[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 117 (Wednesday, June 18, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 36447-36448]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-15540]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 117 / Wednesday, June 18, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 36447]]


                Proclamation 7686 of June 13, 2003

                
Father's Day, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Fatherhood is one of life's most challenging yet 
                fulfilling endeavors. On Father's Day, we honor 
                America's fathers and express our appreciation for all 
                they do to help build a strong foundation for our 
                children and our Nation. We also reaffirm our 
                commitment to supporting fathers and encouraging 
                responsible fatherhood in our society.

                Fathers have indispensable roles to play in the lives 
                of their children: provider, protector, nurturer, 
                teacher, and friend. Every caring father 
                unconditionally loves his sons and daughters and 
                strives for the best for his children in the future. In 
                seeking to give their children the opportunity to 
                succeed, fathers offer needed strength, guidance, and 
                discipline.

                Fathers teach their children many basic things in life: 
                how to read a book, throw a ball, tie a necktie, ride a 
                bike, or drive a car. More importantly, they also help 
                instill time- honored values in their children, such as 
                hard work, respect, honesty, and good citizenship. 
                Through their words, actions, and sacrifices, fathers 
                play an important role in shaping the characters of 
                their sons and daughters.

                The time and attention that a father gives to a child 
                is irreplaceable--there is no substitute for the 
                involvement and commitment of a responsible father. Not 
                only are fathers essential to the healthy development 
                of children, they also influence the strength of 
                families and the stability of communities.

                For this reason, our Government is working to help 
                fathers succeed in this challenging, but life-
                affirming, role. Over the last 2 years, my 
                Administration has taken important steps to promote 
                responsible fatherhood and encourage community-based 
                initiatives that help them fulfill their important 
                roles. We are working to provide funds for healthy 
                marriage and parenting education and for community 
                mentoring programs to help fathers become more engaged 
                and involved in their children's lives.

                This Father's Day, we recognize the many fathers who 
                are heroes and role models for their children, and we 
                encourage more men to fulfill this responsibility by 
                loving their sons and daughters with all their heart 
                and demonstrating this love daily. By working together 
                to encourage America's fathers, we can strengthen our 
                society and help ensure the well-being of all our 
                children.

                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 15, 
                2003, 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 36448]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-15540
Filed 6-17-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P