2008 celebrates 100 years of Mother’s Day in US

Governor Joe Manchin of West Virginia has declared 2008 as the centennial year of Mother’s Day. The first fully organized Mothers Day program was held at the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, Taylor County, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908.

This initiated a general commemorative day for all mothers. The memorial, now known as Mothers Day, was founded by Anna Jarvis in tribute to her mother, Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis.

West Virginia became the first state to adopt an official Mother's Day in 1912 and on May 8, 1914, U. S. Congress passed a joint resolution to establish the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. Anna Jarvis was credited as the force behind the official establishment of a nationally recognized Mother’s Day.

Visitors can travel to Grafton, West Virginia and take a tour of the former Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church, now known as the International Mother’s Day Shrine or visit the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum in Webster.

“Anna’s efforts are a prime example of what women can accomplish with determination and dedication,” said First Lady Gayle Manchin, honorary spokesperson and West Virginia’s 2001 Mother of the Year. “As we celebrate the centennial anniversary of Mother’s Day this year, we remember the women in our lives who have nurtured and provided us with guidance on a daily basis.”

A logo has been designed and a planning committee has been organized to commemorate the centennial anniversary.

Various events, including a Mother’s Day Service, Founder’s Day Celebration, Mother’s Centennial Ball, and essay and art contests, are scheduled throughout the year. Information on these and other events will be available at a later date.

For more information, visit Mothersdayshrine.com.