Postcard from the Past: Happy Mother’s Day
by Dick Perue
The May 11, 1923 issue of the Hudson Herald extended a Happy Mother’s Day wish to all, as well as posting the following feature story by John Dickerson Sherman. We couldn’t have said it better and wish all moms a most Happy Mother’s Day!
The article reads:
Hello, all good Americans, regardless of sex, race, class or creed! Have you remembered the second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day? Well, it is, this year and every year, by act of the Congress of the United States of America.
Congress also says, “Fly your flag!” Then put a carnation in your lapel, and you have started Mother’s Day right.
If your mother is where you can lay hands on her, tell her you love her – and prove it.
If she isn’t, telephone her, telegraph her, write her – if you don’t go and visit her.
And if your mother has gone where you may someday join her – if you deserve it – do something you know would please her – something worthy of her and of the day.
Mother’s Day originated in Philadelphia in 1910 and was officially designated as the second Sunday of May by act of Congress in 1914.
Mother’s Day is set apart for special observance in honor of the home and motherhood. Its purpose is to recall the memories of mothers who have gone; to brighten the lives of those who remain and to stimulate men, women and children to honor home and parents.
It is to be observed by acts of kindness to mother and father; by service in churches of all creeds and by wearing a white carnation – the emblem of the purity, beauty, fidelity and strength of a mother’s love.
There is a Mother’s Day International Association, with headquarters in Philadelphia, which aims to make men and women realize their individual responsibility to right the wrongs of motherhood and childhood, in the name of mother to inspire men to carry forward work for the home which will promote the brotherhood of man and to perpetuate and strengthen family ties by the establishment and observance of the day in all countries.
This week’s illustration also appeared in the same issue of the Hudson Herald.
