, and enriched communities, and warmed hearts. You are the living reminders that adoptions are stories of celebration, stories of hope, and stories of love.
National Adoption Day also reminds us that not every child finds this happy ending. Each year, more than 100,000 foster children await adoption, and too many children will not find a permanent home. And so, on this National Adoption Day, we remind our fellow citizens there's still plenty of acts of love to be done. Nothing is more vital to this country's future than helping young people find the love, stability, and support from families.
Each of the families here has shown the world the depth and wonder of the human heart. And because of people like you, this Thanksgiving holiday will be particularly special for thousands of families, in thousands of homes. Many children will be giving thanks for being part of a family they never thought they would have. Many parents will look across the table at children who once were strangers and who are now priceless treasures in their lives.
To the parents here today, please know how grateful we are that you have taken children in need of a hopeful start in life and made them your own. And to the young people here today, always remember that you are special not only because of what your parents have given you, but because of the love and joy you have given them. [I'm] so thankful that the parents and children here today have found the gift of one another. And I encourage our citizens across the land to explore adoption, look into the joys of adoption, and provide love for somebody who needs it.
I want to thank you all for coming. May God bless you and your families. May God bless our country...God bless you.
