For Immediate Release
July 26, 1996
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
o job presents greater challenges, demands broader responsibilities,
or promises more profound rewards than parenthood. Parents are daily
caretakers and lifelong role models. They guide us and share the values
and lessons that enable us to grow and flourish. Throughout our lives, we
remember our parents' example, recognizing that their joys and
aspirations, triumphs and disappointments, have shaped our experience and
given us meaningful direction.
ur Nation has always depended on strong families, and we must
continue to do all we can to help hardworking men and women to shoulder
the duties of parenthood. It is vital to support today's parents, to honor
those who have taught us so much, and to impress upon young people the
awesome responsibility of parenthood.
n this day and throughout the year, let us take time to celebrate the
special, enduring bond between parents and children. Foster parents and
stepparents, biological and adoptive mothers and fathers .. all deserve
our respect and gratitude. Parents open their homes and hearts to nurture
and protect us; let us offer in return our deepest appreciation for their
devotion and care.
OW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States
of America, by virtue if the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States and consistent with Public Law 103-362, do
hereby proclaim Sunday, July 26, 1996, as Parents' Day. I call upon the
States, communities, and all Americans to observe this day with
appreciative ceremonies and activities to express affectionate thanks to
our Nation's parents.
N WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day
of July, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-first.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON