[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 30 (Monday, July 29, 1996)]
[Pages 1342-1343]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6911--Parents' Day, 1996

July 25, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    No job presents greater challenges, demands broader 
responsibilities, or promises more profound rewards than parenthood. 
Parents are daily caretakers and lifelong role models. They guide us and 
share the values and lessons that enable us to grow and flourish. 
Throughout our lives, we remember our parents' example, recognizing that 
their joys and aspirations, triumphs and disappointments, have shaped 
our experience and given us meaningful direction.
    Our Nation has always depended on strong families, and we must 
continue to do all we can to help hardworking men and women shoulder the 
duties of parenthood. It is vital to support today's parents, to honor 
those who have taught us so much, and to impress upon young people the 
awesome responsibility of parenthood.
    On this day and throughout the year, let us take time to celebrate 
the special, enduring bond between parents and children. Foster parents 
and stepparents, biological and adoptive mothers and fathers--all 
deserve our respect and gratitude. Parents open their

[[Page 1343]]

homes and hearts to nurture and protect us; let us offer in return our 
deepest appreciation for their devotion and care.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States and consistent with Public 
Law 103-362, do hereby proclaim Sunday, July 28, 1996, as Parents' Day. 
I call upon the States, communities, and all Americans to observe this 
day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to express affectionate 
thanks to our Nation's parents.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 
day of July, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twenty-first.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:30 a.m., July 26, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on July 26, and it will be published in the Federal Register 
on July 29.