[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 19 (Monday, May 14, 2007)]
[Pages 590-591]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8140--Mother's Day, 2007

 May 7, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Motherhood is one of the most cherished and valued roles in our 
society. On Mother's Day, we pay tribute to these dedicated women who 
give unconditional love and guidance to their children.
    A mother's work requires extraordinary patience and compassion, and 
her example influences the formation of young lives. President Gerald 
Ford wrote that ``there is no undertaking more challenging, no 
responsibility more awesome, than that of being a mother.'' Mothers make 
great sacrifices and serve as caregivers and role models to help their 
children embrace dreams and aspirations. From these remarkable women, 
children learn character and values, the importance of giving back to 
their communities, and the courage to realize their potential. Mothers 
of military personnel provide support and encouragement while their sons 
and daughters defend our freedom in places far from home, and many 
mothers bring honor to the uniform of the United States while working to 
lay the foundations of peace for generations to come.
    The bond between mothers and their children is one defined by love. 
As a mother's prayers for her children are unending, so are the wisdom, 
grace, and strength they provide to their children. On Mother's Day, we 
are reminded of the great debt we owe to our Nation's mothers for their 
love and devotion to their sacred duty.
    To honor mothers, 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. Throughout the year, and especially 
on this day, America's sons and daughters honor our mothers and 
celebrate their selfless gift of love.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America,

[[Page 591]]

do hereby proclaim May 13, 2007, as Mother's Day. I encourage all 
Americans to show their gratitude and love to mothers for making a 
difference in the lives of their children, families, and communities. I 
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 seven, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:51 a.m., May 9, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 10.