Father's Day, 2003

Proclamation 7686 of June 13, 2003

Father's Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Fatherhood is one of life's most challenging yet
fulfilling endeavors. On Father's Day, we honor
America's fathers and express our appreciation for all
they do to help build a strong foundation for our
children and our Nation. We also reaffirm our
commitment to supporting fathers and encouraging
responsible fatherhood in our society.

Fathers have indispensable roles to play in the lives
of their children: provider, protector, nurturer,
teacher, and friend. Every caring father
unconditionally loves his sons and daughters and
strives for the best for his children in the future. In
seeking to give their children the opportunity to
succeed, fathers offer needed strength, guidance, and
discipline.

Fathers teach their children many basic things in life:
how to read a book, throw a ball, tie a necktie, ride a
bike, or drive a car. More importantly, they also help
instill time- honored values in their children, such as
hard work, respect, honesty, and good citizenship.
Through their words, actions, and sacrifices, fathers
play an important role in shaping the characters of
their sons and daughters.

The time and attention that a father gives to a child
is irreplaceable--there is no substitute for the
involvement and commitment of a responsible father. Not
only are fathers essential to the healthy development
of children, they also influence the strength of
families and the stability of communities.

For this reason, our Government is working to help
fathers succeed in this challenging, but life-
affirming, role. Over the last 2 years, my
Administration has taken important steps to promote
responsible fatherhood and encourage community-based
initiatives that help them fulfill their important
roles. We are working to provide funds for healthy
marriage and parenting education and for community
mentoring programs to help fathers become more engaged
and involved in their children's lives.

This Father's Day, we recognize the many fathers who
are heroes and role models for their children, and we
encourage more men to fulfill this responsibility by
loving their sons and daughters with all their heart
and demonstrating this love daily. By working together
to encourage America's fathers, we can strengthen our
society and help ensure the well-being of all our
children.

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 15,
2003, 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
thirteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two
thousand three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B