Father's Day, 2009

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8393 of June 18, 2009

Father's Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The journey of fatherhood provides unique and lasting
joys. Cradling a baby in his arms, a father experiences
the miracle of life and an unbreakable bond. Fathers
imagine a world of possibilities awaiting their
children and contemplate the privilege of helping them
reach that expanse of opportunity. As kids grow and
mature, they look to their dad for a special kind of
love and support. Providing these necessities can bring
great happiness.

Fatherhood also brings great responsibilities. Fathers
have an obligation to help rear the children they bring
into the world. Children deserve this care, and
families need each father's active participation.

Fathers must help teach right from wrong and instill in
their kids the values that sustain them for a lifetime.
As they encounter new and challenging experiences,
children need guidance and counsel. Fathers need to
talk with their kids to help them through difficult
times. Parents must also help their children make the
right choices by serving as strong role models. Honest
and hard-working fathers are an irreplaceable influence
upon their children.

Communities must do more to counsel fathers. Family and
friends, and faith-based and community organizations,
can speak directly with men about the sacrifices and
rewards of having a child. These groups can support men
as they take on the great challenges of child-rearing.
Through honest and open dialogue, more men can choose
to become model parents and know the wonders of
fatherhood.

On Father's Day, we pay tribute to the loving and
caring fathers who are strengthening their families and
country. We also honor those surrogate fathers who
raise, mentor, or care for someone else's child.
Thousands of young children benefit from the influence
of great men, and we salute their willingness to give
and continue giving. We also express special gratitude
to fathers who serve in the United States Armed Forces
for the sacrifices they and their families make every
day. All of these individuals are making great
contributions, and children across the country are
better off for their care.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 21,
2009, as Father's Day. I direct the appropriate
officials of the Government to display the flag of the
United States on all Government buildings on this day.
I urge all Americans to express their love, respect,
and admiration to their fathers, and I call upon all
citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs,
ceremonies, and activities.

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