American War Mothers

The American War Mothers, a perpetual patriotic organization was established on September 29, 1917. (This date later known as Founders Day.)

This great bond of women derived from the outstanding work they performed during World War I with the Food Conservation Committee and the State Council of Indiana.

On August 16, 1918, the national organization of American War Mothers was effected and a constitution and bylaws adopted.

Between the lines of time in history, many will be able to read a story of struggle, patience, self-denial and duty that brought us to the pinnacle of national reorganization with a charter, dated February 24, 1925 (Public Law 453), from the United States Congress.

The American War Mothers organization is unique in that at its very inception it was a dying organization. At that time the membership was limited to mothers whose sons and/or daughters served in the Armed Forces between April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918. Therefore, it could exist only as long as any of the mothers survived.

With the onslaught of World War II, Congress was petitioned to amend the Charter to include mothers whose sons and/or daughters served in that war. Before World War II was officially ended, the Korean Conflict emerged making it necessary to again amend the Charter. It now includes mothers of World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict and any future wars.

THROUGH THE YEARS

(excerpts taken directly from the history update by Marguerite H. White, National Public Relations Chariman 1981)

ORGANIZATION: Founders day, September 29,1917. Founder, Mrs. Alice M. French, Indianapolis, Indiana, first National President and President Emeritus. May 18, 1918 was the date of the incorporation of the Indiana chapter of the American War Mothers with 72 names on the petition. August 16,1918 the national organization of t he American War Mothers was effected and a constitution and by-laws adopted.

CARNATIONS: In 1923 to help finance the National Convention held in Kansas City, Missouri, carnations were sold on the streets. The project was so successful that the 1923 convention body voted to make it a national project. Until 1931 the chapters were allowed to keep half the proceeds from the sale and the state received one-fourth and National one-fourth. After 1931 the chapters were to keep all the monies collected from the sale of carnations but it was to be used expressly for hospital work, veteran aid or civic welfare.

Photo courtesy of Johnathan at Cambell Mansion

MAGAZINE: The American War Mother magazine was first issued in 1924. Carrie L. Root of Indiana was Editor for 20 years, followed by Anne McClure of Kentucky, Gladys Thomas of Indiana and Maybelle Toste of California. The magazine is now published through national headquarters with no national editor.

CHARTER: On February 24, 1925 at 12:30 p.m. President Calvin Coolidge signed the Congressional Charter for the National American War Mothers. At the 1918 national convention, it was voted that to be eligible for membership in the American War Mothers organization "our perpetuation was to be by ties of blood."

On September 28, 1942 a bill was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to ratify the charter to include the mothers of sons and daughters serving in World War II. On June 26, 1953 President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill amending our charter to include Mothers of servicemen and women in the Korean Conflict and any future American Wars. On April 12, 1974 a bill was passed in Congress to change the eligibility for membership to include "legally adopted sons or legally adopted daughters, adopted before their fifth birthday , her stepsons or stepdaughters, who became her stepchildren before their twelfth birthday."

MOTHERS DAY CEREMONIES: From the year 1925, when the American War Mothers were first privileged to hold Mothers Day ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, services have been held annually (see page 2). Some years the services were practically rained out; and during the World War II years when transportation was curtailed, no services were held, but the Washington, D. C. mothers always placed a wreath for our organization, and state and local services were held (see page 32). In 1980 an additional honor was bestowed on the American War Mothers when we had the privilege of flying the AWM Service Flag on the staff with Old Glory all day on Mothers Day at the Tomb, and this is to be a continuing privilege.

WOMEN'S FORUM: The American War Mothers were among the sponsors of the Women's Patriotic Conference on National Defense (organized by the American Legion Auxiliary in 1926, later to be known as the Women's Forum on National Security) and never missed a year in attending the historic meetings. The American War Mothers often served on committees and served as presiding officer in 1966. Because of added expenses and dwindling memberships, 1981 was the last Women's Forum to be held.

