Rain nor Thunder Stop Proud Dads from Celebrating at Nat'L Responsible Father’s Day Rally on Eve of 100th Anniversary

2009-06-24 20:40:40 - President Obama Supports Rally with Exclusive Fatherhood Video Message at Historic Lincoln Memorial

Washington, DC—Although the weather in our nation’s capital presented many challenges this weekend, the torrential rains could not dampen spirits at the National Rally for Responsible Fatherhood on Behalf of America’s Children, on Saturday, June 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Father’s Day, the National Partnership for Community Leadership (NPCL) in conjunction with 40+

prominent fatherhood organizations nationwide garnered the support of fathers and father figures near and far.

The common message throughout this historic rally was the importance of “father presence.” Being a good father is not determined by one’s financial status, rather quality time spent with your child. With the success of the fatherhood rally event under wraps, NPCL’s CEO and President, Dr. Jeffery M. Johnson stated, “The 100th Year Anniversary of Father’s Day in America marks the end of a centennial, but the beginning of another 100 years focused on strengthening and rebuilding families. I won’t be here for the next 100th year celebration and neither will you, which is why it is so important to instill in our children the principals of responsible parenting.”

In line with his commitment towards “responsible fatherhood” and signature platform during a successful campaign, President Obama endorsed the fatherhood rally with an exclusive father’s day video message especially produced for the occasion. In the President’s own words, “To be a great dad is the most important job in a man’s life, but as you all know, it doesn’t have to be hard. You can play catch, go to a park, or visit a zoo, sit down together for dinner, ask how your child’s day was. Things get busy and sometimes we all fall short including me, but we also know that the smallest moments can have the biggest impact on a child’s life.”

Even though heavy storms and bouts of thundering and lightening caused reason for participants and supporters to seek shelter and park services threatening to pull the plug, the clouds finally gave way to clearing and sunshine lending a testament of perseverance to those who weathered the storm. Among those committed included the Honorable Danny K. Davis (IL), Honorable Eleanor Holms Norton (DC), Honorable Vincent Gray, award winning Journalist Ed Gordon, NFL Pro Bowl NY Jets Running Back Thomas Jones and Father, Grammy Award winning and multi-platinum selling vocal group All 4 One, Native American Indian Drum Ensemble-Buffalo Singers, Colours Youth Dance Group, among others committed to responsible fatherhood initiative.

Carey Casey, CEO of the National Center for Fathering (www.fathers.com) remarked, “It was very exciting and gratifying to see every dad present, step up and make a commitment to their children. We encourage every dad to join us by making their personal commitment on the www.fatherdayrally.com website. We also invite dads to join us by texting the word ‘DADS’ to 32075.”

With heartfelt remarks by NFL Pro Bowl NY Jets Running Back Thomas Jones’ father, Mr. Thomas A. Jones after enduring 20 minutes of inclement weather, he summarized the attributes of fathering perfectly. “It’s really easy to become a father, but it’s harder to be a father because there are two distinct differences: A dad is being the best father you can be, yet not the most popular. But a father is inclusive of all things good incorporating the two, dad + father.”

During the rally, presentations of the esteemed Centennial Fathers Day Awards were given to extraordinary fathers who display positive examples as devoted parents. Recipients included President Barack Obama, Congressman Danny Davis, Georgia Department of Labor, Pastor John Jenkins Sr., Ed Gordon and David Goldman. Although Mr. Goldman—the New Jersey father who is currently fighting for custody of his abducted son—was unable to attend the rally, he graciously sent a letter in acceptance of his absence.

As the work of fatherhood organizations continues to flourish, all due to the diligence and selflessness of Father’s Day founder Sonora Smart Dodd, let’s give homage to all the wonderful fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, brothers, uncles and mentors as they take a stand for their children—Happy Father’s Day each and every day.

The focus of NPCL's work is on building strong families by helping local and community-based agencies develop and implement services that enable parents to be the best they can be. The organization is dedicated to working with both parents to go beyond high school, plan ahead, develop healthy relationships with each other, and provide a safe and secure environment for their children. Creating a strong family foundation for children to grow and develop in reaching their maximum human potential is what NPCL is all about. To discover more, visit www.npclstrongfamilies.com.