Constance van Niekerk, SA
Anna Jarvis was the woman who founded the Mother’s Day holiday in the United States. She was born on the 1st of May 1864 in West Virginia, U.S. Anna was never a mother herself, but was inspired to start celebrating Mother’s Day by a prayer her mother said one day in conclusion to a lesson on ‘Mothers of the Bible’ in Anna’s presence. She was only twelve years old but she never forgot the prayer,
I hope that someone, sometime will found a memorial mothers day commemorating her for the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life. She is entitled to it.
Anna’s mother passed away in 1905 and at her graveside service, Anna recalled her mother’s prayer and said, “…by the grace of God you shall have that Mothers Day.”
She resolved to honour her mother and all mothers, living and dead. Thus began a rigorous campaign that gave birth to Mother’s Day.
American President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation on May 9, 1914, declaring the second Sunday of May “a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”
Read his message here:
Mrs Anna Marie Reeves Jarvis
Anna Jarvis
A happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, especially the late Mrs Mirriam Vere, my mother. I love you and miss you everyday.
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