Mother’s Day, 1992 – George H. Bush

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

When we Americans observed a National Day of Prayer earlier this week, we not only gave thanks for our many blessings but also prayed for the renewal of our Nation’s moral heritage, beginning with that most precious and important of institutions: the family. It seems fitting, therefore, that we observe Mother’s Day while those prayers still echo in our thoughts. A mother is the heart of the family and the light of the home, and the love and values that she imparts to her children profoundly influence the character of our communities and country.

“All that I am,” said John Quincy Adams, “my mother made me.” Who of us could not say likewise? A mother is her child’s first and most influential teacher, and the lessons that one learns through her love and example last a lifetime. Ranging from simple lessons about courtesy and kindness to poignant lessons about duty, honor, patience, and forgiveness, they guide us even as we rear children of our own. Indeed, the older we become, the more deeply we appreciate our mother’s wisdom — as well as the many worries and sacrifices that she has endured for our sake.

Today, as we honor all women who, by virtue of giving birth or through marriage or adoption, are mothers, we remember especially those who — despite even the most difficult social and economic circumstances — help their children to grow in love of God and neighbor and in understanding of the difference between right and wrong. Through their faith and courage, and through the unconditional love and acceptance that are the mark of motherhood, these women give their children hope, self-esteem, and direction. In so doing, they give them keys to a brighter future.

In grateful recognition of the contributions that mothers everywhere make to their families and to the Nation, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 8, 1914 (38 Stat. 771), 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, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim that Sunday, May 10, 1992, be observed as Mother’s Day. I urge all Americans to express their love and respect for their mothers on this day; to reflect on the importance of motherhood to our families and Nation; and to ask for God’s blessing upon each. I also direct Federal officials to display the flag of the United States on all Federal buildings, and I encourage all citizens to display the flag at their homes and other suitable places on that day.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixteenth.

George Bush

Mother’s Day, 1991 – George H. Bush

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

The beloved American humorist, Will Rogers, once said, “Mothers are the only race of people that speak the same tongue. A mother in Manchuria could converse with a mother in Nebraska and never miss a word.” It was a remark made with the wry, good-natured wit that was Rogers’ trademark. Yet beneath his lighthearted humor was a telling observation about human nature — and about the nature of motherhood in particular.

The language of motherhood is indeed universal. It is the language of unconditional love, spoken throughout history by mothers of every race and every walk of life. Expressed most often through acts of selflessness and generosity, that great love can be read in a mother’s eyes, which reveal untold depths of tenderness, worry, and pride in her children. It can be heard in her voice as she soothes a crying infant, as she gives instruction and encouragement to an older child, and as she inquires about the well-being of the young adult who has ventured out on his or her own. Most of all, that great love is communicated by example.

In the silent language of motherhood, any two mothers may offer each other empathy and reassurance just by exchanging a knowing glance or smile. Yet while the language of motherhood is universal, it is also profoundly intimate, as personal and mysterious as the bond between a woman and the child she has carried in her womb. We seldom understand the depth of a parent’s love until we have youngsters of our own — then our mother’s lessons and example speak to us with renewed clarity and meaning. Indeed, her words often echo in our hearts as we rear our own children and experience for ourselves the singular joys, frustrations, and concerns that have always been a part of parenting. As we advance in years, we also begin to recognize the extent of our mother’s influence upon our character and conduct; reflecting on her many gifts to us — from her firm moral guidance and discipline to her patience and forgiveness — we begin to comprehend the truth that led Abraham Lincoln to declare: “No man is poor who has had a godly mother.”

With love of untold strength, mothers nourish and enrich the lives of their children and fortify the tender bonds of family life. In so doing, they also strengthen our communities and Nation. Thus, on this occasion, we gratefully honor all those women who, by virtue of giving birth or through adoption or marriage, are mothers.

On this day especially and on every day of the year, let us convey through word and deed our love for our mothers and our appreciation for all that they have given us. Whether we share those heartfelt sentiments in person, across the miles, or through loving memory, we cannot say too often: “Thanks, Mom, for everything.”

In grateful recognition of the contributions that mothers make to their families and to the Nation, 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, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim that Sunday, May 12, 1991, be observed as Mother’s Day. I urge all Americans to express their love and respect for their mothers on this day; to reflect upon the importance of motherhood to our families and Nation; and to ask for God’s blessing upon both. I also direct Federal officials to display the flag of the United States on all Federal buildings, and I encourage all citizens to display the flag at their homes and other suitable places on that day.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 23 day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth.

