Mother's Day, 2014

Proclamation 9124 of May 9, 2014

Mother's Day, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For over a century, Americans have come together to
celebrate our first friends and mentors, our
inspirations and constant sources of strength. Our
mothers are breadwinners, community leaders, and
pillars of family. They pioneer scientific discoveries,
serve with valor in our Armed Forces, and represent our
Nation in the loftiest halls of Government. Whether
biological, adoptive, or foster, they play a singular
role in our lives. Because they so often put everything
above themselves, on Mother's Day, we put our moms
first.

Through centuries of organizing, marching, and making
their voices heard, mothers have won greater
opportunities than ever before for themselves and their
children. Their victories brought our Nation closer to
realizing a sacred founding principle--that we are all
created equal and each of us deserves the chance to
pursue our own version of happiness.

Today, there are more battles to win. Working mothers
increasingly provide the majority of their family's
income, yet even now, discrimination prevents women
from earning a living equal to their efforts. My
Administration is proud to fight alongside women as
they push to close the gender pay gap, shatter glass
ceilings, and implement workplace policies that do not
force any parent to choose between their jobs and their
kids. Because when women succeed, America succeeds.

By words and example, mothers teach us how to grow and
who to become. They shape lasting habits that can lead
to healthy living and lifelong learning. They
demonstrate what is possible when we work hard and
apply our talents. Without complaint, they give their
best every day so they and their children might achieve
the scope of their dreams. Today, let us once again
extend our gratitude for our mothers' unconditional
love and support--during years past and in the years to
come.

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, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 11,
2014, as Mother's Day. I urge all Americans to express
love and gratitude to mothers everywhere, and I call
upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate
programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand
fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.