    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7674 of May 7, 2003

    Mother's Day, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    On Mother's Day, we honor the dedicated and caring women who are devoted
    to their families and committed to improving the world their children
    will inherit. Our first President, George Washington, said that his
    mother was ``the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my
    mother.'' America owes much of its goodness and strength to mothers,
    including adoptive mothers, stepmothers, and foster mothers.
    Mother's Day began as a day of love and friendship, designed to help
    heal families divided across battle lines during the Civil War. In 1914,
    President Woodrow Wilson signed a resolution officially establishing
    Mother's Day to honor the role of women in the family. On Mother's Day,
    2003, we carry on the tradition by recognizing our mothers for their
    strength and compassion. We also recognize them for showing
    unconditional love and teaching positive values.

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    117 STAT. 3040

    Mothers nurture a child's physical and emotional growth, nurse illness,
    ease failure, and cheer success. They instill important values in
    children and help provide the tools they need to make the right choices
    and grow up to be responsible, compassionate, and successful members of
    society.
    As we honor our mothers on this special day, we celebrate their
    contributions to the character of our next generation of leaders. And we
    remember the lessons our mothers have taught us: That it is better to
    give than to receive, that we must love our neighbors as ourselves, and
    that service to others brings joy.
    The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 8, 1914, as amended (38
    Stat. 770), has designated the second Sunday in May each year as
    ``Mother's Day'' and has requested the President to call for its
    appropriate observance. It is my honor and privilege to do so again.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim May 11, 2003, as Mother's Day. I encourage
    all Americans to express their love, respect, and appreciation to
    mothers everywhere for their contributions to their children, families,
    communities, and our Nation. I also call upon citizens to observe this
    day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May,
    in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of
    the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
    GEORGE W. BUSH