President Obama's Father's Day message to us Dads.

Good afternoon,

As the father of two young daughters, I know that being a father is one of the most important jobs any man can have.

My own father left my family when I was two years old. I was raised by a heroic mother and wonderful grandparents who provided the support, discipline and love that helped me get to where I am today, but I still felt the weight of that absence throughout my childhood. It's something that leaves a hole no government can fill. Studies show that children who grow up without their fathers around are more likely to drop out of high school, go to jail, or become teen fathers themselves.
And while no government program can fill the role that fathers play for our children, what we can do is try to support fathers who are willing to step up and fulfill their responsibilities as parents, partners and providers. That's why last year I started a nationwide dialogue on fatherhood to tackle the challenge of father absence head on.

In Chicago, the Department of Health and Human Services held a forum with community leaders, fatherhood experts and everyday dads to discuss the importance of responsible fatherhood support programs. In New Hampshire, Secretary of Education Duncan explored the linkages between father absence and educational attainment in children. In Atlanta, Attorney General Holder spoke with fathers in the criminal justice system about ways local reentry organizations, domestic violence groups and fatherhood programs can join together to support ex-offenders and incarcerated individuals who want to be closer to their families and children.

Now we're taking this to the next level. Tomorrow, I'll make an announcement about the next phase of our efforts to help fathers fulfill their responsibilities as parents -- The President's Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative. You can learn more at http://www.fatherhood.gov/.

This Father's Day -- I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a dad to two wonderful daughters. And I'm thankful for all the wonderful fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and friends who are doing their best to make a difference in the lives of a child.

Happy Father's Day.
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama

When I was a boy my father just up and left.  My mother, who is a truly amazing woman, took up the slack.  She worked two jobs to support us, taught me how to throw a baseball, how to to care for the people around me, and perhaps most important of all how to treat the women in my life with respect and to NEVER objectify them or treat them like they were less than my equal.

She also taught me not to run away from my commitment, not to be afraid to show my softer side, and to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.  In short, my mother taught me how to be the kind of father I never had, but that every child deserves.  I have done my best to live up to her expectations. I am positive that I have fallen short, though my daughter seems to vigorously disagree with that assessment.

Thank you all for the very kind Father's Day wishes I have received.  I was very touched.

And to you dads out there I also want to wish you a happy Father's Day as well. I hope your day is full of barbecues, small home repairs, and at least one game of catch.  You know, "Dad stuff!"