Mother's Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
On Mother's Day, we pay tribute to the extraordinary women whose
guidance and unconditional love shape our lives and our future.
Motherhood often allows little time for rest. As President Theodore
Roosevelt said of the American mother in 1905, "Upon her time and
strength, demands are made not only every hour of the day but often
every hour of the night." President Roosevelt's words ring as true today
as they did 100 years ago.
The hard, perpetual work of motherhood shows us that a single soul
can make a difference in a young person's future. As sources of hope,
stability, and love, mothers teach young people to honor the values that
sustain a free society. By raising children to be responsible citizens,
mothers serve a cause larger than themselves and strengthen communities
across our great Nation.
Mothers are tireless advocates for children. In our schools, mothers
help to ensure that every child reaches his or her full potential. In
our communities, they set an example by reaching out to those who are
lost and offering love to those who hurt. A mother's caring presence
helps children to resist peer pressure, focus on making the right
choices, and realize their promise and potential.
In an hour of testing, one person can show the compassion and
character of a whole country. In supporting their sons and daughters as
they grow and learn, mothers bring care and hope into others' lives and
make our Nation a more just, compassionate, and loving place.
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 to do so. May God bless mothers
across our great land on this special day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2005, as Mother's Day. I encourage
all Americans to express their love, appreciation, and admiration to
mothers for making a difference in the lives of their children,
families, and communities. 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 fifth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #