[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7574]

Proc. 7574

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

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          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.

GEORGE W. BUSH