[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 91 (Wednesday, May 12, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 26875-26876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-11555]


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

[[Page 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.

[[Page 26876]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-11555
Filed 5-11-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P