When we think of Mother’s Day today, we typically think of honoring our mothers through flowers, cards and special dinners at restaurants. This is, of course, a great occasion to remember our mothers and/or those who have “mothered” us in our lives! This is a version of Mother’s Day that was recognized by President Wilson in 1914. However, the original Mother’s Day celebration began in this country in 1870, when Unitarian Julia Ward Howe declared a “Mother’s Peace Day” with a Proclamation that included these words:

“Arise, all women who have hearts, whether your baptism be that of water or of tears! Say firmly…Our sons shall not be taken from us [in war] to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience”

In this service, we will remember our own mothers and/or those who have “mothered” us, and we will recognize the healing role of each generation in creating peace within our own lives and our world.