Mother's Day, 1997

Proclamation 6999 of May 7, 1997

Mother's Day, 1997

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As we prepare to enter the 21st century, in the midst
of a rapidly changing world, one thing remains
constant--the unconditional love between a mother and
her child. This love provides us with a cornerstone and
sanctuary throughout our entire lives. Mothers nurture,
challenge, and instill strong values in their children,
find solutions, arbitrate disputes, organize
activities, care and teach, influence and lead, give,
share, and encourage. Their abiding moral principles
shape our families, our communities, and our national
life.

Today, mothers face many different challenges--from
balancing the responsibilities of home and work, to
raising families on their own--while contending with
the often daunting challenges of modern society. They
do this all while meeting the day-to-day
responsibilities of class projects, car payments, and
the flu season. And yet, they succeed, determined to
protect what is so precious to them and to make
brighter futures for themselves, their children, and
their Nation.

Each year we welcome the opportunity to set aside a day
to acknowledge all that our mothers--whether
biological, adoptive, or foster--have given us. It is a
time to reflect on all we have gained from their
guidance, care, and sacrifice and a time to openly
express our gratitude and love. 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
11, 1997, as Mother's Day. Whether we are able to share
this special day with our mothers or are blessed with
memories of them, in our hearts they are with us
always. I urge all Americans to express their love and
respect for their 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-seven, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-first.