Woodrow Wilson Proclaims First Mother's Day

Woodrow Wilson

Pol Light #82 is when Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the First Mother's Day Holiday on May 9, 1914. Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921. He also served as Governor of New Jersey from 1911 to 1913.

The following words were issued by Woodrow Wilson on May 9, 1914 for the observance of the first Mother's Day.

“Now, Therefore, I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the said Joint Resolution, do hereby direct the government officials to display the United States flag on all government buildings and do invite the people of the United States to display the flag at their homes or other suitable places on the second Sunday in May as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country [Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum].”

The observance of Mother's Day continues after 100 years on the second Sunday in May of every year.

An image of the original Mother's Day proclamation can be viewed at the National Archives Website as well.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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Photo: The photo of Woodrow Wilson is in the Public Domain.