    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8537--JUNE 18, 2010

    Proclamation 8537 of June 18, 2010
    Father's Day, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    From the first moments of life, the bond forged between a father and a
    child is sacred. Whether patching scraped knees or helping with
    homework, dads bring joy, instill values, and introduce wonders into the
    lives of their children. Father's Day is a special time to honor the men
    who raised us, and to thank them for their selfless dedication and love.
    Fathers are our first teachers and coaches, mentors and role models.
    They push us to succeed, encourage us when we are struggling, and offer
    unconditional care and support. Children and adults alike look up to
    them and learn from their example and perspective. The journey of
    fatherhood is both exhilarating and humbling--it is an opportunity to
    model who we want our sons and daughters to become, and to build the
    foundation upon which they can achieve their dreams.
    Fatherhood also carries enormous responsibilities. An active, committed
    father makes a lasting difference in the life of a child. When fathers
    are not present, their children and families cope with an absence
    government cannot fill. Across America, foster and adoptive fathers
    respond to this need, providing safe and loving homes for children
    facing hardships. Men are also making compassionate commitments outside
    the home by serving as mentors, tutors, or big brothers to young people
    in their community. Together, we can support the guiding presence of
    male role models in the lives of countless young people who stand to
    gain from it.
    Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by a
    father and mother, a single father, two fathers, a step-father, a
    grandfather, or caring guardian. We owe a special debt of gratitude for
    those parents serving in the United States Armed Forces and their
    families, whose sacrifices protect the lives and liberties of all
    American children. For the character they build, the doors they open,
    and the love they provide over our lifetimes, all our fathers deserve
    our unending appreciation and admiration.
    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 20,
    2010, 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, and I call upon all citizens to observe this day
    with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. Let us honor our
    fathers, living and deceased, with all the love and gratitude they
    deserve.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
    June, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence
    of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
    BARACK OBAMA