Father's Day, 2001

Proclamation 7451 of June 15, 2001 Father's Day, 2001 A Proclamation Americans celebrate Father's Day as a unique time to reflect on the importance of fathers and to honor their vital role in the lives of children. For those who have been blessed with our own families, this day also provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to being the best possible fathers for our children. Father's Day was originally the idea of Sonora Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, Civil War veteran Henry Jackson Smart. As Sonora's sole surviving parent following the death of her mother, Mr. Smart made great sacrifices for his daughter and raised her with courage, selflessness, and abiding love. To enable all Americans to participate in paying special tribute to their fathers, President Calvin Coolidge first recognized Father's Day in 1924. During childhood, boys and girls look to their fathers for a sense of security, warmth, attention, patience, and understanding. As young people mature, their fathers contribute to their spiritual, emotional, physical, financial, and social well-being. In reaching adulthood, men and women alike are enriched immeasurably by the wisdom of their fathers as they pursue careers, start families, and take active roles in the community. For boys and girls raised without a father in the home, the challenges can be great. Seventy-five percent of American children raised in a one-parent household will experience poverty before they turn 11 years old, compared to only 20 percent of children in families with two parents. Children in homes where the father is absent are more likely to be suspended from school or to drop out, be treated for an emotional or behavioral problem, become suicidal as adolescents, or become victims of child abuse or neglect. As a society, we must support fathers in fulfilling their responsibilities to their families, which may include not only biological or adopted children, but also stepchildren or foster children. Fathers must be …