Mother's Day, 2013

Proclamation 8980 of May 10, 2013

Mother's Day, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Today, sons and daughters all across America come
together to honor the women who raised them. Whether
single or in partnership, foster or adoptive, mothers
hold a special place in our hearts. For many of us,
they are our first caretakers and our first teachers,
imparting the early lessons that guide us growing up.
And no matter the challenges we face or the paths we
choose, moms are there for their children with hope and
love--scraping and sacrificing and doing whatever it
takes to give them a bright future.

That work has often stretched outside the home. In the
century since Americans first came together to mark
Mother's Day, generations of women have empowered their
children with the courage and grit to fight for change.
But they have also fought to secure it themselves.
Mothers pioneered a path to the vote, from Seneca Falls
to the 19th Amendment. They helped write foundational
protections into our laws, like freedom from workplace
discrimination and access to affordable health care.
They shattered ceilings in business and government, on
the battlefield and on the court. With every step, they
led the way to a more perfect Union, widening the
circle of opportunity for our daughters and sons alike.

That history of striving and success affirms America's
promise as a place where all things can be possible for
all people. But even now, we have more work to do
before that promise is made real for each of us.
Workplace inflexibility puts a strain on too many
mothers juggling their jobs' needs with those of their
kids. Wage inequality still leaves too many families
struggling to make ends meet. These problems affect all
of us--and just as mothers pour themselves into giving
their children the best chance in life, we need to make
sure they get the fairness and opportunities they
deserve.

On Mother's Day, we give thanks to proud, caring women
from every walk of life. Whether balancing the
responsibilities of career and family or taking up the
work of sustaining a home, a mother's bond with her
child is unwavering; her love, unconditional. Today, we
celebrate those blessings, and we renew them for the
year to come.

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 12,
2013, as Mother's Day. I urge all Americans to express
love 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
tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand
thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.