Mothers' Day and a wish for peace---

Mothers' Day 2024

I have to say, I've felt a little overwhelmed with all the "guilt gift" ads on the television, internet, etc. of late. Mothers' Day is not about gifts. In fact, it's not even about honoring your mom, though that's nice, too. It is much different than that-- and the original intent of the day is far more interesting. 

The observance has its roots in peace efforts, beginning in 1868 through the efforts of Ann Jarvis, who wanted to reunite soldiers with their families after the Civil War. Julia Ward Howe (of the Girl Scouts fame) organized a "Mother's Day for Peace," held on June 2, 1872, and this effort continued to be observed in Boston for about ten years before it faded away. Finally, the holiday was made official when

On May 10, 1913, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling on all federal government officials (from the president down) to wear a white carnation the following day in observance of Mother's Day. On May 8, 1914, the U.S. Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day and requesting a proclamation. The next day, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring the first national Mother's Day as a day for American citizens to show the flag in honor of those mothers whose sons had died in war. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt approved a stamp commemorating the holiday (Wikipedia).

My family got me nice things: cut flowers, a hanging basket of flowers for outside, seed packets to start the garden, cards... all very good, all very welcome. I appreciate it. But what would I really like (though it is out of their reach to give)? 

Peace.

Have a good day, and get Mom a coffee...

C