WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Charles Rangel today issued the following statement commemorating Mother's Day on Sunday, May 8, 2011:

"Today, we take special time to appreciate the most important people in the world to us: our mothers. Our mothers gave us life. They fed us, comforted us, shaped our character, and most importantly, they never stopped loving us.

My mother, Blanche Mary Wharton Rangel, is the reason I am here today. She worked two jobs to support me and my two siblings. Despite many hardships, she never gave up on our family and believed in our success. She taught us never to complain. I will always be grateful to her.

There are amazing mothers like mine everywhere. I'd like to salute two extraordinary women, Jean Corbett-Parker and Jackie Rowe-Adams, who established Harlem Mothers Stop Another Violent End (S.A.V.E.) in 2006 to combat the scourge of rampant gun violence. Jean and Jackie see to it that no mother should bury their child by raising awareness on illegal guns and pushing for stronger laws. Their work has been invaluable in saving many young lives in our community.

To my mother Blanche, Jean and Jackie, and to all the mothers of Northern Manhattan, New York City, and America, thank you for your unconditional love and sacrifice."