Katie Couric's Notebook: Father's Day

It is estimated that 24,000,000 American children are growing up without their fathers.

It's a very personal issue for Barack Obama. So, the president and first father spent most of Friday afternoon talking about the importance of dads. He took part in three separate events designed to focus attention on fathers and the vital roles they play in their children's lives.

Mr. Obama knows what it's like to grow up without a father. His left when he was only two years old, and he understands these children run a higher risk of falling into lives of poverty and crime and becoming parents themselves while still teenagers.

Of course, the vast majority of fathers are there for their kids, and we don't always give them as much attention as we'd like. So, dads, if you haven't done it lately, put aside what you're doing and toss around a ball with the kids this weekend or perhaps take them for a walk. From one dad to another, have a very happy Father's Day.

I'm Russ Mitchell. CBS News.