The First Mother's Day
May 9, 1914
Think of all the work that mothers do in raising their children. Mothers need to be celebrated! President Woodrow Wilson realized this on May 9, 1914, proclaiming the first Mother's Day. He asked Americans on that day to give a public "thank you" to their mothers and all mothers. What do you do for your mother on Mother's Day

Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia wanted to remember her own mother along with all mothers. Anna's mother had been very active in working to improve the health of people in her community. Jarvis's mother also organized a Mother's Friendship event in her community to bring confederate and union soldiers together for a peaceful celebration. Many other women such as Julia Ward Howe, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Elizabeth Smith also fought for peace and encouraged mothers to speak out. Anna Jarvis convinced her mother's church to celebrate Mother's Day on the anniversary of her mother's death, and campaigned for a national day honoring mothers. Because of Jarvis's hard work, Woodrow Wilson chose that date for the national holiday.

Do you know the official flower of Mother's Day? Carnations have come to represent the day--pink for mothers living, white for those passed away. This is because they were distributed at one of the first commemorations honoring Anna Jarvis's mother.

Mother's Day is now celebrated with gifts, visits, and flowers. Around the world in England, France, Sweden, Denmark, India, China, and Mexico, they celebrate moms for two days. Of course, if you ask your mom, she might tell you that every day is Mother's Day.