[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 119 (Thursday, June 20, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 42177-42178]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-15823]



[[Page 42175]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Part V





The President





-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Proclamation 7574--Father's Day, 2002
 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 119 / Thursday, June 20, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 42177]]

                Proclamation 7574 of June 14, 2002

                
Father's Day, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Fathers play a unique and important role in the lives 
                of their children. As mentor, protector, and provider, 
                a father fundamentally influences the shape and 
                direction of his or her child's character by giving 
                love, care, discipline, and guidance.

                As we observe Father's Day, our Nation honors 
                fatherhood and urges fathers to commit themselves 
                selflessly to the success and well-being of their 
                children. And we reaffirm the importance of fathers in 
                the lives of their children.

                Raising a child requires significant time, effort, and 
                sacrifice; and it is one of the most hopeful and 
                fulfilling experiences a man can ever know. A father 
                can derive great joy from seeing his child grow from 
                infancy to adulthood. As a child matures into 
                independence and self reliance, the value of a parent's 
                hard work, love, and commitment comes to fruition.

                Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and 
                civil society. Numerous studies confirm that children 
                whose fathers are present and involved in their lives 
                are more likely to develop into prosperous and healthy 
                adults. Children learn by example; and they need their 
                father's presence as examples of virtue in their daily 
                lives. A child's sense of security can be greatly 
                enhanced by seeing his parents in a loving and faithful 
                marriage.

                My Administration strongly supports initiatives to 
                strengthen fatherhood, promote stable families, and 
                increase the ease of adoptions. We must also continue 
                to enlist the help of citizens and community groups who 
                reach out to father less or neglected children through 
                mentoring and other acts of compassion.

                On this Father's Day, we acknowledge and honor the love 
                of our own fathers. I encourage all fathers to commit 
                themselves to the continuing love and care of their 
                children and their families.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, in accordance with a joint 
                resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972, as 
                amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 16, 
                2002, as Father's Day. I encourage all Americans to 
                express love, admiration, and thanks to their fathers 
                for their contributions to our lives and to society. I 
                direct the appropriate officials of the Government to 
                display the flag of the United States on all Government 
                buildings on this day. I also call upon State and local 
                governments and citizens to observe this day with 
                appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

[[Page 42178]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-15823
Filed 6-19-02; 8:47 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P