[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 25 (Monday, June 24, 2002)]
[Pages 1019-1020]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7574--Father's Day, 2002

 June 14, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Fathers play a unique and important role in the lives of their 
children. As mentor, protector, and provider, a father fundamentally 
influences the shape and direction of his or her child's character by 
giving love, care, discipline, and guidance.
    As we observe Father's Day, our Nation honors fatherhood and urges 
fathers to commit themselves selflessly to the success and well-being of 
their children. And we reaffirm the importance of fathers in the lives 
of their children.
    Raising a child requires significant time, effort, and sacrifice; 
and it is one of the most hopeful and fulfilling experiences a man can 
ever know. A father can derive great joy from seeing his child grow from 
infancy to adulthood. As a child matures into independence and self 
reliance, the value of a parent's hard work, love, and commitment comes 
to fruition.
    Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and civil society. 
Numerous studies confirm that children whose fathers are

[[Page 1020]]

present and involved in their lives are more likely to develop into 
prosperous and healthy adults. Children learn by example; and they need 
their father's presence as examples of virtue in their daily lives. A 
child's sense of security can be greatly enhanced by seeing his parents 
in a loving and faithful marriage.
    My Administration strongly supports initiatives to strengthen 
fatherhood, promote stable families, and increase the ease of adoptions. 
We must also continue to enlist the help of citizens and community 
groups who reach out to father less or neglected children through 
mentoring and other acts of compassion.
    On this Father's Day, we acknowledge and honor the love of our own 
fathers. I encourage all fathers to commit themselves to the continuing 
love and care of their children and their 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, as amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 16, 
2002, as Father's Day. I encourage all Americans to express love, 
admiration, and thanks to their fathers for their contributions to our 
lives 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 fourteenth day 
of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:47 a.m., June 19, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 
20. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.