Celebrating Mother's Day: Honoring the Legacy of Anna Jarvis

As Mother's Day 2024 approaches, it's a time to reflect on the holiday's rich history and the remarkable women who made it possible. Boyd Matheson, in a discussion with Brooke Walker, host of KSL TV's Studio 5, shared insights into the influential figures behind Mother's Day and the lessons we can learn from their lives.

The creation of Mother's Day is primarily attributed to three fearless women who dedicated their lives to promoting peace, unity, and the celebration of motherhood: Ann Reeves Jarvis, Julia Ward Howe, and Ann's daughter, Anna M. Jarvis. Their tireless efforts during the Civil War era laid the foundation for what has become a cherished global tradition.

Ann Reeves Jarvis, affectionately known as "Mother Jarvis," was an Appalachian homemaker who organized "Mothers' Day Work Clubs" in West Virginia to combat unsanitary living conditions. She also taught Sunday school lessons, embodying the spirit of service and compassion. Her daughter, Anna M. Jarvis, would later become the driving force behind the official establishment of Mother's Day.

Julia Ward Howe, a renowned poet and reformer, played a significant role in the early stages of the Mother's Day movement. She volunteered for the U.S. Sanitary Commission during the Civil War and penned the iconic Civil War anthem, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." In 1870, Howe called for a "Mother's Day for Peace," advocating for the celebration of peace and the eradication of war.

Following her mother's death in 1905, Anna M. Jarvis took up the mantle, passionately campaigning for a national day to honor all mothers. She envisioned a day that would celebrate the sacrifices and unconditional love of mothers everywhere. In May 1907, Anna held a memorial service at the Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, to pay tribute to her mother's lifelong activism. The following year, on May 10, a Mother's Day service was held at the same church to acknowledge all mothers.

Anna M. Jarvis's relentless efforts paid off when West Virginia became the first state to officially adopt Mother's Day. Other states soon followed, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill designating the second Sunday in May as a legal holiday called "Mother's Day." Today, the holiday is celebrated in over 40 countries worldwide.

As we honor the legacy of these remarkable women and celebrate Mother's Day in 2024, let us remember the words of Ann Reeves Jarvis: "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day commemorating her for the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life. She is entitled to it." The unwavering dedication, love, and strength of mothers continue to be the cornerstones of every healthy and thriving society.

Key Takeaways

• Mother's Day was created by 3 fearless women: Ann Reeves Jarvis, Julia Ward Howe, and Anna M. Jarvis.
• Ann Reeves Jarvis organized "Mothers' Day Work Clubs" to combat unsanitary living conditions.
• Julia Ward Howe advocated for a "Mother's Day for Peace" in 1870.
• Anna M. Jarvis campaigned for a national day to honor mothers, leading to its official adoption in 1914.
• Mother's Day is now celebrated in over 40 countries worldwide.