Mother's Day, 2007

Proclamation 8140 of May 7, 2007

Mother's Day, 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, 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.