[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 24 (Monday, June 18, 2001)]
[Pages 918-919]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7451--Father's Day, 2001

 June 15, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Americans celebrate Father's Day as a unique time to reflect on the 
importance of fathers and to honor their vital role in the lives of 
children. For those who have been blessed with our own families, this 
day also provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to being the 
best possible fathers for our children.
    Father's Day was originally the idea of Sonora Dodd, who wanted to 
honor her father, Civil War veteran Henry Jackson Smart.

[[Page 919]]

As Sonora's sole surviving parent following the death of her mother, Mr. 
Smart made great sacrifices for his daughter and raised her with 
courage, selflessness, and abiding love. To enable all Americans to 
participate in paying special tribute to their fathers, President Calvin 
Coolidge first recognized Father's Day in 1924.
    During childhood, boys and girls look to their fathers for a sense 
of security, warmth, attention, patience, and understanding. As young 
people mature, their fathers contribute to their spiritual, emotional, 
physical, financial, and social well-being. In reaching adulthood, men 
and women alike are enriched immeasurably by the wisdom of their fathers 
as they pursue careers, start families, and take active roles in the 
community.
    For boys and girls raised without a father in the home, the 
challenges can be great. Seventy-five percent of American children 
raised in a one-parent household will experience poverty before they 
turn 11 years old, compared to only 20 percent of children in families 
with two parents. Children in homes where the father is absent are more 
likely to be suspended from school or to drop out, be treated for an 
emotional or behavioral problem, become suicidal as adolescents, or 
become victims of child abuse or neglect.
    As a society, we must support fathers in fulfilling their 
responsibilities to their families, which may include not only 
biological or adopted children, but also stepchildren or foster 
children. Fathers must be prepared to nurture and care for their sons 
and daughters, and to do so in the context of a strong and committed 
marriage. To promote responsible fatherhood, my Administration has 
proposed providing financial support to community and faith-based 
organizations that help fathers and to programs that strengthen marriage 
and promote successful parenting. We also propose funding to support the 
expansion of ongoing State and local fatherhood initiatives and helping 
community groups that try to provide young men with role models.
    Our society must strive to produce a generation of men who are ready 
to become the best possible fathers. Let us set a good example for 
America's sons by valuing the responsibility and importance of 
fatherhood. Let us also honor and be thankful for the caring, decent, 
and hardworking fathers who make such a tremendous difference in the 
lives of their children and families.
    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 (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 17, 2001, as 
Father's Day. I encourage all Americans to express love and respect for 
their fathers, as well as appreciation for the vital contributions of 
fathers to families 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 fifteenth day 
of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., June 18, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
June 19.