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MOTHERS’ DAY
PROCLAMATION
By
W. P. HOBBY
GOVERNOR OF TEXAS




º O MISS ANNA JARVIS of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Nation
| owes a debt of gratitude for having given us the idea of annually setting
apart a day for special observance in honor of home and mother.
“Mothers' Day” was first celebrated in a number of cities in the United
States in 1910. On May 10th, 1913, both Houses of Congress passed a resolu-
tion commending the observance of “Mothers' Day” by Congress and the executive
branches of the government, and in 1914 Congress authorized the President to
designate, by annual proclamation, the second Sunday in May as “Mothers' Day,"
and to request the display of the American Flag on government buildings and private
homes. The first national proclamation was issued by President Wilson on May
9th, 1914. We cannot more fittingly acknowledge our obligation to Miss Jarvis for
having given us this thought other than by keeping it sacred to the memory of her
who gave us life, whether she shall have passed to the Great Beyond or whether she
remain, that we may longer be the recipients of that love and devotion which only a
mother can bestow.
To those mothers who have gone no greater tribute can be paid than to recall
memories of her days that have passed. No homage can be paid her memory which,
to even a limited degree, can compare with that love and devotion for home and
children so characteristic of her life, for it was during that time that the uppermost
thought in her mind, heart and soul was “What can I do that will give the most com-
fort, pleasure and happiness to father and children? What act of mine will add
more brightness and cheerfulness to the home for them?”
In doing these things she found her greatest happiness, and how often during that
time have we failed to say or do that which would add to that happiness she found
in her motherly work.
Mothers remaining with us find their greatest happiness in doing for us, and that
kindly word and act from those on whom her blessings fall are indeed insignificant
in comparison to what she has done, and is continually doing, for our welfare and
pleasure.
This thought of a “Mothers' Day” annually, which has been given to our keep-
ing, gives us an opportunity to do on that day the things we have overlooked in
the past, and that is to do and say that which will add to mother's pleasure, and
an opportunity to, by some physical manifestation, demonstrate our appreciation and
love for her and her devotion. To mother, more than to any other instrumentality,
do we owe what we are and what we will be. 'Tis a mother's love and devotion to
her child that is responsible, in an inestimable degree, for the progress of our Nation
and of civilization. It was mother who, during their immature years, trained the
minds of our leaders, both past and present, along those channels which in later life

were and are responsible for the accomplishments of the human race, both individ-
ually and collectively.
It was Abraham Lincoln who so well said, “All that I am or hope to be, I owe
to my angel mother,” to be followed later by these words from the tongue of John
Quincy Adams, “All that I am, my mother made me;” while to an unknown author
we are indebted for this tribute to her: “Blessed is the memory of an old-fashioned
mother. It floats to us now like the sweet perfume of some woodland blossom.
The music of other voices may be lost, but the entrancing melody of hers will echo
in our souls forever. Other faces will fade away and be forgotten, but hers will
shine on until the light from heaven's portals will glorify our own.”
In accordance with the annual custom thus established by the Act of Congress
in 1914, I deem it one of the treasured privileges of my official life to, by procla-
mation, add my feeble tribute to others so well bestowed upon mother.
THEREFORE, I, W. P. Hobby, Governor of Texas, hereby designate and
set apart Sunday, May 9th, as “Mothers' Day,” and call on each and every citizen
to observe it, as was the intention of the originator of this noble movement, and it
is requested that each and every individual provide himself or herself with the badge
of the day, namely a white carnation, emblematic of purity, beauty, fidelity and
devotion. Let us each and every one take advantage of this occasion to brighten
the lives of those of our mothers who remain, and to encourage all to honor home
and parents. It is further requested, as is the annual custom, that the services in the
various churches of the State, on this particular day, be devoted to mother.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto
signed my name and caused to be impressed hereon
the Seal of State, on this the 30th day of April,
A. D. 1920.
/~74-zerº-
Governor of Texas.
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By the Governor:
Secretary of State.















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