President Bush wishes mothers a happy day

CRAWFORD, Texas — President Bush, who often jokes about being sure to listen to his mother, will be with her on Mother's Day — the day after celebrating the wedding of his daughter Jenna.

"This is a joyous occasion for our family, as we celebrate the happy life ahead of (Jenna) and her husband, Henry," he said about the wedding being held on his 1,600-acre ranch. "It's also a special time for Laura, who this Mother's Day weekend will watch a young woman we raised together walk down the aisle."

(enlarge photo) In this Friday, July 22, 2005 file photo, President Bush, right, leans over to listen to his mother Barbara Bush as he holds a discussion on 'Senior Security' at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta, Ga. President Bush, who often jokes about being sure to listen to his mother, will be with her on Mother's Day _ the day after celebrating the wedding of his daughter Jenna. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

In his weekly radio address, Bush offered special words for new mothers and women parenting adopted children. He also extended condolences to mothers who are grieving for sons or daughters killed in war — and the children of mothers who have died serving the nation.

"America appreciates the sacrifices that your families make in the name of duty," he said. "On this Mother's Day weekend, we remember the mothers grieving a son or daughter lost in the service to their country, as well as the children who have lost a mother in uniform."

The president offered a personal "thank you" to his own mother — former first lady Barbara Bush.

"Like many of you, my life has been blessed by a mother who is a source of unconditional love," the president said.

"Throughout our lives, mothers are there with an encouraging word, a sympathetic ear and a tender heart. They set our direction in life. And, from time to time, they have been known to correct our course."

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