[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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.

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118 STAT. 4146

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.
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7798--JUNE 22, 2004