[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 28 (Monday, July 17, 2006)]
[Page 1326]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8035--Parents' Day, 2006

July 12, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    As a child's first teachers, mentors, and role models, parents shape 
the character of those who will help to build the future of our Nation. 
On Parents' Day, we pay tribute to the hard work and sacrifice of the 
millions of devoted parents who provide guidance, support, and 
unconditional love to their children.
    Mothers and fathers help kindle imaginations, inspire a love of 
learning, nurture the formation of young minds, and give children the 
courage and the drive to realize their dreams. By instilling in children 
the difference between right and wrong, parents guide their children 
toward developing into successful adults and responsible citizens who 
lead lives of purpose. In addition, the commitment of parents to the 
welfare of young people strengthens families and communities throughout 
our great country.
    My Administration supports grants and programs to promote healthy 
marriages and responsible fatherhood. The No Child Left Behind Act is 
helping us ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, and 
recognizes that parental involvement is a vital part of the success of 
schools across America. Federal, State, and local programs, and faith-
based and community groups provide additional resources to help parents 
as they work to raise children of conviction and character.
    On this special day, we express our deep gratitude to parents for 
their dedication to a bright and hopeful future for their children. We 
also pray for parents in the military who stand up for America, and we 
resolve that their sacrifice will always be honored by a grateful 
Nation.
    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 23, 2006, as Parents' Day. I 
call upon citizens, private organizations, and governmental bodies at 
all levels to engage in activities and educational efforts that 
recognize, support, and honor parents, and I encourage American sons and 
daughters to convey their love, respect, and appreciation to their 
parents.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of 
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., July 14, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on July 13, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
July 17.