Mother's Day, 1996

Proclamation 6893 of May 7, 1996

Mother's Day, 1996

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's mothers hold a special place in our hearts,
providing the lessons and care that have enabled
generations of children to embrace the opportunities of
this great land. They embody the compassion, devotion,
and energy that have always defined our national
character, and their daily efforts anchor our country's
commitment to the fundamental values of respect and
tolerance. Mothers impart both the strength that
enables us to face our challenges and the love that
comforts and sustains us.

As we honor our Nation's mothers for past and present
accomplishments, we recognize that mothers' roles have
changed significantly in recent years. Today, mothers
are CEOs and teachers, physicians and nurses, elected
officials and PTA presidents, police officers and
volunteers, homemakers and heads of households. Many
serve on the front lines of the struggle against
violence and poverty. These women--problem-solvers,
caregivers, and teachers--are using their talents in
every sector of our society, helping all Americans to
look forward with hope and faith in the future.

Mother's Day has long been a welcome opportunity to
celebrate motherhood and to remember our mothers--
whether biological, foster, or adoptive. To reflect on
all we have gained from our mothers' guidance and to
remember their sacrifices, 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, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 12,
1996, as Mother's Day. I urge all Americans to express
their gratitude for the many contributions made by our
mothers and to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.