[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 120 (Wednesday, June 23, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 35227-35228]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-14419]



[[Page 35225]]

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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 7797--Father's Day, 2004
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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 120 / Wednesday, June 23, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 35227]]

                Proclamation 7797 of June 19, 2004

                
Father's Day, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                A special bond exists between a father and his 
                children. On Father's Day, we recognize the important 
                role fathers play in the American family, and we honor 
                them for their strength, love, and commitment.

                After listening to a church service on Mother's Day 
                1909, Sonora Dodd proposed a day to honor fathers. She 
                was inspired by the courage and sacrifice of her own 
                father, a Civil War veteran, who reared six children by 
                himself after his wife's death. As others began to 
                celebrate it, the idea for Father's Day spread across 
                America. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson officially 
                proclaimed Father's Day as a national observance.

                Fathers have a duty to love their children with all 
                their hearts and prepare them to be independent, 
                compassionate, and responsible citizens. A father's 
                words and actions are critical in shaping the character 
                of his children. A father's love helps teach them right 
                from wrong, explains to them the consequences of bad 
                decisions, and strengthens them with encouragement.

                As we honor our fathers on this day, we express our 
                heartfelt appreciation for their leadership, support, 
                and protection for their children and families. We 
                particularly recognize the many fathers who are far 
                from home, serving our Nation and defending the cause 
                of freedom around the world. They have answered a great 
                call and live by a code of honor and duty that serves 
                as an example for their sons and daughters and for all 
                Americans.

                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 20, 
                2004, 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 35228]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-14419
Filed 6-22-04; 9:14 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P