Father’s Day, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                From the first moments of life, the bond forged between
                a father and a child is sacred. Whether patching
                scraped knees or helping with homework, dads bring joy,
                instill values, and introduce wonders into the lives of
                their children. Father’s Day is a special time to honor
                the men who raised us, and to thank them for their
                selfless dedication and love.

                Fathers are our first teachers and coaches, mentors and
                role models. They push us to succeed, encourage us when
                we are struggling, and offer unconditional care and
                support. Children and adults alike look up to them and
                learn from their example and perspective. The journey
                of fatherhood is both exhilarating and humbling–it is
                an opportunity to model who we want our sons and
                daughters to become, and to build the foundation upon
                which they can achieve their dreams.

                Fatherhood also carries enormous responsibilities. An
                active, committed father makes a lasting difference in
                the life of a child. When fathers are not present,
                their children and families cope with an absence
                government cannot fill. Across America, foster and
                adoptive fathers respond to this need, providing safe
                and loving homes for children facing hardships. Men are
                also making compassionate commitments outside the home
                by serving as mentors, tutors, or big brothers to young
                people in their community. Together, we can support the
                guiding presence of male role models in the lives of
                countless young people who stand to gain from it.

                Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may
                be raised by a father and mother, a single father, two
                fathers, a step-father, a grandfather, or caring
                guardian. We owe a special debt of gratitude for those
                parents serving in the United States Armed Forces and
                their families, whose sacrifices protect the lives and
                liberties of all American children. For the character
                they build, the doors they open, and the love they
                provide over our lifetimes, all our fathers deserve our
                unending appreciation and admiration.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
                United States of America, in accordance with a joint
                resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972, as
                amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 20,
                2010, as Father’s Day. I direct the appropriate
                officials of the Government to display the flag of the
                United States on all Government buildings on this day,
                and I call upon all citizens to observe this day with
                appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. Let
                us honor our fathers, living and deceased, with all the
                love and gratitude they deserve.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
                eighteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two
                thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
               
               
                    (Presidential Sig.)

September

The months passed by quick this year

And now you see September’s here.

There’s a whispered secret in the wind

As you feel the breeze against your ear.

Listen close and you will find

The hidden wishes in your mind.

The dreams abandoned months ago

No longer wish to be denied.

Gently they return again

In the soft September wind

To sooth your fears and warm your soul

So open up and let them in.

Take some time and share with me

The man that you have grown to be.

And by the time September’s passed

You’ll see true love is here with me.

(At Last)

Copyright Darla Holt 2007