Family Law

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

By Robert M. Kisselburgh, Esq.

To all the Moms

Mother's Day in the United States dates back to the Civil War. During the Civil War, Ann Jarvis had previously formed clubs of women who nursed the poor and sick. When the Civil War broke out, she asked those clubs to nurse wounded soldiers from both the North and the South. After the War, she worked to have people set aside their differences and come together in peace. In 1868, she organized "Mother's Friendship Day" and said its purpose was:

To revive the dormant filial love and gratitude we owe to those who gave us birth. To be a home tie for the absent. To obliterate family estrangement. To create a bond of brotherhood through the wearing of a floral badge. To make us better children by getting us closer to the hearts of our good mothers. To brighten the lives of good mothers. To have them know we appreciate them, though we do not show it as often as we ought... Mothers Day is to remind us of our duty before it is too late. This day is intended that we may make new resolutions for a more active thought to our dear mothers. By words, gifts, acts of affection, and in every way possible, give her pleasure, and make her heart glad every day, and constantly keep in memory Mothers Day.

Upon Ann's death, her daughter Anna Jarvis wanted her mother's legacy to live on. Anna is credited with creating the modern day version of Mother's Day in honor of her mother. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made it official as a national holiday.

So to all the mothers, Happy Mother's Day. To my own Mom, my mother-in-law, my wife, my sister, and my Nanny who is no longer with us, today is your day.

Full post as published by Mississippi Family Law Blog on May 09, 2010 (boomark / email).