Mother's Day Peaceniks Take a Stand

Edith Pierson of Eliot, Maine takes her place with other activists during a Mother's Day Peace Vigil in downtown Portsmouth on Sunday.
(Pamela Hodgdon/Democrat photo)

Double the Flowers and Choccies
There is probably only one advantage for a mum having one of her sons or daughters living abroad in the U.S.A. almost 3,200 miles away from his original habitat in the boglands of Offaly. Any guesses what that may be? Well if you're a calendar feast day freak day your bound to have a good idea.

Last Sunday saw the passing of the U.S. Mother's Day. So 2 months after Irish mothers deservedly got flooded with cards, chocolates, hairdo vouchers, and bunches of flowers they would have probably experienced an added bonus in the event that one of their kids is living on the other side of the Atlantic. My mum, for one, has been getting an annually beautiful gift delivered by the local florist from my oldest brother who has been residing in the U.S. since 1987.

Remembering the Roots
That is why I was heartened to come across news about a peace vigil held by mothers in Portsmouth, Maine who gathered to honor the tradition that marked the beginning of Mother's Day and participate in a peace vigil. That tradition was initiated by Julia Ward Howe who read a Mother's Day proclamation in 1870

"calling women together to stand up for peace after Civil War had devastated families and many mothers had lost sons"

While four women read Howe's proclamation another 50 assembled, some holding signs calling for an end to the War in Iraq and furthermore "an end to the pain of parents who have children serving there and other places."

Reclaiming the fruits of history
Inspirational stuff - reminding us of the rich radical history of such events like Mother's, Women's and May Day, beyond the modern commodified versions or mainstream politicking march co-options prove that the buds of those who have proclaimed and marched before us can once again sprout flowers and fruit to echo in a new just social order.