Fittingly, Father’s Day 2009 falls 24 hours after solstice, when the days have the most sunlight.
   After all, some dads cast really long shadows.
   But the sun never sets on being a dad, and the most basic, yet complex, task before any father, or mother, is the constant process of getting to know their child.

“It is a wise father that knows his own child,” Shakespeare wrote.

A tough enough thing to do for a parent with a partner; tougher yet for single parents — but they should know they are not alone.

President Barack Obama, whose father left when Barack was 2, has expressed his understanding of these dynamics, in his Father’s Day proclamation issued Thursday. In it, the president wrote:

“On Father’s Day, we pay tribute to the loving and caring fathers who are strengthening their families and country.

We also honor those surrogate fathers who raise, mentor, or care for someone else’s child. Thousands of young children benefit from the influence of great men, and we salute their willingness to give and continue giving.

We also express special gratitude to fathers who serve in the United States Armed Forces for the sacrifices they and their families make every day. All of these individuals are making great contributions, and children across the country are better off for their care.”

The president notes that “Honest and hard-working fathers are an irreplaceable influence upon their children.” He urges communities to do more to counsel fathers and to support men as they take on the challenges of child-rearing.

“Through honest and open dialogue, more men can choose to become model parents and know the wonders of fatherhood,” states the president.

The shadows may be long, but so is the responsibility of parenthood. This Father’s Day, celebrate the accomplishments of fathers, be it your own or ones you know who by their actions have shown they understand the wonders of being a parent.