It is a day when fathers are remembered, honoured, and celebrated. But what does it mean to be a father?
For generations, being a father also meant being a breadwinner, provider, and protector of the family. Today’s father is still expected to be that breadwinner, that protector, but unlike generations before, he is also expected to be more physically and emotionally present with his children and family.
There is without a doubt a paternal instinct just like the maternal one spoken of all the time. Fatherhood means being there for your children and having that special privilege to be the one to teach them, by word and example, the positive values of life that will help them become better human beings and outstanding citizens.
I know that there are many out there who have not known the love of a father, or even the presence of a father, and my heart goes out to all of you. I also know that where fathers are absent there are father figures who take on that role and care for others just as if they were his own.
There is without a doubt a paternal instinct just like the maternal one spoken of all the time. Fatherhood means being there for your children and having that special privilege to be the one to teach them, by word and example, the positive values of life that will help them become better human beings and outstanding citizens.
I know that there are many out there who have not known the love of a father, or even the presence of a father, and my heart goes out to all of you. I also know that where fathers are absent there are father figures who take on that role and care for others just as if they were his own.
I want to recognize these courageous, caring, and loving “fathers” for their outpouring of love and commitment, for stepping up and making the lives of many of our nation’s sons and daughters more meaningful, to bring them hope and, most of all, to bring them love.
Pope John XXIII once said: “It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.”
Father’s Day provides an opportunity for you, fathers, to engage in deep reflection on your role and responsibilities in order to identify shortcomings and to rededicate yourselves to family life.
To be a real father means taking your responsibilities seriously and always doing the best that you can do for your children. There will always be challenges but with a strength of character that only a true father can muster, there is nothing that cannot be overcome.
I applaud the single fathers who day in and day out work extremely hard to care for their children – to put food on the table and to ensure that their children get a proper education.
I congratulate and admire all fathers who sacrifice so much in order that their children can have food, shelter, and clothing. I thank fathers for teaching their children what is right from wrong and ensuring as best as they can that their children always do the right thing. These fathers are indeed some of the unsung heroes of our nation.
On this occasion of Father’s Day 2013, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend my best wishes to all fathers, and father figures, of our beloved nation of Trinidad and Tobago.
Pope John XXIII once said: “It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.”
Father’s Day provides an opportunity for you, fathers, to engage in deep reflection on your role and responsibilities in order to identify shortcomings and to rededicate yourselves to family life.
To be a real father means taking your responsibilities seriously and always doing the best that you can do for your children. There will always be challenges but with a strength of character that only a true father can muster, there is nothing that cannot be overcome.
I applaud the single fathers who day in and day out work extremely hard to care for their children – to put food on the table and to ensure that their children get a proper education.
I congratulate and admire all fathers who sacrifice so much in order that their children can have food, shelter, and clothing. I thank fathers for teaching their children what is right from wrong and ensuring as best as they can that their children always do the right thing. These fathers are indeed some of the unsung heroes of our nation.
On this occasion of Father’s Day 2013, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend my best wishes to all fathers, and father figures, of our beloved nation of Trinidad and Tobago.
I thank you for your dedication and devotion to your children and families and I wish for you a very Happy Father’s Day.
God bless you.
God bless you.
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