Joe Peterangelo, Research Director at the Wisconsin Policy Forum

Please rise if you are able for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Now Anton Carter, Director of Philanthropy at the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation will offer our reflection today.

This Sunday, many people will celebrate Father's Day.

Around the world, fathers are called by different names.

Dad, father, papa, baba, abba.

Different languages, different cultures, different stories.

Yet the role is remarkably similar to encourage and protect, to teach and to listen, and sometimes to simply show up.

Now, if you've heard me give an invocation before, you're probably waiting on a hip hop lyric.

Today, there isn't one because some lessons are so universal that they don't need a soundtrack.

No matter what we call them, fathers and father figures often leave us with the same things, lessons, stories.

habits, and sometimes a voice in our head reminding us what to do.

Today, let's celebrate the fathers and father figures who helped shape our lives.

Let's recognize that each of us has the opportunity to do the same for others.

Because regardless of what language we speak, the gift of guidance is understood by everyone.

Happy Father's Day.

Thank you, Antoine, for that reflection.