Father's Day, 2002

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 7574--Father's Day, 2002

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7574 of June 14, 2002

Father's Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Fathers play a unique and important role in the lives
of their children. As mentor, protector, and provider,
a father fundamentally influences the shape and
direction of his or her child's character by giving
love, care, discipline, and guidance.

As we observe Father's Day, our Nation honors
fatherhood and urges fathers to commit themselves
selflessly to the success and well-being of their
children. And we reaffirm the importance of fathers in
the lives of their children.

Raising a child requires significant time, effort, and
sacrifice; and it is one of the most hopeful and
fulfilling experiences a man can ever know. A father
can derive great joy from seeing his child grow from
infancy to adulthood. As a child matures into
independence and self reliance, the value of a parent's
hard work, love, and commitment comes to fruition.

Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and
civil society. Numerous studies confirm that children
whose fathers are present and involved in their lives
are more likely to develop into prosperous and healthy
adults. Children learn by example; and they need their
father's presence as examples of virtue in their daily
lives. A child's sense of security can be greatly
enhanced by seeing his parents in a loving and faithful
marriage.

My Administration strongly supports initiatives to
strengthen fatherhood, promote stable families, and
increase the ease of adoptions. We must also continue
to enlist the help of citizens and community groups who
reach out to father less or neglected children through
mentoring and other acts of compassion.

On this Father's Day, we acknowledge and honor the love
of our own fathers. I encourage all fathers to commit
themselves to the continuing love and care of their
children and their families.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, in accordance with a joint
resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972, as
amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 16,
2002, as Father's Day. I encourage all Americans to
express love, admiration, and thanks to their fathers
for their contributions to our lives and to society. I
direct the appropriate officials of the Government to
display the flag of the United States on all Government
buildings on this day. I also call upon State and local
governments and citizens to observe this day with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B