[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 19 (Monday, May 12, 1997)]
[Pages 671-672]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6999--Mother's Day, 1997

May 7, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    As we prepare to enter the 21st century, in the midst of a rapidly 
changing world, one thing remains constant--the unconditional love 
between a mother and her child. This love provides us with a cornerstone 
and sanctuary throughout our entire lives. Mothers nurture, challenge, 
and instill strong values in their children, find solutions, arbitrate 
disputes, organize activities, care and teach, influence and lead, give, 
share, and encourage. Their abiding moral principles shape our families, 
our communities, and our national life.
    Today, mothers face many different challenges--from balancing the 
responsibilities of home and work, to raising families on their own--
while contending with the often

[[Page 672]]

daunting challenges of modern society. They do this all while meeting 
the day-to-day responsibilities of class projects, car payments, and the 
flu season. And yet, they succeed, determined to protect what is so 
precious to them and to make brighter futures for themselves, their 
children, and their Nation.

    Each year we welcome the opportunity to set aside a day to 
acknowledge all that our mothers--whether biological, adoptive, or 
foster--have given us. It is a time to reflect on all we have gained 
from their guidance, care, and sacrifice and a time to openly express 
our gratitude and love. 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, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim May 11, 1997, as Mother's Day. 
Whether we are able to share this special day with our mothers or are 
blessed with memories of them, in our hearts they are with us always. I 
urge all Americans to express their love and respect for their mothers 
and to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 
programs.

    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of 
May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-first.

                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 8, 1997]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 9.