Mother’s Day was created in 1908 by Anna Jarvis, based on work of her mother in the post-Civil War era. Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia (Anna’s mother) founded “Mothers’ Friendship Day” in 1868, at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation. It was after Ann’s death that Anna organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration and through her efforts, in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
Father’s Day followed in West Virginia the following year as one-time commemoration but Washington State celebrated the nation’s first statewide Father’s Day in 1910. It gradually gained momentum, and while in 1924 President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe Father’s Day, it was 1972 before Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making it a federal holiday.
There are few better examples of “service above self” than parenthood, as we all realize that good parents place the needs of their children above themselves. Whether through having good parents, or being them, we all hopefully have examples of the daily giving that goes above and beyond to enrich our lives.
It is in that spirit that we welcome the opportunities we have through Rotary to teach, train, support, encourage, undergird and provide the needs of others. It is a particular joy this week to have three organizations receiving the first grant funds awarded by our club through the newly established Grant Committee. We are also introducing our RYLA participants; teens benefitting through leadership camp made possible by the funds and efforts of our members. Lest we ever forget the reason for Rotary, these are but a few reminders of the purpose we have in making a difference together.