"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."

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."