Page 18 - IAV Digital Magazine #574

iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine
Parents are the greatest gift of nature we have. There is nothing that comes close to taking their place in our lives. The role of parents is integral in the development of a child’s life. The aim of National
Parents’ Day is to promote responsi- ble parenting and encourage positive reinforcement by parents for children.
It goes the other way as well, as the day also celebrates the sacrifices of parents and the unparalleled bond of love between parents and their children.
President Bill Clinton established the holiday in 1994 by signing the Congressional Resolution that approved National Parents’ Day by law. Republican Senator Trent Lott introduced the law, with the aim of “...uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children.”
It makes sense that National Parents’ Day is celebrated in July, seeing as how Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day cele- brations fall in the months of May and June. National Parents’ Day is observed on the fourth Sunday of July every year, with participation
from citizens, edu- cational institutions, federal- and local governments, legislative bodies, and organizations. Activities and events take place to recognize, uplift, and support the role of parents in raising their children.
The Parents’ Day Council essentially promotes the holi- day through cere- monies. An example is the Parents of the Year award, which honors those who set an outstanding standard for positive parenthood at local, state, and national levels.
Just like Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day, Parents’ Day is another time of the
year when cards, presents, flowers, food
hampers, and cakes are gifted to parents or other people who serve as parental figures in our lives. A
popular tradition is to have family dinners or lunches.
Special announce- ments are made locally for exemplary parental figures at church services and com- munity events. A recent addition to the annual traditions for National Parents’ Day is the hosting of rallies and proclamations, which involve organizations like the United Civil Rights Councils of America.
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine