Parents' Day, 2003

Proclamation 7693 of July 25, 2003

Parents' Day, 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 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B