[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 30 (Monday, July 28, 2003)]
[Pages 977-978]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7693--Parents' Day, 2003

 July 25, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Children are a daily reminder of the blessings and responsibilities 
of life and a source of joy, pride, and fulfillment. Parents, 
stepparents, adoptive parents, and foster parents

[[Page 978]]

have the important responsibility of providing for, protecting, 
nurturing, teaching, and loving their children. On Parents' Day, we 
honor America's mothers and fathers and celebrate the values that bind 
families from one generation to the next and help define us as a Nation.
    As a child's first teachers, parents are the most influential and 
effective instructors in a child's life. Through their words, actions, 
and sacrifices, parents are living examples for children. Young boys and 
girls watch their parents closely and imitate their behavior. Parents 
play a critical role in instilling responsibility, integrity, and other 
life lessons that shape the lives of America's future leaders.
    My Administration is committed to supporting our Nation's families. 
We are working with faith-based and community organizations to promote 
healthy marriages, responsible parenting, and education. And we are 
committed to fully funding and supporting the Promoting Safe and Stable 
Families Program, which helps strengthen family bonds, promote adoption, 
and provide help for vulnerable children across our country.
    Volunteer service is one way parents can spend time with their 
children while encouraging them to learn the value of helping others. 
The USA Freedom Corps' ``How I Spent My Summer'' initiative includes 
volunteer opportunities where parents and children can work together to 
meet the needs of their communities. This initiative offers ideas such 
as collecting food for local food banks or school supplies for children 
in need. In addition, families can volunteer at one of our Nation's 
parks or recreation areas creating trails, assisting with archeological 
digs, or building and restoring houses. Teaching by example, parents can 
help their children become responsible citizens.
    Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging endeavors in 
life. On this special day, we recognize the hard work and compassion of 
America's parents and celebrate the mothers and fathers who are positive 
role models for their children. I encourage parents to spend more time 
reading, talking, and volunteering with their children. I also urge 
parents to share the joys and wisdom of parenthood with new families in 
their communities and those planning families for the future.
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, 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, as 
amended, do hereby proclaim Sunday, July 27, 2003, as Parents' Day. I 
encourage all Americans to express their respect and appreciation to 
parents everywhere for their contributions to their children, families, 
communities, and our Nation. I also call upon citizens to observe this 
day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 
day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:57 a.m., July 29, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
July 30.