[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 24 (Monday, June 19, 1995)]
[Pages 1048-1049]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6809--Father's Day, 1995

June 12, 1995

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    As children finish the school year and families begin to enjoy the 
long days of summer, Americans across the country reach out to their 
fathers in thanks. Every year, Father's Day gives us a chance to spend 
time with our families and to honor the bond between parent and child. 
It is a moment for dads to find joy in the blessings that fatherhood 
brings. And it is a day for remembering that children can grow up 
immeasurably stronger with the gift of a father's love.
    The most fortunate among us can claim warm memories of our fathers' 
lessons--times when dads can be models of energy and patience. Whether 
encouraging their children in taking their first steps, riding a bike or 
meeting other challenges in life, fathers teach us the importance of 
balance and stand behind us until we're steady. Through the scrapes and 
self-doubts that every young person confronts, fathers can be our role 
models and heroes, soothing childhood fears and instilling the steady 
values of hard work and fair play. They are our guidance counselors and 
our best friends. Their faith inspires us to try again when we fail and 
fills us with pride when we succeed. As coaches and caregivers, teachers 
and workers, fathers who make parenthood a priority earn their families' 
lasting respect.
    We Americans rely on our fathers for courage and compassion, and the 
security of having them with us gives us confidence in all of our 
endeavors. On this special day, let America's sons and daughters show 
their fathers that they care. Let us continue to strive for a world in 
which every child grows up safe--a world in which every child knows that 
though they may feel sometimes unsteady, their fathers are behind them 
always.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Congress 
approved April 24, 1972 (36 U.S.C. 142a), do hereby proclaim Sunday, 
June 18,

[[Page 1049]]

1995, as ``Father's Day.'' I invite the States, communities, and 
citizens of the United States to observe this day with appropriate 
ceremonies and activities that demonstrate our deep appreciation and 
affection for our fathers.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of 
June, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
nineteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:02 a.m., June 13, 
1995]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on June 13, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
June 14.