[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9444 of May 6, 2016

Mother's Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Mother's Day, we celebrate those who are the first to welcome us into
the world. Performing the most important work there is, mothers--
biological, foster, or adoptive--are our first role models and earliest
motivators. They balance enormous responsibilities and shape who we
become as adults, their lessons guiding us throughout life. Regardless
of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status, mothers have
always moved our Nation forward and remained steadfast in their pursuit
of a better and brighter future for their children.
Caring and loving without condition, even in our darkest moments,
mothers put the interests of their kids ahead of their own. They are
inspiring embodiments of strength and determined drivers of progress,
and through their example, our youth learn the values of grace, empathy,
and kindness. For generations, mothers have led the charge toward a
freer, more inclusive country--embracing the task of ensuring our Nation
upholds its highest ideals so that they, and America's daughters, know
the same opportunities as America's fathers and sons.
Our country's mothers deserve our unwavering support--at home, in the
workplace, and throughout our communities. I am committed to empowering
working mothers so they do not have to choose between caring for their
family and earning their paycheck, and I will continue fighting to
ensure those who choose to become mothers are not financially punished
for doing so. My Administration has pushed to expand child care and
strengthen paid leave, including maternity leave. We will also keep
working to close the gender pay gap--a disparity that is contrary to our
values as Americans, limits the scope of mothers' futures, and affects
those they provide for. And earlier this year, we launched an effort to
help low-income mothers and families afford diapers--a basic necessity
for babies--by bringing together online retailers, diaper manufacturers,
and nonprofits to reduce the high cost of diapers.
Each of us is the son or daughter of a mother. Today, let us pay these
extraordinary women the admiration and respect they deserve. And each
day, let us thank them for all they have done for us, remember those
whose spirits remain with us, and support those who take on the awesome
mantle of motherhood.
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 8, 2016, 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Inde

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pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA