"Mother's Day" was the idea of Julia Ward Howe, composer of the Battle Hymn if the Republic. After seing her work used as the anthem for men to slaughter each other in the American Civil War, she called for the mothers of the world to withhold sex for the wagers of war, and for women to take over the world to foment peace:
"We will not have great questions
decided by irrelevant agencies. 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 that we have taught
them of charity, mercy and patience..."
In the name of womanhood and of humanity,
I earnestly ask that a general congress of women without limit
of nationality may be appointed and held at some place deemed
most convenient and at the earliest period consistent with its
objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
the amicable settlement of international questions, the great
and general interests of peace.
Julia Ward Howe's Proclamation for Mother's Day
Great quote. It should direct our lives and be in our thoughts always, not just on the occasion of Mother's Day.
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