Every year I struggle with how I can show appreciation for my mom on Mother’s Day. This year I’m going retro and “making” my mom a gift by highlighting some of the National Archives holdings that relate to Mother’s Day.
Although it was celebrated in several states for years, the first time Mother’s Day became recognized as a U.S. federal holiday was on May 11, 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson issued a Presidential Proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as “Mother’s Day.”
He called for flags around the country to be flown “as a public expression of our love and reverence we have for the mothers of our country.”
During World War I, the military celebrated Mother’s Day both home and abroad.
The year after the war ended, Assistant Secretary of the Navy—and future President—Franklin Roosevelt reminded the officers and men of the Navy and the Marine Corps to honor their mothers on Mother’s Day.
He stated, “No sacrifices during the war have been more severe or borne with more bravery and cheerfulness than the sacrifices of of the mothers of America.”
And later as President, Roosevelt stated that official action regarding Mother’s Day was not needed since “tributes which will be paid to mothers will come simply and spontaneously from our hearts.”
During World War II, the United States used the day to promote war bonds.
Even cartoonist Clifford Berryman, who struggled with drawing women, couldn’t help but honor mothers on their special day.
Happy Mother’s Day, mom—and to all moms!
I thought you might be interested in this happening today …
https://www.abmc.gov/news-events/news/facebook-live-exploring-memorial-day-1919-temporary-american-military-cemeteries?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=#.WRrx–vyuM9