[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 94 (Wednesday, May 15, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 28715-28716]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-11757]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 94 / Wednesday, May 15, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 28715]]


                Proclamation 8980 of May 10, 2013

                
Mother's Day, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Today, sons and daughters all across America come 
                together to honor the women who raised them. Whether 
                single or in partnership, foster or adoptive, mothers 
                hold a special place in our hearts. For many of us, 
                they are our first caretakers and our first teachers, 
                imparting the early lessons that guide us growing up. 
                And no matter the challenges we face or the paths we 
                choose, moms are there for their children with hope and 
                love--scraping and sacrificing and doing whatever it 
                takes to give them a bright future.

                That work has often stretched outside the home. In the 
                century since Americans first came together to mark 
                Mother's Day, generations of women have empowered their 
                children with the courage and grit to fight for change. 
                But they have also fought to secure it themselves. 
                Mothers pioneered a path to the vote, from Seneca Falls 
                to the 19th Amendment. They helped write foundational 
                protections into our laws, like freedom from workplace 
                discrimination and access to affordable health care. 
                They shattered ceilings in business and government, on 
                the battlefield and on the court. With every step, they 
                led the way to a more perfect Union, widening the 
                circle of opportunity for our daughters and sons alike.

                That history of striving and success affirms America's 
                promise as a place where all things can be possible for 
                all people. But even now, we have more work to do 
                before that promise is made real for each of us. 
                Workplace inflexibility puts a strain on too many 
                mothers juggling their jobs' needs with those of their 
                kids. Wage inequality still leaves too many families 
                struggling to make ends meet. These problems affect all 
                of us--and just as mothers pour themselves into giving 
                their children the best chance in life, we need to make 
                sure they get the fairness and opportunities they 
                deserve.

                On Mother's Day, we give thanks to proud, caring women 
                from every walk of life. Whether balancing the 
                responsibilities of career and family or taking up the 
                work of sustaining a home, a mother's bond with her 
                child is unwavering; her love, unconditional. Today, we 
                celebrate those blessings, and we renew them for the 
                year to come.

                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 12, 
                2013, as Mother's Day. I urge all Americans to express 
                love and gratitude to mothers everywhere, and I call 
                upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate 
                programs, ceremonies, and activities.

[[Page 28716]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand 
                thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States 
                of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2013-11757
Filed 5-14-13; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F3