[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 24 (Monday, June 16, 2003)]
[Page 757]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
 Proclamation 7686--Father's Day, 2003

 June 13, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Fatherhood is one of life's most challenging yet fulfilling 
endeavors. On Father's Day, we honor America's fathers and express our 
appreciation for all they do to help build a strong foundation for our 
children and our Nation. We also reaffirm our commitment to supporting 
fathers and encouraging responsible fatherhood in our society.
    Fathers have indispensable roles to play in the lives of their 
children: provider, protector, nurturer, teacher, and friend. Every 
caring father unconditionally loves his sons and daughters and strives 
for the best for his children in the future. In seeking to give their 
children the opportunity to succeed, fathers offer needed strength, 
guidance, and discipline.
    Fathers teach their children many basic things in life: how to read 
a book, throw a ball, tie a necktie, ride a bike, or drive a car. More 
importantly, they also help instill time-honored values in their 
children, such as hard work, respect, honesty, and good citizenship. 
Through their words, actions, and sacrifices, fathers play an important 
role in shaping the characters of their sons and daughters.
    The time and attention that a father gives to a child is 
irreplaceable--there is no substitute for the involvement and commitment 
of a responsible father. Not only are fathers essential to the healthy 
development of children, they also influence the strength of families 
and the stability of communities.
    For this reason, our Government is working to help fathers succeed 
in this challenging, but life-affirming, role. Over the last 2 years, my 
Administration has taken important steps to promote responsible 
fatherhood and encourage community-based initiatives that help them 
fulfill their important roles. We are working to provide funds for 
healthy marriage and parenting education and for community mentoring 
programs to help fathers become more engaged and involved in their 
children's lives.
    This Father's Day, we recognize the many fathers who are heroes and 
role models for their children, and we encourage more men to fulfill 
this responsibility by loving their sons and daughters with all their 
heart and demonstrating this love daily. By working together to 
encourage America's fathers, we can strengthen our society and help 
ensure the well-being of all our children.
    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 15, 
2003, 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 thirteenth day 
of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., June 17, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
June 18.