Mothers’ Day for Peace

Press release from Veterans for Peace, Chapter 099:

WHEN:    SATURDAY, MAY 12th, 11am

WHERE: VETERANS’ MEMORIAL at the Northeast Corner of Pack Square Park

WHAT:     A gathering to proclaim and remember the original meaning of Mother’s Day and to unite/empower women in their efforts to eliminate war and the causes of war.

In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, an abolitionist and the poet who wrote “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, worked to establish a Mother’s Peace Day dedicated to the eradication of war. Her proclamation calls on all women to arise, demanding disarmament and an end to war.

Today, many parts of the world are engulfed in wars and our country is complicit in many of them. In fact, since the United States was founded in 1776, it has been at war during 214 out of its 235 calendar years of existence (avl.mx/4y6).

All humanity is in dire need of better ways to resolve conflict.

The program will include:

• Reading of the original Mother’s Day proclamation;
• Reflections of a mother whose two sons served in the U.S. Infantry;
• Presentation of the “Lost Children Project,” honoring children around the world who have been victims of war; th Thoughts of a father striving to instill peacemaking skills in his children and;
• A  call to action – what each of us can do to end the scourge of war..

Join with others who dream of and work for a more just and peaceful world. Mothers, wives, sisters and daughters have a powerful love for humanity, a strength Julia Ward Howe understood more than a century ago.

The event is free and open to the public.

In case of rain, the observance will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St.

Signs and banners promoting peace are welcome as are hand outs about local efforts for justice and peace.

Bring your own folding chair if seating is needed.