Father's Day

John Hanlon | June 21, 2009 7:42 PM

Today there are numerous tributes out there of people celebrating their father's role in their lives for Father's Day. The irreplaceable Meet the Press host Tim Russert celebrated fathers everythere in two books on the subject. In his book about his relationship with his own father, entitled "

Big Russ and Me- Fathers and Son: Lessons of Life," he wrote about the importance of fathers in our society. Concluding the introduction of his book, he wrote "I hope this book will encourage readers to think about the things they learned from their fathers. Whatever we achieve and whoever we are, we stand on their shoulders."

Russert was absolutely correct on that point. President Barack Obama, whose policies I often disagree with, had an excellent article in Parade today discussing fatherhood. He wrote the following: " I observe this Father’s Day not just as a father grateful to be present in my daughters’ lives but also as a son who grew up without a father in my own life." Noting the importance of fathers in our society, he later wrote that "[A]s fathers, we need to be involved in our children’s lives not just when it’s convenient or easy, and not just when they’re doing well—but when it’s difficult and thankless, and they’re struggling. That is when they need us most."

I hope that fathers out there are listening to the messages of Russert and President Obama and teaching and inspiring their children each and every day. I know that I consider myself lucky and blessed because of my father's role in my life. He has inspired and encouraged me throughout my life and I am grateful for that.

With that in mind, happy father's day to all of the fathers out there who fight for their children's well-being and who teach and inspire their children each day. Today is a day for us to celebrate you.