For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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