First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, continue their pledge of support for military families, by hosting an afternoon tea at the White House Thursday.

The honored guests at the gathering consisted of military mothers and wives, who were applauded by the first lady and Dr. Biden for being “outstanding role models for their children, communities, and country.” The event served as a celebration of both Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Mother’s Day.

Children in flowered sundresses as well as pastel dress shirts and suits also joined in the celebration, spending a few minutes in the State Dining Room to make gifts for their moms. They decorated sugar cookies, selected potted rose bouquets, and filled small bags with dried chamomile herbs and honey from the White House beehive. They then presented their mothers with the gifts that they made, after which Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden addressed the audience, expressing once again appreciation for military families.

The occasion being a celebration of Mother’s Day, the First Lady also took the time to thank her own mother, Marian Robinson, describing her as her “rock:” “She has taught me to believe in myself, and more importantly, to pick myself up whenever I stumble. She is always a shoulder to cry on and talk to, and I do that a lot.”

Military wives and mothers enjoyed tuna tartare, cucumber sandwiches, shaved ham on biscuits, blueberry scones, fruit tarts and coconut cake. The event is part of the Joining Forces initiative, in support of military families.