[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8839--JUNE 15, 2012

Proclamation 8839 of June 15, 2012

Father's Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every day, ordinary Americans make extraordinary contributions to the
well-being of our children and the strength of our Nation by answering
one of life's greatest callings--parenthood. Morning, noon, and night,
they dedicate themselves to their sons and daughters, expressing a love
that knows neither beginning nor end through small daily acts. On
Father's Day, we honor the men whose compassion and commitment have
nourished our spirits and guided us toward brighter horizons.
For many of us, our fathers show us by the example they set the kind of
people they want us to become. Whether biological, foster, or adoptive,
they teach us through the encouragement they give, the questions they
answer, the limits they set, and the strength they show in the face of
difficulty and hardship. Our fathers impart lessons and values we will
always carry with us. With their presence and their care, they not only
fulfill a profound responsibility, but also share a blessing with their
children that stands among our truest traditions.
Every father bears a fundamental obligation to do right by their
children. Yet, today, too many young Americans grow up without the love
and support of their fathers. When the responsibilities of fathers go
unmet, our communities suffer. That is why my Administration is working
to promote responsible fatherhood by helping dads re-engage with their
families and supporting programs that work with fathers. And that is why
men across our country are making the decision every single day to step
up; to be good fathers; and to serve as mentors, tutors, and foster
parents to young people who need the guiding hand of a caring adult.
All of us have a stake in forging stronger bonds between fathers and
their children. Today, we celebrate men who have risen to the task,


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who raised us, and who do that most important work of parenting, day in and
day out, with love, humility, and pride.
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 17,
2012, 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA