Father's Day, 2013

Proclamation 8996 of June 14, 2013

Father's Day, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Each day, men from every walk of life pour themselves
into the hard, proud, rewarding work of raising our
sons and daughters. And each June, families all across
our country pause to say thanks and let fathers know
how much they mean to us--not just as partners or
providers, but also as loving parents who never stop
striving to give their kids the best life has to offer.

We see that sense of commitment throughout our
communities. We see it in our schools, where dads
attend assemblies and parent-teacher conferences, and
help out with homework. We see it on our playing fields
and in our congregations, where fathers instill the
life lessons that set our kids on a path to success. We
see it in parents working a second job or taking on an
extra shift, putting a little away so their children
can go to college. And we see it in mentors and tutors
and foster dads, taking on the duties of fatherhood for
young people in need.

That work is rarely easy. But we know it adds up,
building character in our children and instilling in
them qualities to last a lifetime: love and hope,
courage and discipline, trust in themselves and others.
As fathers, teaching those values is our first task.
Yet too often, boys and girls are growing up without
the support of their fathers. We know our country can
do better. So as men in every corner of America keep
stepping up and being present in the lives of our
children, my Administration will keep striving to
support them.

Today, we rededicate ourselves to that important work.
And as sons and daughters, let us show our lasting
gratitude to the men who have shaped us, who lift our
sights, and who enrich our lives with a father's love,
day after day.

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 16,
2013, 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,
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
fourteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two
thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.