[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 28 (Monday, July 16, 2007)]
[Pages 956-957]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8161--Parents' Day, 2007

 July 12, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On Parents' Day, America honors our mothers and fathers for their 
extraordinary devotion and for the great sacrifices they make to provide 
a hopeful and promising future for their children.
    The guidance and unconditional love of parents help create a 
nurturing environment so children can grow and reach their full 
potential. Parents work to impart to their children the strength and 
determination to follow their dreams and the courage to do what is 
right. They shape the character of their children by sharing their 
wisdom and setting a positive example. As role models, parents also 
instill the values and principles that help prepare children to be 
responsible adults and good citizens.
    My Administration is committed to strengthening American families by 
supporting Federal, State, and faith-based and community programs that 
promote healthy marriages and responsible parenting. Parents

[[Page 957]]

are a child's first teachers, and we recognize their critical role in 
helping children do well in school. My Administration is committed to 
helping parents and schools ensure that every child has the best 
opportunity to learn and succeed.
    On Parents' Day, we pay tribute to mothers and fathers and celebrate 
the special bonds of love between parents and their children. We also 
express our deep gratitude to parents who serve in the Armed Forces and 
those whose sons and daughters have answered the call to defend our 
country. Our Nation is grateful for their honorable service and for the 
sacrifices family members make as their loved ones work to advance the 
cause of freedom.
    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 22, 2007, 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 seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:07 a.m., July 13, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on July 
16.