O MISS ANNA JARVIS of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Nation owes a debt of gratitude for having given us the idea of annually setting apart a day for special observance in honor of home and mother.
"Mothers' Day" was first celebrated in a number of cities in the United States in 1910. On May 10th, 1913, both Houses of Congress passed a resolution commending the observance of "Mothers' Day " by Congress and the executive branches of the government, and in 1914 Congress authorized the President to designate, by annual proclamation, the second Sunday in May as "Mothers' Day ," and to request the display of the American Flag on government buildings and private homes. The first national proclamation was issued by President Wilson on May 9th, 1914. We cannot more fittingly acknowledge our obligation to Miss Jarvis for having given us this thought other than by keeping it sacred to the memory of her who gave us life, whether she shall have passed to the Great Beyond or whether she remain, that we may longer be the recipients of that love and devotion which only a mother can bestow.
To those mothers who have gone no greater tribute can be paid than to recall memories of her days that have passed. No homage can be paid her memory which, to even a limited degree, can compare with that love and devotion for home and children so characteristic of her life, for it was during that time that the uppermost thought in her mind, heart and soul was "What can I do that will give the most comfort, pleasure and happiness to father and children? What act of mine will add more brightness and cheerfulness to the home for them?"
In doing these things she found her greatest happiness, and how often during that time have we failed to say or do that which would add to that happiness she found in her motherly work.
Mothers remaining with us find their greatest happiness in doing for us, and that kindly word and act from those on whom her blessings fall are indeed insignificant in comparison to what she has done, and is continually doing, for our welfare and pleasure.
This thought of a "Mothers' Day " annually, which has been given to our keeping, gives us an opportunity to do on that day the things we have overlooked in the past, and that is to do and say that which will add to mother's pleasure, and an opportunity to, by some physical manifestation, demonstrate our appreciation and love for her and her devotion. To mother, more than to any other instrumentality, do we owe what we are and what we will be. 'Tis a mother's love and devotion to her child that is responsible, in an inestimable degree, for the progress of our Nation and of civilization. It was mother who, during their immature years, trained the minds of our leaders, both past and present, along those channels which in later life
were and are responsible for the accomplishments of the human race, both individually and collectively.
It was Abraham Lincoln who so well said, "All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother," to be followed later by these words from the tongue of John Quincy Adams, “All that I am, my mother made me;" while to an unknown author we are indebted for this tribute to her: "Blessed is the memory of an old-fashioned mother. It floats to us now like the sweet perfume of some woodland blossom. The music of other voices may be lost, but the entrancing melody of hers will echo in our souls forever. Other faces will fade away and be forgotten, but hers will shine on until the light from heaven's portals will glorify our own.
In accordance with the annual custom thus established by the Act of Congress in 1914, I deem it one of the treasured privileges of my official life to, by proclamation, add my feeble tribute to others so well bestowed upon mother.
THEREFORE, I, W. P. Hobby, Governor of Texas, hereby designate and set apart Sunday, May 9th, as "Mothers' Day ," and call on each and every citizen to observe it, as was the intention of the originator of this noble movement, and it is requested that each and every individual provide himself or herself with the badge of the day , namely a white carnation, emblematic of purity, beauty, fidelity and devotion. Let us each and every one take advantage of this occasion to brighten the lives of those of our mothers who remain, and to encourage all to honor home and parents. It is further requested, as is the annual custom, that the services in the various churches of the State, on this particular day , be devoted to mother.
By the Governor:
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and caused to be impressed hereon the Seal of State, on this the 30th day of April, A. D. 1920.
Secretary of State.
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Governor of Texas.
