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

The Most Important Job.

Being a Father is

One of the Most Important Jobs Any Man Can Have.

My own father left my family when I was two years old. I was raised by a heroic mother and wonderful grandparents who provided the support, discipline and love that helped me get to where I am today, but I still felt the weight of that absence throughout my childhood. It's something that leaves a hole no government can fill.

Studies show that children who grow up without their fathers around are more likely to drop out of high school, go to jail, or become teen fathers themselves.

And while no government program can fill the role that fathers play for our children, what we can do is try to support fathers who are willing to step up and fulfill their responsibilities as parents, partners and providers. That's why last year I started a nationwide dialogue on fatherhood to tackle the challenge of father absence head on.

In Chicago, the Department of Health and Human Services held a forum with community leaders, fatherhood experts and everyday dads to discuss the importance of responsible fatherhood support programs. In New Hampshire, Secretary of Education Duncan explored the linkages between father absence and educational attainment in children. In Atlanta, Attorney General Holder spoke with fathers in the criminal justice system about ways local reentry organizations, domestic violence groups and fatherhood programs can join together to support ex-offenders and incarcerated individuals who want to be closer to their families and children.
Now we're taking this to the next level. Tomorrow, I'll make an announcement about the next phase of our efforts to help fathers fulfill their responsibilities as parents -- The President's Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative. You can learn more at www.fatherhood.gov.

This Father's Day -- I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a dad to two wonderful daughters. And I'm thankful for all the wonderful fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and friends who are doing their best to make a difference in the lives of a child.

Happy Father's Day.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

ESTA PAGINA EN ESPAÑOL | Spanish translation by SaludHealth Info

... INTERESTING LINKS WITH RELATED INFORMATION

• Celebrating 100 years of Father's Day - By Andrea Blanford

• Father's Day at 100: How It Began, Why Dads Gets Fewer Gifts- National Geographic

• When is Father's Day? Wikipedia

• Obama's Father's Day proclamation, with a nod to the nontraditional - Washington post

• 2010 Fifa World Cup on Father's Day
By Daniel Dobish
....It was a happy Father's Day, as I enjoyed breakfast with my best friend and son this morning. Waffles, soccer and apple juice with the one you love. Woo-hoo!

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