[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 26 (Monday, June 28, 2004)]
[Page 1124]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7797--Father's Day, 2004

 June 19, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    A special bond exists between a father and his children. On Father's 
Day, we recognize the important role fathers play in the American 
family, and we honor them for their strength, love, and commitment.
    After listening to a church service on Mother's Day 1909, Sonora 
Dodd proposed a day to honor fathers. She was inspired by the courage 
and sacrifice of her own father, a Civil War veteran, who reared six 
children by himself after his wife's death. As others began to celebrate 
it, the idea for Father's Day spread across America. In 1966, President 
Lyndon Johnson officially proclaimed Father's Day as a national 
observance.
    Fathers have a duty to love their children with all their hearts and 
prepare them to be independent, compassionate, and responsible citizens. 
A father's words and actions are critical in shaping the character of 
his children. A father's love helps teach them right from wrong, 
explains to them the consequences of bad decisions, and strengthens them 
with encouragement.
    As we honor our fathers on this day, we express our heartfelt 
appreciation for their leadership, support, and protection for their 
children and families. We particularly recognize the many fathers who 
are far from home, serving our Nation and defending the cause of freedom 
around the world. They have answered a great call and live by a code of 
honor and duty that serves as an example for their sons and daughters 
and for all Americans.
    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 20, 
2004, 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 nineteenth day 
of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, 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, 9:14 a.m., June 22, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 
23.