Parents' Day, 2007

Proclamation 8161 of July 12, 2007

Parents' Day, 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 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.