Mother's Day, 2003

Proclamation 7674 of May 7, 2003

Mother's Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Mother's Day, we honor the dedicated and caring
women who are devoted to their families and committed
to improving the world their children will inherit. Our
first President, George Washington, said that his
mother was ``the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I
am I owe to my mother.'' America owes much of its
goodness and strength to mothers, including adoptive
mothers, stepmothers, and foster mothers.

Mother's Day began as a day of love and friendship,
designed to help heal families divided across battle
lines during the Civil War. In 1914, President Woodrow
Wilson signed a resolution officially establishing
Mother's Day to honor the role of women in the family.
On Mother's Day, 2003, we carry on the tradition by
recognizing our mothers for their strength and
compassion. We also recognize them for showing
unconditional love and teaching positive values.

Mothers nurture a child's physical and emotional
growth, nurse illness, ease failure, and cheer success.
They instill important values in children and help
provide the tools they need to make the right choices
and grow up to be responsible, compassionate, and
successful members of society.

As we honor our mothers on this special day, we
celebrate their contributions to the character of our
next generation of leaders. And we remember the lessons
our mothers have taught us: That it is better to give
than to receive, that we must love our neighbors as
ourselves, and that service to others brings joy.

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. It is my honor and privilege to do so
again.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 11,
2003, as Mother's Day. I encourage all Americans to
express their love, respect, and appreciation to
mothers everywhere for their contributions to their
children, families, communities, and our Nation. I also
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 three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B