Mothers’ Day for Peace Gathering – Proclaiming the Original Meaning of the Holiday. Sponsored by Veterans for Peace, Chapter 099. “Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience” by Julia Ward Howe – poet, author, abolitionist, advocate for women suffrage (1819-1910). Date is Saturday, May 12th at 11 AM.
Location is Veterans’ Memorial at the Northeast Corner of Pack Square Park. 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. Since the founding of the United States in 1776, our country has been at war during 214 out of its 242 calendar years. All humanity is in dire need of better ways to resolve conflict. Militarism is killing us and the interdependent web of all life on Earth.
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; and 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 Street in downtown Asheville. 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.
For more information on this event, contact Rachael Bliss, VFP member, at 828-505-9425.