Which president made Mother’s Day a national holiday? This question has intrigued many, as Mother’s Day is celebrated across the United States to honor the sacrifices and love of mothers. The answer to this question lies in the efforts of a president who recognized the importance of recognizing the contributions of mothers to society. Let’s delve into the history and significance of this day.
Mother’s Day has its roots in ancient times, with various cultures celebrating the mother goddess. However, the modern celebration of Mother’s Day began in the United States. In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, a suffragist and abolitionist, proposed a Mother’s Day to promote peace and reconciliation. Howe wanted to create a day that would honor mothers and promote unity among people.
The idea of Mother’s Day gained popularity, and in 1908, Anna Jarvis, a Philadelphia woman, organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at her mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia. Anna’s mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, had worked tirelessly to improve health conditions and establish community services for mothers and children. Anna wanted to honor her mother’s memory and promote the importance of motherhood.
Despite Anna Jarvis’s efforts, Mother’s Day did not become a national holiday immediately. It took the intervention of a president to make it official. Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president of the United States, played a crucial role in making Mother’s Day a national holiday. In 1914, Wilson signed a proclamation declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. This decision was based on the recommendation of the Senate, which had passed a resolution urging the president to establish the holiday.
The proclamation by President Wilson was a significant milestone in recognizing the importance of mothers. Since then, Mother’s Day has been celebrated annually, and it has become one of the most popular holidays in the United States. It is a day to express gratitude, love, and appreciation for the sacrifices and love of mothers.
In conclusion, the president who made Mother’s Day a national holiday was Woodrow Wilson. His decision to sign the proclamation in 1914 was a testament to the importance of honoring mothers and their contributions to society. Today, Mother’s Day continues to be a cherished occasion, where families come together to celebrate and express their love and gratitude for their mothers.
