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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING MOTHERS AND MOTHER'S DAY
______
speech of
HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE
of texas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong
support of H. Res. 1295, ``Celebrating the role of mothers in the
United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother's Day.''
First and foremost I would like to thank my distinguished colleague
from Nebraska, Representative Jeff Fortenberry, for introducing this
bill. It is vital we recognize that mothers have made immeasurable
contributions toward building strong families, thriving communities,
and ultimately a strong nation. The services rendered to the children
of the United States by their mothers have strengthened and inspired
the Nation throughout its history.
Today I stand before my colleagues honoring the 102d anniversary
since the first official Mother's Day. As a mother of two children
myself, I understand the hardships and difficulties that so many
mothers face every day in our country. We honor ourselves and mothers
in the United States when we revere and emphasize the importance of the
role of the home and family as the true foundation of the Nation. I
want to pay tribute to my mother Ivalita Jackson who has stood the test
of time in rearing and raising her children. I would also like to take
this time to honor my aunt Valerie Bennett for her constant love and
support. To the mothers of Houston, too many to name here, I salute you
for your dedication to raising and saving your children.
Today, thousands of mothers in this country have become active and
effective participants in public life and public service, promoting
change and improving the quality of life for men, women, and children
throughout the Nation.
Mothers continue to rise to the challenge of raising their families
with love, understanding, and compassion, while overcoming the
challenges of modern society; Mothers throughout our country juggle
between work, family and the household, all with a smile on their
faces.
On May 9, 2010, we will honor mothers, grandmothers, mothers-in-law,
stepmothers, foster mothers and godmothers who take in children,
mothers who adopt, those who act as mothers, for those women who have
no relations by blood but who give the gift of mothering to children.
I want to congratulate and praise all of the mothers in America for
all of their hard work. Mothers have a huge influence on our everyday
lives; we owe all of our success to them. As former President George
Washington put it best ``My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever
saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to
the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.''
We can never thank our mothers enough for all the sacrifices they have
made for us. I wish all families a very happy Mother's Day this Sunday.
____________________
