[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 18 (Monday, May 9, 2005)]
[Pages 755-756]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7897--Mother's Day, 2005

 May 5, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On Mother's Day, we pay tribute to the extraordinary women whose 
guidance and unconditional love shape our lives and our future. 
Motherhood often allows little time for rest. As President Theodore 
Roosevelt said of the American mother in 1905, ``Upon her time and 
strength, demands are made not only every hour of the day but often 
every hour of the night.'' President Roosevelt's words ring as true 
today as they did 100 years ago.
    The hard, perpetual work of motherhood shows us that a single soul 
can make a difference in a young person's future. As sources of hope, 
stability, and love, mothers teach young people to honor the values that 
sustain a free society. By raising children to be responsible citizens, 
mothers serve a cause larger than themselves and strengthen communities 
across our great Nation.
    Mothers are tireless advocates for children. In our schools, mothers 
help to ensure that every child reaches his or her full potential. In 
our communities, they set an example by reaching out to those who are 
lost and offering love to those who hurt. A mother's caring presence 
helps children to resist peer pressure, focus on making the right 
choices, and realize their promise and potential.
    In an hour of testing, one person can show the compassion and 
character of a whole country. In supporting their sons and daughters as 
they grow and learn, mothers bring care and hope into others' lives and 
make our Nation a more just, compassionate, and loving place.
    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 to do so.

[[Page 756]]

May God bless mothers across our great land on this special day.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2005, as Mother's Day. I encourage 
all Americans to express their love, appreciation, and admiration to 
mothers for making a difference in the lives of their children, 
families, and communities. 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 fifth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 6, 2005]

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