Recommended

5 interesting facts about Mother's Day

4. A day of peace

Before it became an official holiday, an early version of the American observance was created by Julia Ward Howe, the author of the famous Christian song, "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

A photo of American Julia Ward Howe. Howe wrote the historic song, 'Battle Hymn of the Republic,' during America's Civil War. June 16, 1908.
A photo of American Julia Ward Howe. Howe wrote the historic song, "Battle Hymn of the Republic," during America's Civil War. June 16, 1908. | Purdy/The Frisbee/Museum of the Bible

In 1870, Howe released a proclamation for a "Mother's Peace Day," which centered on all mothers to advance the cause of world peace.

Get Our Latest News for FREE

Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know.

"Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience. We women of one country will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs," read the proclamation in part.

"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."

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

By making a recurring donation or a one-time donation of any amount, you're helping to keep CP's articles free and accessible for everyone.

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles. Return to homepage.