[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 67 (Thursday, May 6, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING MOTHERS AND MOTHER'S DAY

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                               speech of

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2010

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the 
actions of the House of Representatives in recognizing the role of 
mothers. I strongly support H. Res. 1295, which recognizes the 
significant contributions of mothers in building strong families and 
communities across the nation.
  Madam Speaker, as we quickly approach Mothers Day this Sunday, let us 
recognize the tireless efforts and contributions to society, the 
personal sacrifices made, and the wise guidance that mothers provide 
everyday. The creation of Anna Jarvis, first observed on May 10, 1908, 
Mothers Day serves as a day of remembrance and reflection on the 
unyielding love and affection that mothers provide, reminding us that 
no matter the distance between mother and child, the maternal bond can 
never be broken.
  Madam Speaker, Harry Truman once said ``no one in the world can take 
the place of your mother. Right or wrong, from her viewpoint you are 
always right. She may scold you for little things, but never for the 
big ones.'' Mothers play a central role in the development of our 
children, raising them with values and morals, inspiring and 
encouraging them to reach for their dreams. No one among us would be 
where we are without the influence and encouragement of our mothers. 
Although there is no salary or compensation for the efforts of mothers, 
their words, actions, wisdom, and love are priceless.
  One of my favorite quotes about mothers states ``Most of all the 
other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes, by dozens and 
hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and 
sisters, aunts and cousins, comrades and friends--but only one mother 
in the whole world.''
  I would also like to take a chance to recognize two of the mothers in 
my life, my mother, Mrs. Christine Callier, the woman who shaped every 
facet of my being as a child, and my wife Mereda, who is the light of 
my life. I am blessed to have two beautiful, strong and intelligent 
women to walk through life with.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution which celebrates 
the most important profession in the world: motherhood.

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