For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 25, 2003
Parents' Day, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Children are a daily reminder of the blessings and responsibilities
of life and a source of joy, pride, and fulfillment. Parents,
stepparents, adoptive parents, and foster parents have the important
responsibility of providing for, protecting, nurturing, teaching, and
loving their children. On Parents' Day, we honor America's mothers and
fathers and celebrate the values that bind families from one generation
to the next and help define us as a Nation.
As a child's first teachers, parents are the most influential and
effective instructors in a child's life. Through their words, actions,
and sacrifices, parents are living examples for children. Young boys
and girls watch their parents closely and imitate their behavior.
Parents play a critical role in instilling responsibility, integrity,
and other life lessons that shape the lives of America's future
leaders.
My Administration is committed to supporting our Nation's
families. We are working with faith-based and community organizations
to promote healthy marriages, responsible parenting, and education.
And we are committed to fully funding and supporting the Promoting Safe
and Stable Families Program, which helps strengthen family bonds,
promote adoption, and provide help for vulnerable children across our
country.
Volunteer service is one way parents can spend time with their
children while encouraging them to learn the value of helping others.
The USA Freedom Corps' "How I Spent My Summer" initiative includes
volunteer opportunities where parents and children can work together to
meet the needs of their communities. This initiative offers ideas such
as collecting food for local food banks or school supplies for children
in need. In addition, families can volunteer at one of our Nation's
parks or recreation areas creating trails, assisting with archeological
digs, or building and restoring houses. Teaching by example, parents
can help their children become responsible citizens.
Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging endeavors in
life. On this special day, we recognize the hard work and compassion
of America's parents and celebrate the mothers and fathers who are
positive role models for their children. I encourage parents to spend
more time reading, talking, and volunteering with their children. I
also urge parents to share the joys and wisdom of parenthood with new
families in their communities and those planning families for the
future.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States and consistent with Public Law 103-362,
as amended, do hereby proclaim Sunday, July 27, 2003, as Parents' Day.
I encourage all Americans to express their respect and appreciation to
parents everywhere for their contributions to their children, families,
communities, and our Nation. I also call upon citizens to observe this
day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth
day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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