A Mother’s Day Gift May 9, 2019

By Cheryl Sam

With Americans spending close to $23 billion each year for Mother’s Day, it can be easy to forget the origin of the first Mother’s Day, when mothers rose up to ask for one simple gift: peace.

A Mothers’ Peace Day was started in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe, best known for composing the lyrics for “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Howe was an anti-war activist, and together with like-minded women, she sought to promote global unity and peace in the aftermath of the devastation caused by the American Civil War and Europe’s Franco-Prussian War.

Each year around this time, my sons will call me to ask, what would I like for Mother’s Day. This year my response was, “Nothing.”

But I do want something for Mother’s Day, something we all want—a healthier, more just and peaceful world. Instead of a gift for me, this year I will ask my sons to make a gift for peace by donating to PSR.

PSR was founded to advocate for peace, and specifically to advocate for the abolition of nuclear weapons. For over 55 years, PSR has served as a leading public health voice on nuclear nonproliferation. We work to increase support for U.S. policies that reduce the threat of nuclear weapons while opposing further funding of nuclear weapons programs. Ultimately, the goal is their total elimination.

Will you join me in advocating for peace by making a special gift today in honor or in memory of your mother?

We are grateful for every dollar you give to help support our work. Together, we can prevent nuclear war and ensure a healthier, more just and peaceful world for present and future generations.

We wish you a peaceful Mother’s Day!