Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 91 / Wednesday, May 12, 2010 / Presidential Documents 26875 

Proclamation 8517 of May 7, 2010 

Mother’s Day, 2010 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Generations of mothers have labored tirelessly and selflessly to support 

and guide their children and families. Their loving, devoted efforts have 

broadened horizons for their children and opened doors of opportunity 

for our Nation’s daughters and granddaughters. On Mother’s Day, we pay 

tribute to these women who have given so much of themselves to lift 

up our children and shape America’s character. 

Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the words for the song The Battle Hymn 

of the Republic, led early efforts to establish a day honoring the influence 

of mothers on our lives and communities. In the ensuing decades, many 

Americans rallied to support this cause, including Anna Jarvis. After the 

loss of her own mother, Anna helped spur the nationwide institution of 

Mother’s Day we celebrate each year. 

From our first moments in this world and throughout our lives, our mothers 

protect us from harm, nurture our spirits, and encourage us to reach for 

our highest aspirations. Through their unwavering commitment, they have 

driven and inspired countless acts of leadership, compassion, and service 

across our country. Many mothers have struggled to raise children while 

pursuing their careers, or as single parents working to provide for their 

families. They have carried the torch of trailblazers past, leading by powerful 

example and overcoming obstacles so their sons and daughters could reach 

their fullest potential. 

Whether adoptive, biological, or foster, mothers share an unbreakable bond 

with their children, and Americans of all ages and backgrounds owe them 

an immeasurable debt. Nurturing families come in many forms, and children 

may be raised by two parents, a single mother, two mothers, a step-mom, 

a grandmother, or a guardian. Mother’s Day gives us an opportunity to 

celebrate these extraordinary caretakers, mentors, and providers who have 

made us who we are. As we honor today’s mothers, we also reflect upon 

the memory of those who have passed, and we renew our commitment 

to living the values they cultivated in us. 

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 8, 1914 (38 Stat. 770), 

has designated the second Sunday in May each year as ‘‘Mother’s Day’’ 

and requested the President to call for its appropriate observance. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2010, as Mother’s Day. Let us 

express our deepest love and thanks to our mothers and remember those 

who, though no longer with us, inspire us still. 

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26876 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 91 / Wednesday, May 12, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day 

of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence 

of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–11555 

Filed 5–11–10; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3195–W0–P 


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