[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 120 (Wednesday, June 24, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 29931-29932]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-14963]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 120 / Wednesday, June 24, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 29931]]

                Proclamation 8393 of June 18, 2009

                
Father's Day, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The journey of fatherhood provides unique and lasting 
                joys. Cradling a baby in his arms, a father experiences 
                the miracle of life and an unbreakable bond. Fathers 
                imagine a world of possibilities awaiting their 
                children and contemplate the privilege of helping them 
                reach that expanse of opportunity. As kids grow and 
                mature, they look to their dad for a special kind of 
                love and support. Providing these necessities can bring 
                great happiness.

                Fatherhood also brings great responsibilities. Fathers 
                have an obligation to help rear the children they bring 
                into the world. Children deserve this care, and 
                families need each father's active participation.

                Fathers must help teach right from wrong and instill in 
                their kids the values that sustain them for a lifetime. 
                As they encounter new and challenging experiences, 
                children need guidance and counsel. Fathers need to 
                talk with their kids to help them through difficult 
                times. Parents must also help their children make the 
                right choices by serving as strong role models. Honest 
                and hard-working fathers are an irreplaceable influence 
                upon their children.

                Communities must do more to counsel fathers. Family and 
                friends, and faith-based and community organizations, 
                can speak directly with men about the sacrifices and 
                rewards of having a child. These groups can support men 
                as they take on the great challenges of child-rearing. 
                Through honest and open dialogue, more men can choose 
                to become model parents and know the wonders of 
                fatherhood.

                On Father's Day, we pay tribute to the loving and 
                caring fathers who are strengthening their families and 
                country. We also honor those surrogate fathers who 
                raise, mentor, or care for someone else's child. 
                Thousands of young children benefit from the influence 
                of great men, and we salute their willingness to give 
                and continue giving. We also express special gratitude 
                to fathers who serve in the United States Armed Forces 
                for the sacrifices they and their families make every 
                day. All of these individuals are making great 
                contributions, and children across the country are 
                better off for their care.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 21, 
                2009, as Father's Day. I direct the appropriate 
                officials of the Government to display the flag of the 
                United States on all Government buildings on this day. 
                I urge all Americans to express their love, respect, 
                and admiration to their fathers, and I call upon all 
                citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, 
                ceremonies, and activities.

[[Page 29932]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-14963
Filed 6-23-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P