Father's Day, 1996

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 6904 of June 13, 1996

Father's Day, 1996

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America owes a debt of gratitude to the fathers that
help our Nation's children grow up safe and happy.
Providing a wellspring of love for their families to
draw upon, these men strengthen our communities and
enable their daughters and sons to master life's
lessons with confidence. They share with us their
experiences and energies, creating the strong
foundation on which our children build their lives. A
father's arm is there to protect and steer--whether
cradling a newborn baby, steadying the rider of a first
two-wheeler, or walking his child down the aisle.

Fatherhood provides one of life's most profound joys
and one of its most solemn responsibilities. Everyone
who has been blessed by a father's love knows the
abiding respect it inspires and the self-esteem that
can grow from a dad's affectionate guidance. We must do
all we can to encourage fathers as they strive to
provide the fundamental emotional and economic support
that helps ensure their families' well-being. Programs
like the Fatherhood Initiative, the Responsible
Fatherhood Project, and Parent's Fair Share work to
support American fathers, emphasize their role as
mentors and providers, and advocate their involvement
in their children's health and education.

On this Father's Day and throughout the year, let us
thank fathers for their sacrifices and struggles and
celebrate the special care they give their loved ones
every day. With grateful words and actions, we honor
all those who have embraced fatherhood's unique
rewards.

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 16, 1996,
as Father's Day. I invite the States, communities, and
all the citizens of the United States to observe this
day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that
demonstrate our deep appreciation and affection for our
fathers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twentieth.