WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Dozens of children gathered with their new families at the D.C. Superior Court on Saturday, Nov. 23, to celebrate the finalization of their adoptions. The annual event occurs in 400 communities nationwide, including Washington, D.C., on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Former President Bill Clinton designated November as National Adoption Month in 1995. During the event, families have their adoptions finalized. The celebration is designed to raise awareness of the thousands of children in the United States awaiting adoption from foster care. "Every child deserves to know the unconditional love of a permanent home. During National Adoption Month, we honor all the wonderful families that grow through adoption, we remind our foster youth and adoptees that we are right by their side, and we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential," said Joe Biden, in a proclamation on National Adoption Month. How TSA plans to handle ‘busiest Thanksgiving ever’ Robert Washington and his wife, Michelle, attended Saturday's event with their two-year-old son, Brion, whom they adopted when he was just a month old. "I was like, at the age of 62, becoming a parent? It has been so rewarding. It is the absolute best decision I have ever made in my life," Robert told DC News Now. "This is my little man right here, for life." Robert and Michelle Washington, with their son, Brion, at Saturday's Adoption Day event. (Zach Coleman/DC News Now) The Washingtons chose to adopt Brion, their biological grandson, after learning that he was born and was in the hospital and in need of a caretaker. "We wanted him to have a forever home and not filter through any system," said Michelle. "It's an experience I would never ever trade for the world because we have someone who loves us unconditionally, and we love him unconditionally." Robert had one piece of advice for anyone who feels compelled to make a difference but feels they may be "too old." "Don't ever say that you are too old," he said. "If you want to stay young, if you want to be well taken care of, look out for that child who can't look out for themselves."