What President Made Mother’s Day a Holiday?
Mother’s Day is a cherished holiday celebrated around the world, honoring the love, dedication, and sacrifices of mothers. However, many people may not be aware of the fascinating history behind its creation. The question that often arises is: What president made Mother’s Day a holiday? The answer lies in the efforts of a dedicated woman named Anna Jarvis.
Anna Jarvis was born on May 1, 1864, in Webster, Pennsylvania. She was deeply inspired by her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who was a social activist and a peace advocate. Ann Reeves Jarvis founded the Mother’s Day Work Clubs in 1858, which aimed to improve public health and sanitation in the post-Civil War era. These clubs also provided a platform for women to discuss issues such as temperance and women’s suffrage.
Anna Jarvis was deeply affected by her mother’s work and wanted to establish a day to honor mothers everywhere. In 1905, she wrote to the governor of West Virginia, asking him to declare a Mother’s Day holiday. However, it was not until 1912 that her efforts bore fruit. On May 9, 1912, West Virginia became the first state to officially recognize Mother’s Day. Anna Jarvis continued her campaign to promote the holiday across the country.
The president who played a crucial role in making Mother’s Day a national holiday was President Woodrow Wilson. On May 8, 1914, President Wilson signed a proclamation, officially establishing Mother’s Day as a national holiday to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May. This decision was influenced by Anna Jarvis’s relentless efforts and the widespread support for the holiday across the nation.
Anna Jarvis’s initial vision for Mother’s Day was to honor the sacrifices and love of mothers, not to be a commercialized event. However, as the holiday gained popularity, it quickly became commercialized, with businesses capitalizing on the occasion by selling flowers, cards, and gifts. Despite this commercialization, Anna Jarvis remained committed to her original vision and fought against the excessive commercialization of the holiday.
In conclusion, it was President Woodrow Wilson who made Mother’s Day a national holiday in the United States. However, it was the relentless efforts of Anna Jarvis, inspired by her mother’s work, that brought this holiday into existence. Today, Mother’s Day continues to be a time for families to come together and celebrate the love and dedication of mothers everywhere.
