In a culture in which marriage, parenting, and nurture of children is tougher than ever, parents who stick with it should be honored. That’s the idea of National Parents’ Day, a federal observance that celebrated its 20th anniversary this year on Sun., July 27.
Outstanding parents whose nurturing skills are admired by many were honored and included Charlie and Francine Neff of Oakhurst, who were were finalists for the National Parents of the Year for 2014. They have two children, and as a film producer, Fran Neff promotes strong families and healthy, loving marriages.
In 1994, by a joint resolution of Congress, the Fourth Sunday of July was established as “Parents’ Day”. The resolution was signed by President Bill Clinton, making Parents’ Day a recurring day of commemoration. For twenty years, churches, and community groups across the country have held annual activities designed to celebrate and strengthen families and to honor outstanding parents in their communities.
Parents selected for recognition have demonstrated the following: 1. sacrificial love; 2. overcoming emotional, physical and financial obstacles to provide for the development and happiness of their children; 3. qualities of personal moral virtue and/or religious commitment and 4. a noteworthy record of contributions to the family and community.
The 2014 National Parents of the Year were selected from nominations from across the country.
Rev. Willie Weston and Mrs. Sherion Weston of Chicago were selected by the National Selection Committee as the National Parents of the Year for 2014. The Weston’s have been married for 49 years, and have three biological children. In addition they have four adopted, mentally fragile children.
