[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 91 (Wednesday, May 13, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22419-22420]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-11314]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 91 / Wednesday, May 13, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

[[Page 22419]]

                Proclamation 8376 of May 8, 2009

                
Mother's Day, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The time-honored tradition of recognizing mothers grew 
                out of the imagination of a few bold women. Julia Ward 
                Howe, composer of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, 
                urged mothers to advocate for peace through a day 
                dedicated to them. After her own mother passed away, 
                Anna Jarvis sought to recognize the great influence 
                mothers have on society. These efforts led to the 
                recognition of mothers through a Congressional 
                Resolution and President Woodrow Wilson's proclamation 
                of the first Mother's Day in 1914. Today, we proudly 
                carry forward this tradition in honor of mothers, the 
                special women whose love and lessons profoundly impact 
                our lives.

                Mothers are the bedrock of the American family--vital 
                to their children's growth and happiness and to the 
                success of our country. Children's lives are shaped by 
                their mothers, whose care provides the foundation for 
                their development. Mothers instill the values and 
                confidence that help define their children's character 
                and self-esteem, and offer a guiding clarity of spirit. 
                Mothers are role models, teachers, and sources of 
                unconditional support. There is no substitute for the 
                bond of love between mother and child, and nothing is 
                more worthy of reverence.

                Across America, mothers raise children under an array 
                of circumstances. They may care for a child with the 
                help of a spouse, family members, and friends, or they 
                may do this job alone as a single parent. They may be 
                biological mothers, adoptive mothers, or foster 
                mothers, but all open their hearts to their children 
                and nurture them through their life journey. Caring for 
                children also means putting food on the table, ensuring 
                their needs are met, and staying involved in their 
                daily lives. Women often work long hours at demanding 
                jobs and then return home to a household with myriad 
                demands. Balancing work and family is no easy task, but 
                mothers across our Nation meet this challenge each day, 
                often without recognition for their hard work and 
                dedication. The strength and conviction of all 
                mothers----including those who work inside and outside 
                the home----are inspiring. They deserve our deepest 
                respect, admiration, and appreciation.

                A mother's love is a cherished blessing, for it is 
                selfless, unconditional, and true. This Mother's Day, 
                let us honor our mothers who continue to inspire us, 
                and remember those whose loving spirits sustain us 
                still.

                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 10, 
                2009, as Mother's Day. I urge all Americans to express 
                their love, respect, and gratitude to mothers 
                everywhere, and I call upon all citizens to observe 
                this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
                activities.

[[Page 22420]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand 
                nine, and of the Independence of the United States of 
                America the two hundred and thirty-third.
                <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT>
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-11314
Filed 5-12-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P