VIDEO: Michelle Obama's Mother's Day Greeting

WASHINGTON-First Lady Michelle Obama is sending a special Mother's Day message to military families.

"Hi, this is Michelle Obama and I wanted to wish all the mothers out there a happy Mother's Day. Know that we love you, that we're praying for you and we hope that you enjoy this day. Take care," Mrs. Obama says in the spot.

Mrs. Obama's public service message, taped in the White House on Thursday, will be shown on the Armed Forces Network and partner channels. One of Mrs. Obama's agenda items is working with military families.
The president on Friday issued a "Mother's Day, 2009" proclamation calling mothers "the bedrock of the American family." A 1914 congressional resolution and a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson created the first Mother's Day.


The proclamation states "Mothers instill the values and confidence that help define their children's character and self-esteem, and offer a guiding clarity of spirit. Mothers are role models, teachers, and sources of unconditional support. There is no substitute for the bond of love between mother and child, and nothing is more worthy of reverence.

"Across America, mothers raise children under an array of circumstances. They may care for a child with the help of a spouse, family members, and friends, or they may do this job alone as a single parent. They may be biological mothers, adoptive mothers, or foster mothers, but all open their hearts to their children and nurture them through their life journey.

"Caring for children also means putting food on the table, ensuring their needs are met, and staying involved in their daily lives. Women often work long hours at demanding jobs and then return home to a household with myriad demands. Balancing work and family is no easy task, but mothers across our Nation meet this challenge each day, often without recognition for their hard work and dedication. The strength and conviction of all mothers--including those who work inside and outside the home--are inspiring. They deserve our deepest respect, admiration, and appreciation.

"A mother's love is a cherished blessing, for it is selfless, unconditional, and true. This Mother's Day, let us honor our mothers who continue to inspire us, and remember those whose loving spirits sustain us still.

President Obama, Mrs. Obama, Malia, Sasha and Marian Robinson, Mrs. Obama's mother who lives in the White House with the family, have no public events on Sunday, Mother's Day.

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