[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8376--MAY 8, 2009

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

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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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA