[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 19 (Monday, May 12, 2003)]
[Pages 558-559]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7674--Mother's Day, 2003

 May 7, 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

[[Page 559]]

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.
    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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:40 a.m., May 8, 
2003]

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