123STA T . 3 6 62 PROCL A M AT I O N8 3 9 3 —JU N E 18 , 2 0 09 MyAdmin i stra ti o n c ontin ue sto b ui l du p ont h is pro g ress , and w e are ta k ing a more integrated and comprehensi v e approach to developing a national ocean policy that will guide us well into the f uture .T his pol - icy will incorporate ecosystem-based science and management and em- phasi z e our public stewardship responsibilities. My Administration also is working to develop a systematic marine spatial planning frame- work for the conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources. I am committed to protecting these resources and ensuring accountability for actions that affect them. D uring N ational O ceans Month, we celebrate these vast spaces and the myriad ways they sustain life. W e also pledge to preserve them and commend all those who are engaged in efforts to meet this end. NOW, T HER E F ORE, I, B ARA CK OBAMA, P resident of the U nited S tates of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim J une 20 0 9 as National Oceans Month. I call upon all Americans to learn more about the oceans and what can be done to conserve them. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of June, in the year of our L ord two thousand nine, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- third. BARACK OBAMA Proclam a ti o n839 3o fJu n e1 8 ,20 09 Father’sD a y,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation The j ourney of fatherhood provides uni q ue and lasting joys. Cradling a baby in his arms, a father e x periences the miracle of life and an un- breakable bond. Fathers imagine a world of possibilities awaiting their children and contemplate the privilege of helping them reach that ex- panse of opportunity. As kids grow and mature, they look to their dad for a special kind of love and support. Providing these necessities can bring great happiness. Fatherhood also brings great responsibilities. Fathers have an obliga- tion to help rear the children they bring into the world. Children de- serve this care, and families need each father ’ s active participation. Fathers must help teach right from wrong and instill in their kids the values that sustain them for a lifetime. As they encounter new and challenging experiences, children need guidance and counsel. Fathers need to talk with their kids to help them through difficult times. Par- ents must also help their children make the right choices by serving as strong role models. Honest and hard-working fathers are an irre- placeable influence upon their children. Communities must do more to counsel fathers. Family and friends, and faith-based and community organizations, can speak directly with men about the sacrifices and rewards of having a child. These groups can
