In every culture and time period, the family has stood as the most fundamental human institution. Family is the starting point of life, the sustainer of well-being, and the school of love. A family begins with the joining together of man and woman, husband and wife, becoming father and mother - and parents. The most powerful of human bonds is the parent-child relationship.

Commitment to family has always been a core value. Tragically, however, what was often held as a common value, recognized as common sense, even understood as self-evident in the past, is sometimes not so today.

As our nation struggles with effects of family breakdown, youth violence and a host of other critical problems, more and more voices are calling for a re-examination of our priorities and fundamental values. Too often we have let other concerns take precedence over our responsibilities as parents. Yet is there any more important calling than that of nurturing and raising a child?

Unfortunately, our popular culture over the past several decades has emphasized self-fulfillment and self-gratification. Such focus on the self runs counter to the essence of parenthood, which fundamentally involves unconditional true love.

Parents’ Day provides an opportunity to recognize and promote parenting as a central vocation for our families and communities. More than just a time to celebrate, it is an occasion to make a statement about what is important in our society. It is a chance to create a positive tradition based on a core axiom - that the role of parents is crucial in the nurturing and development of children, and thus requires investment, focus, and commitment.

1.     Couple exemplifies qualities of sacrificial love.

2.     Parents have overcome major obstacles (emotional, physical, financial, etc.) to provide for childrens personal development and happiness.

3.     Couples that exhibits qualities of personal moral virtue and/or religious commitment.

4.     Parents have a noteworthy record of contributions to their family and community.

While recognizing that there are many successful parents in a variety of family arrangements and circumstances, the National Parents’ Day Council strives to lift up the model of the two-parent family. Studies have consistently shown that this family model, having both a father and a mother, provides the best possible foundation for children’s growth, security and lasting happiness. Candidates for National Parents of the Year are therefore happily married couples.

Single parents are honored with the Excellence in Parenting Award.  Special programs are also held on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day for our extraordinary and dedicated single parents.    

H. J. Res. 398
One Hundred and Third Congress
of the
United States of America

AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the twenty-fifth day of January,
one thousand nine hundred and ninety-four
Joint Resolution
Resolved by the Senate and the 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.

SEC. 2 RECOGNITION
All private citizens, organizations, and governmental and legislative bodies at the local, State and Federal level are encouraged to recognize Parents Day through proclamations, activities, and educational efforts in furtherance of recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children.

The resolution, passed unanimously by the House and Senate, was signed by the Speaker of the House, Thomas Foley, and the President pro tempore of the Senate, Robert Byrd. President Clinton approved the resolution on October 14, 1994.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor’s office
July 27, 2003

WHEREAS, Parenting is undoubtedly life’s most important, challenging, and rewarding job. A parent fulfills many roles in their work, including provider, nurturer, doctor, teacher, mentor, role model, cheerleader, and unconditional caregiver; and

WHEREAS, the love of parents is what creates a nurturing, caring, and enriching home. It is concern for their children’s fears, and understanding of their needs, and respect for their ideas that will build a safe environment where their children can grow, explore, and develop into responsible, successful adults; and
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Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell joined with leaders from around the state on Thursday, July 24th to honor outstanding parents as part of the 2003 Parents’ Day Celebration. James Robert and Angela Vaughn of Allentown were named Pennsylvania Parents’ of the Year by the Pennsylvania Parents’ Day Council. Governor Rendell presented the award at the Parents of the Year Awards ceremony and reception, held in the Rotunda of the State Capitol. In addition to the Vaughns, parents from 12 Pennsylvania cities were also recognized for their exemplary commitment to and investment of love in the rearing of their children and their contributions to the community at large.
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