George Bush

Mother’s Day, 1990 – George H. Bush

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

For more than three-quarters of a century, we Americans have celebrated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. On this day, we pause to honor all those women who, by virtue of giving birth, or through marriage or adoption, are mothers.

::The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom,” Henry Ward Beecher once wrote. Indeed, from his or her mother a child learns important lessons about love and loyalty, patience and generosity, personal responsibility, and respect for others. Because we remember these lessons for a lifetime, and because we carry them with us as members of a larger community, our mothers help to shape the character of our Nation.

A mother is not only her little one’s first teacher, but also their first and greatest friend. Her name is often the first word a child utters; her voice is one of the sweetest sounds a child knows.

For some of us, childhood is now a precious memory, but our mothers continue to be as dear to us — perhaps ever more so, as we become more profoundly aware of the many gifts they have given us over the years. The depth of a mother’s devotion, demonstrated time and again in acts of tenderness and sacrifice, is unfathomable. Always faithful to her children, always willing to offer them reassurance and forgiveness, a mother provides a glimpse of the Divine Love that gives every human life dignity and meaning. This may well be our mother’s greatest gift to us.

Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the beginning of our Nation’s involvement in World War II, and American minister noted that Mother’s Day held special significance for a nation embroiled in bitter conflict. He wrote: “We are so grateful that on this beautiful day it is possible for the heart and soul of America to unite itself, irrespective of creed or color, of faith or race, into one great effort to bring this ideal of love before our hearts and minds again.” At a time when the power of hatred seemed overwhelming, the unfailing strength of maternal love gave reason to believe that goodness would prevail.

Today we no longer face the cruel test of world war, but we still do well to reflect upon the example provided by our mothers. Their courage, faithfulness, and generosity must never fail to strengthen and inspire us.

In grateful recognition of the contributions of all mothers to their families and to the Nationa, 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, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim that Sunday, May 13, 1990, be observed as Mother’s Day. I urge all Americans to express their love and respect for their mothers and to reflect upon the importance of motherhood to the well-being of our country. I direct Federal officials to display the flag of the United States on all Federal buildings, and I urge all citizens to display the flag at their homes and other suitable places on that day.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.

George Bush

Mother’s Day, 1989 – George H. Bush

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On Mother’s Day, Americans of all ages pause to express their deep gratitude and love for their mothers. Whether we do so in person, over the phone, or by honoring her memory, expressions of affection and appreciation for our mother are but a small reflection of the love and generosity she has bestowed on us.

A mother’s love, while demonstrated daily in acts of tenderness and generosity, is always a source of wonder. Who can fathom the quiet thoughts of one who keeps in her heart a constant vigil over the child she has carried in her womb, rocked in her arms, and watched grow, with eyes full of worry, joy, and pride? Her devotion never fails to fill us with gratitude and awe.

Our mother is our first teacher and greatest advocate. In her voice, we hear the reassurance or gentle reproach that helps to guide us through times of doubt and decision. In her example, we discover the meaning of unconditional love.

A mother bears her child’s pains and disappointments as if they were here own and celebrates every accomplishment as if no other child could achieve the same. She delights in every drawing of purple trees and lopsided houses fashioned in crayon by her child’s small, uncertain hand because she knows that each one reveals his blossiming awareness of the world around him. A mother also rejoices as her child grows in wisdom and responsibility, is firm in instilling moral values, yet pardons every failure along the way. Selfless and forgiving, maternal love is the closest thing on earth to the perfect love of our Creator.

Today, we honor all those women who, by virtue of giving birth, or through adoption or marriage, are mothers. Each of us should let our mother know that she is ever close in our hearts, and that her many gifts to us are cherished and remembered — not only on Mother’s Day, but throughout the year.

In recognition of the contributions of all mothers to their families and to the Nation, 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, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim that Sunday, May 14, 1989, be observed as Mother’s Day. I urge all Americans to express their love and respect for their mothers and to reflect on the importance of motherhood to the well-being of our country. I direct Federal officials to display the flag of the United States on all Federal buildings, and I urge all citizens to display the flag at their homes and other suitable places on that day.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth.

George Bush

Other Presidential Proclamations

• President Obama 2009 to 2016
• President George W. Bush 2001 to 2008
• President William (Bill) Clinton 1993 to 2000
• President George H. Bush 1989 to 1992

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