Mother's Day, 2009

Proclamation 8376 of May 8, 2009

Mother's Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The time-honored tradition of recognizing mothers grew
out of the imagination of a few bold women. Julia Ward
Howe, composer of The Battle Hymn of the Republic,
urged mothers to advocate for peace through a day
dedicated to them. After her own mother passed away,
Anna Jarvis sought to recognize the great influence
mothers have on society. These efforts led to the
recognition of mothers through a Congressional
Resolution and President Woodrow Wilson's proclamation
of the first Mother's Day in 1914. Today, we proudly
carry forward this tradition in honor of mothers, the
special women whose love and lessons profoundly impact
our lives.

Mothers are the bedrock of the American family--vital
to their children's growth and happiness and to the
success of our country. Children's lives are shaped by
their mothers, whose care provides the foundation for
their development. Mothers instill the values and
confidence that help define their children's character
and self-esteem, and offer a guiding clarity of spirit.
Mothers are role models, teachers, and sources of
unconditional support. There is no substitute for the
bond of love between mother and child, and nothing is
more worthy of reverence.

Across America, mothers raise children under an array
of circumstances. They may care for a child with the
help of a spouse, family members, and friends, or they
may do this job alone as a single parent. They may be
biological mothers, adoptive mothers, or foster
mothers, but all open their hearts to their children
and nurture them through their life journey. Caring for
children also means putting food on the table, ensuring
their needs are met, and staying involved in their
daily lives. Women often work long hours at demanding
jobs and then return home to a household with myriad
demands. Balancing work and family is no easy task, but
mothers across our Nation meet this challenge each day,
often without recognition for their hard work and
dedication. The strength and conviction of all
mothers----including those who work inside and outside
the home----are inspiring. They deserve our deepest
respect, admiration, and appreciation.

A mother's love is a cherished blessing, for it is
selfless, unconditional, and true. This Mother's Day,
let us honor our mothers who continue to inspire us,
and remember those whose loving spirits sustain us
still.

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 10,
2009, as Mother's Day. I urge all Americans to express
their love, respect, 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
eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand
nine, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and thirty-third.