Father's Day, 2000

Proclamation 7323 of June 16, 2000

Father's Day, 2000

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Each year, Americans set aside the third Sunday in June
to pay special tribute to our fathers, who for many of
us are the first and most important men in our lives.
The role of father is a unique blessing and a profound
responsibility, one at the very heart of our Nation's
families and communities. When we are young, our
father's nurturing brings us comfort and security. As
we grow, our dads are our teachers and coaches--whether
we are learning to read or to play a sport--and they
instill in us cherished values of honor, courage, hard
work, and respect for others. Later, as adults, we look
to our fathers for advice and friendship. On all the
paths of life, our fathers encourage us when we
hesitate, support us when we falter, and cheer us when
we succeed.

American fathers today must balance the demands of work
and family. As our growing economy has helped America's
families meet their financial needs, the pressure to
maintain that balance has increased. For the health of
our families, it is important that fathers have the
time, the support, and the parenting skills necessary
to fulfill their children's moral and emotional needs
as well as provide for their physical well-being.
Throughout our Administration, Vice President Gore and
I have encouraged fathers to take an active and
responsible role in their children's lives. This year,
in recognition of Father's Day, I am directing the
Department of Health and Human Services, along with
certain other Federal agencies, to develop guidance for
State and local governments, community providers, and
families on Federal resources that are available to
promote responsible fatherhood.

On this first Father's Day of the 21st century, let us
honor our fathers, both living and deceased, for
believing in our dreams and helping us to achieve them.
Throughout the year, let us continue to reflect on the
importance of fathers--whether biological, foster,
adoptive, or stepfathers--as role models in our lives.
And let us express our gratitude for the many gifts
they bring to our lives by passing on their legacy of
love and caring to our own children.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, in accordance with a joint
resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972 (36
U.S.C. 142a), do hereby proclaim Sunday, June 18, 2000,
as Father's Day. I invite the States, communities
across our country, and all the citizens of the United
States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies
and activities that demonstrate our deep appreciation
and abiding love for our fathers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two
thousand, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth.