[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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.

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117 STAT. 3040

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