Presidential Documents

29931 

Federal Register 

Vol. 74, No. 120 

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 

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. 

29932 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 120 / Wednesday, June 24, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. E9–14963 

Filed 6–23–09; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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