    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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 3056]]
    117 STAT. 3056

    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.
    GEORGE W. BUSH