Mother's Day, 2010

Proclamation 8517 of May 7, 2010

Mother's Day, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Generations of mothers have labored tirelessly and
selflessly to support and guide their children and
families. Their loving, devoted efforts have broadened
horizons for their children and opened doors of
opportunity for our Nation's daughters and
granddaughters. On Mother's Day, we pay tribute to
these women who have given so much of themselves to
lift up our children and shape America's character.

Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the words for the song The
Battle Hymn of the Republic, led early efforts to
establish a day honoring the influence of mothers on
our lives and communities. In the ensuing decades, many
Americans rallied to support this cause, including Anna
Jarvis. After the loss of her own mother, Anna helped
spur the nationwide institution of Mother's Day we
celebrate each year.

From our first moments in this world and throughout our
lives, our mothers protect us from harm, nurture our
spirits, and encourage us to reach for our highest
aspirations. Through their unwavering commitment, they
have driven and inspired countless acts of leadership,
compassion, and service across our country. Many
mothers have struggled to raise children while pursuing
their careers, or as single parents working to provide
for their families. They have carried the torch of
trailblazers past, leading by powerful example and
overcoming obstacles so their sons and daughters could
reach their fullest potential.

Whether adoptive, biological, or foster, mothers share
an unbreakable bond with their children, and Americans
of all ages and backgrounds owe them an immeasurable
debt. Nurturing families come in many forms, and
children may be raised by two parents, a single mother,
two mothers, a step-mom, a grandmother, or a guardian.
Mother's Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate these
extraordinary caretakers, mentors, and providers who
have made us who we are. As we honor today's mothers,
we also reflect upon the memory of those who have
passed, and we renew our commitment to living the
values they cultivated in us.

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 9,
2010, as Mother's Day. Let us express our deepest love
and thanks to our mothers and remember those who,
though no longer with us, inspire us still.

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