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

Proclamation 7693 of July 25, 2003
 
Parents' Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Children are a daily reminder of the blessings and responsibilities of
life and a source of joy, pride, and fulfillment. Parents, stepparents,
adoptive parents, and foster parents have the important responsibility
of providing for, protecting, nurturing, teaching, and loving their
children. On Parents' Day, we honor America's mothers and fathers and
celebrate the values that bind families from one generation to the next
and help define us as a Nation.
As a child's first teachers, parents are the most influential and
effective instructors in a child's life. Through their words, actions,
and sacrifices, parents are living examples for children. Young boys and
girls watch their parents closely and imitate their behavior. Parents
play a critical role in instilling responsibility, integrity, and other
life lessons that shape the lives of America's future leaders.
My Administration is committed to supporting our Nation's families. We
are working with faith-based and community organizations to promote
healthy marriages, responsible parenting, and education. And we are
committed to fully funding and supporting the Promoting Safe and Stable
Families Program, which helps strengthen family bonds, promote adoption,
and provide help for vulnerable children across our country.
Volunteer service is one way parents can spend time with their children
while encouraging them to learn the value of helping others. The USA
Freedom Corps' ``How I Spent My Summer'' initiative includes volunteer
opportunities where parents and children can work together to meet the
needs of their communities. This initiative offers ideas such as
collecting food for local food banks or school supplies for children in
need. In addition, families can volunteer at one of our Nation's parks
or recreation areas creating trails, assisting with archeological digs,
or building and restoring houses. Teaching by example, parents can help
their children become responsible citizens.
Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging endeavors in
life. On this special day, we recognize the hard work and compassion of
America's parents and celebrate the mothers and fathers who are positive
role models for their children. I encourage parents to spend more time
reading, talking, and volunteering with their children. I also urge
parents to share the joys and wisdom of parenthood with new families in
their communities and those planning families for the future.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con

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stitution and laws of the United States and consistent with Public Law
103-362, as amended, do hereby proclaim Sunday, July 27, 2003, as
Parents' Day. I encourage all Americans to express their respect and
appreciation to parents everywhere for their contributions to their
children, families, communities, and our Nation. I also call upon
citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH