    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8517--MAY 7, 2010

    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 oppor-

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    tunity 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.
    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.
    BARACK OBAMA