Mother's Day Proclamation - Julia Ward Howe

Julia Ward Howe wrote the Battle Hymn of the Republic after she met Abraham Lincoln at the White House in November 1861. She was a suffragette, creating New England Woman’s Club and New England Woman Suffrage Association. In 1869, she became co-leader with Lucy Stone of the American Woman Suffrage Association. 

Julia Ward Howe, spoke about Unity and Peace. That was her message. As mothers we are the peacemakers, the nurturers, we work to create a harmonious atmosphere at home.  Today is our day to celebrate the women who raised us and no matter what loved us! 

Following the Civil War, poet Julia Ward Howe issued a "Mother's Day Proclamation" in 1870, calling for women to unite for peace. - 

‘Arise, then... women of this day!

Arise, all women who have hearts, whether our baptism be that of water or of tears! 

Say firmly: We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies. Our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause. 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.

From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own. It says: Disarm, Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice. Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence vindicate possession. As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of council.

Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them then solemnly take council with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, each bearing after his own kind the sacred impress, not of Caesar, but of God.

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.’


Mother’s day has evolved into what we know today. Take some time today to enjoy the peace you have created in your life and within your family.   

Remember you are always enough & you are magnificent! Happy Mother’s day my friends! I hope you enjoyed this and every day. 

Have a beautiful week! Stay safe! Keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! 

Auriel Grace