MAYOR GRAY Salutes FATHERS for Their Strength, Sacrifice and Inspiration

(Washington, DC) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray today released the following Father's Day message:

Today we honor and thank fathers for the critical ways they protect and provide for their families and contribute to the stability and safety of our communities. Fathers add strength and make sacrifices that sustain their families. Fathers are leaders and advocates, volunteers and mentors, scout leaders and sports coaches who serve to promote the common good.

When fathers are absent, too many families struggle with problems that leave them weaker. But when fathers are involved, children become better students, achieve higher rates of graduation and are at lower risk of criminal behavior.

We cannot ignore nor discount how critical every man is to his family.  Beyond the role as fathers or contributors to our communities, they provide an example of achievement that inspires the next generation to reach for higher horizons. When fathers remember their responsibility, we create a legacy for the future.  So on this Father's Day, I applaud the dads of the District of Columbia--and surrogates who stand-in for them--who are creating a proud legacy for their children, their families and their communities.

Happy Father's Day!