A Father's Day proclamation by President Obama

Note to Ticket Readers: Even if you don't read the entire proclamation, be sure to click through to the separate video at the bottom, produced by White Wings Films. And share it with others in your family.

FATHER'S DAY, 2010, BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, A PROCLAMATION

From the first moments of life, the bond forged between a father and a child is sacred. Whether patching scraped knees or helping with homework, dads bring joy, instill values, and introduce wonders into the lives of their children. Father's Day is a special time to honor the men who raised us, and to thank them for their selfless dedication and love.

Fathers are our first teachers and coaches, mentors and role models. They push us to succeed, encourage us when we are struggling, and offer unconditional care and support. Children and adults alike look....

...up to them and learn from their example and perspective. The journey of fatherhood is both exhilarating and humbling -- it is an opportunity to model who we want our sons and daughters to become, and to build the foundation upon which they can achieve their dreams.

Fatherhood also carries enormous responsibilities. An active, committed father makes a lasting difference in the life of a child. When fathers are not present, their children and families cope with an absence government cannot fill. Across America, foster and adoptive fathers respond to this need, providing safe and loving homes for children facing hardships. Men are also making compassionate commitments outside the home by serving as mentors, tutors, or big brothers to young people in their community. Together, we can support the guiding presence of male role models in the lives of countless young people who stand to gain from it.

Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by a father and mother, a single father, two fathers, a step-father, a grandfather, or caring guardian. We owe a special debt of gratitude for those parents serving in the United States Armed Forces and their families, whose sacrifices protect the lives and liberties of all American children. For the character they build, the doors they open, and the love they provide over our lifetimes, all our fathers deserve our unending appreciation and admiration.

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 20, 2010, 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. Let us honor our fathers, living and deceased, with all the love and gratitude they deserve.

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

/s/ BARACK OBAMA

A Father's Day video for fathers and their children produced by White Wing Films:

Photo: Barack Obama and grandfather Stanley Dunham

Comments

[paul maskell]

Try to remember the fathers as you socialize democracy. Thanks for ramming the health bill down our throats. We never could afford it in the first place. Hmmm, Palin sounds better and better all the time....and Gearge W. looks like a god now.........wow

[Letscheck]

Looks like the kid in the background is trying to hit him with a stick.

The world might be a better place if he had succeeded.

I don't advocate beating children, even by other children. But it just seems like this guy never stops beating up on the people of the U.S. Even after he swore to protect and defend.

Maybe he might have learned what it means to protect and defend if he hadn't been so protected himself...all of these years by those big daddy backers.

[Jessica]

My dad and I go out to celebrate Father's day, We really enjoy hanging out together since mom is far away for work. I really love my dad ever since i was a child. Thank you for sharing this blog, I really enjoy reading this one.

[Felicia]

What an inspiring video..I like it..HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the fathers out there..Thanks for the share!

[ausfahrt]

I salute responsible fathers; however, for too many of us - below is our reality:

Where the hell are you daddy,
that’s what I’m sayin’
Down on my knees and tears and I’m prayin’
Wishing and hoping my dreams could come true
So I could feel like the other kids do
A young child but not complete as a whole
Before I was born you up and strolled
Mama was there but you were up in the wind
You never even knew my name - and then
You never wrote, called, let alone came by
As a youth it was hard to wonder why
But now I’m older, and I don’t dwell on self pity
Thinking about the life you didn’t give me
I remember when I used to tell lies
When people would ask - I’d just fantasize
Thinking of stories to make you look good
But the real truth was you was never no good
People would say I looked just like you
But rest assured I don’t act like you
I’m more than that, my mama raised me better
And you can best believe I’m much more together
So belive that
- lyrics by Was Not Was ( Papa Was A Rolling Stone)

[Gary]

Malcolm, this is the first time you have ever posted something that I actualy enjoyed. Is there hope for you yet? Have you finaly abandoned that distasteful juniorhigh level smear campaign? Keep it up and you could actually build a readership base.

(AM responds: Great to have you still here, Gary. Along with everyone else.)