[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