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Parents' Day
Introduction
In every culture and time period, the family is recognized as the most fundamental unit human institution. Family is the starting point of life, the sustainer of well being and the school of love. A family means keep in together every member inhuman bond, The most powerful of human bonds is the parent-child relationship. Commitment to family has always been a core value. Tragically, however, what was often held as a common value, recognized as common sense, even understood as self-evident in the past, is sometimes not so today. As the planet struggles with effects of family breakdown, youth violence and a host of other critical problems, more and more voices are calling for a re-examination of human priorities and fundamental values. Too often we have let other concerns take precedence over responsibilities as parents. Yet is there any more important calling than that of nurturing and raising a child? Unfortunately, our popular culture over the past several decades has emphasized self-fulfillment and self-gratification. Such focus on the self runs counter to the essence of parenthood, which fundamentally involves unconditional true love. Parents' Day provides an opportunity to recognize and promote parenting as a central vocation for our families and communities. More than just a time to celebrate, it is an occasion to make a statement about what is important in our society. It is a chance to create a positive tradition based on a core axiom – that the role of parents is crucial in the nurturing and development of children, and thus requires investment, focus, and commitment.
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In 1994 President Bill Clinton signed into law the resolution unanimously adopted by the U. S. Congress establishing the fourth Sunday of every July as Parents' Day, a perennial day of commemoration similar to Mother's Day and Father's Day. According to the Congressional Resolution, Parents’ Day is established for "recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children."
The establishment of Parents’ Day was the result of a bipartisan, multiracial and interfaith coalition of religious, civic and elected leaders who recognized the need to promote responsible parenting in our society and to uplift ideal parental role models, especially for our nation's children. Since the creation of this annual day of
commemoration, local churches, elected officials and activists throughout the nation have creatively launched many activities around the theme of Parents' Day designed to celebrate and strengthen the traditional, two-parent family. The National Parents' Day Council does not envision Parents' Day to be yet "another" day to honor parents, but rather a day when parents honor their children and the God-centered family ideal by rededicating themselves to manifest the highest standard of unconditional true love.
Parents' Day, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Parents are a source of hope, help, stability, and love for their children. Parents also teach children important values like courage, compassion, self-reliance, reverence, integrity, and respect for others. As we celebrate Parents' Day, we recognize the important contributions of America's parents and renew our commitment to standing with our families to help them raise healthy, responsible children.
Parenthood is a privilege and a great joy that comes with great responsibility. Mothers and fathers play the vital roles of provider, nurturer, disciplinarian, counselor, advocate, educator, and motivator. They offer unconditional love and help their children to realize their dreams. As parents work to send the right messages to our young people, they shape the character and future of our Nation. To help strengthen American families and
encourage parents' active involvement in the lives of their children, my Administration is committed to promoting healthy marriages and responsible fatherhood.We are providing information to parents on early childhood education and development and supporting community-based parenting education programs. We are also providing parents with more options in educating their children and more opportunities to adopt young boys and girls in need. On Parents' Day, we honor America's mothers and fathers for their guidance, support, and unconditional love for their children. The tireless efforts of parents, stepparents, adoptive parents, and foster parents make our Nation stronger and help build a better future for all our citizens. 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 25, 2004, as Parents' Day. I encourage all Americans to express their love, respect, and appreciation to parents across 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-third day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. |
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