Julia Ward Howe wrote her proclamation in 1870 against the tragedy of war after visiting a Civil War prisoner camp. She was shocked beyond awe. Mother's Day originally did not concern moms. It was all about inhumane slaughter of war.
Dear Ones,
These are the words of this human rights advocate standing her ground in defense of peace.
"Arise all women who have hearts . . . Our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
"From the voice of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own. It says Disarm! Disarm! The voice of murder is not the balance of justification. Blood does not wipe out murder nor violence indicate posssession, as men have often forsaken the plow for the sword of murder at the summons of war."
Anna Jarvis from Webster, West Virgina also promoted the Mother's
Day movement for peace and education. However, there are forces out there that do not want to promote this real meaning of the special day.
Another voice, even earlier than Howe and Jarvis wrote:
"In peace children inter their parents, but in war parents inter their children."
–Herodetus, born in in 484 BCE, father of Greek history
Mame
www.macdonaldsward.com
helenesmith1.blogspot.com
Author tweets for international
peace and peace of mind
