This is an historic day, a national holiday of immense proportions. Those who celebrate this holiday today are creating the foundation for a future that recognises the value of parents, father’s and mother’s as a united team, in the formation of families. Although in the United States we already had a Mother’s Day and a Father’s Day which are individually important days to celebrate, Parent’s Day celebrates the significance of parents as a unit, in the formation of families as the cornerstone of society.
History of National Parent’s Day
Reprinted with permission from the Washington Times.
Bipartisan legislation to establish Parents’ Day was filed in the House in August 1994 by Rep. Dan Burton, Indiana Republican, and Rep. Floyd H. Flake, New York Democrat, and 16 other original cosponsors. The measure, which eventually had 223 cosponsors, passed the House on Sept. 30 and passed the Senate on Oct. 4. President Bill Clinton signed the measure — now Public Law No: 103-362 — on Oct. 14, 1994. Text of House Joint Resolution 398 in the 103rd Congress of the United States of America: To establish the fourth Sunday of July as “Parents’ Day.’’ Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the fourth Sunday of every July shall be established as “Parents’ Day’’ to be recognized as a recurring, perennial day of commemoration.
President Clinton Commemorates the first Parent’s Day:
“Parenthood is among the most difficult and most rewarding responsibilities in life. Balancing countless demands, parents must be firm yet loving, protective yet liberating. They are the nurturers of our dreams and the soothers of our fears. They instill in their children, by word and example, the importance of family and community involvement, the value of education and hard work.
Today, across our country, parents give their time and energy to ensure a better future for their children. Teaching the lessons of honesty and caring in a way that no school or government can, America’s parents pass on the spirit, values, and traditions that have made our Nation strong for more than two centuries. Whether stepparents or foster parents, biological or adoptive, parents provide the security, stability, and love that enable children to grow up healthy, happy, and strong.
Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America, in accordance with Public Law 103-362, do hereby proclaim Sunday, July 23, 1995, as “Parents’ Day.” I invite the States, communities, and the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities expressing gratitude and abiding affection for parents.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of July, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.” – Parent’s Day Proclamation 1995 by President William J. Clinton
President Bush Recognises Parent’s Day
“On Parents’ Day, America honors our mothers and fathers for their extraordinary devotion and for the great sacrifices they make to provide a hopeful and promising future for their children.The guidance and unconditional love of parents help create a nurturing environment so children can grow and reach their full potential. Parents work to impart to their children the strength and determination to follow their dreams and the courage to do what is right. They shape the character of their children by sharing their wisdom and setting a positive example. As role models, parents also instill the values and principles that help prepare children to be responsible adults and good citizens.” – Parent’s Day Proclamation 2007, President George W. Bush
Parent’s Day Annual Celebrations
Every year since the establishment of Parent’s Day hundreds of parents have been selected as state Parents of the Year, with some of them becoming National Parents of the Year. Many honorees had raised both biological, adoptive and foster children. The parents nominated for these titles have been exemplary role models whose parenting went beyond their own homes to impact the lives of others and society as a whole.
Read more about the 12 couple finalists in this 2016 National Parent’s Day Report
Parents’ Day sponsoring organizations today include: National Parents’ Day Coalition, the Universal Peace Federation USA, American Clergy Leadership Coalition, The Washington Times Foundation, Women’s Federation for World Peace-USA and the Family Federation for World Peace. Judges for National Parents of the Year have included officials from the National Organization for Marriage, Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Georgia, Imani Temple African American Catholic Congregation, and Christian Voice.
Global Parent’s Day
In 2012 Global Day of Parents was established by the United Nations, to be celebrated on the 1st of June every year. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly with resolution A/RES/66/292 and honours parents throughout the world. The Global Day provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20, The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