THE AMERICAN WAR MOTHERS SERVICE FLAG: In 1926 the American War Mothers caused to have made a huge United States Service Flag which was bordered in red with a white center. There is a large blue star in the upper half of the flag under which are the figures 4,693,039 which represent those boys and girls who served in the World War. In the center of the flag in blue letters are the words "United States Service Flag" and be- neath this, one large Gold Star under which are the figures 60,672 representing those lads who paid the supreme sacrifice for their country.

The American War Mothers have had the privilege of having our Service Flag raised on the same staff with Old Glory over the United States Capitol Building every year since 1926. This occurs on Veterans Day when special services are held prior to the flag raising at 11:00 a.m. This American War Mother Service Flag is the only flag to ever have flown on the same staff with the American Flag over the Capitol Building-a heritage of which the American War Mothers may well be proud. In 1980 this privilege has been extended for the Mothers Day ceremonies, and our American War Mothers Service Flag will fly on the same staff with the American Flag all day on each Mothers Day.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL HOME often called "the little home in the West" was dedicated on July 11, 1926 and maintained until 1960. This home served as a "home away from home" for mothers and wives of veterans in the Fitzsimmons VA Hospital at Aurora, Colorado.

(See link to Historic Homes in Colorado-American War Mothers National Memorial Home 1601 Peoria St. for photo)

GOLD STAR MOTHERS PILGRIMAGE: The American War Mothers sponsored the Gold Star Mothers Pilgrimage and secured hundreds of names on petitions presented to Congress and they acted as official liaison between the Gold Star Mothers and the War Department. (See story page 21). The Gold Star flag that flew over the Gold Star ships that carried mothers on their pilgrimage to France in 1930-33; and which later hung in the National Headquarters, 1933-39, was presented to the Smithsonian Institute by the National Advisory Board.

AMERICAN WAR MOTHERS HEADQUARTERS: In 1929 at the National Convention, plans were laid for the purchase of a home in Washington, D. C. to serve as a national headquarters, and also for a home for mothers and wives visiting hospitals in the D. C. area. A home was purchased at 1527 New Hampshire Avenue, N. W. and dedicated May 14,1933. It was a four story, 20 room home. Many chapters helped decorate and maintain the headquarters and the National Corresponding Secretary was established as a resident Manager. The rooms were often rented out to other organizations for parties, teas, meetings, etc. This National Headquarters was maintained for seven years and sold in March 1939.

In 1955 plans were again made to purchase a national home in Washington, D. C. and our present headquarters at 2615 Woodley Place, N. W. was purchased in 1956 and dedicated May 10, 1960. In the years between 1939 and 1956 records were housed in a seven room apartment in Washington, D. C.; later moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1945 and housed there until July 1956 when they were moved to the new headquarters.

STAR SPANGLED BANNER: By act of Congress on March 4,1931, the Star Spangled Banner was made the national anthem. Petitions with five million signatures on this bill were received with over 60,000 having been secured by the American War Mothers. In 1925, the American War Mothers took the lead in a movement to keep American patriotism keyed to a high pitch through the playing of the Star Spangled Banner in all of the theaters or public amusement places throughout the United States; and at this time sent out resolutions in reference to making the Star Spangled Banner the official national anthem.

AMERICAN WAR MOTHERS UNITED STATES POSTAGE STAMP: The American War Mothers were directly responsible for the issue of the Mothers Day commemorative stamp issued on May 1, 1934.

Click photo for full story and larger photo.
Photo courtesy of: Bob Allen, senior editor http://1847usa.com/

BATTLE MONUMENT COMMISSION: In 1937 National President Janet E. Boone went to Europe through a request of General John Pershing and the Battle Monument Commission, as a delegate to the dedication of the American War Memorials. This trip lasted five weeks, July 14 to August 20. Mother Boone carried the precious American War Mothers Service Flag and it was given a place of prominence in all parades and activities. After World War II, National President Thelma Prather was invited by the American Battle Monument Commission to attend the dedication of six overseas military cemeteries in England, France and Italy. She left New York City by plane July 13, 1956 and returned August 2. In July 1960 National President Florence Parsons attended the dedication of American cemeteries in Luxemburg, Netherlands, Belgium, France and Italy AT THE NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR, September 14, 1939 was declared War Mothers Day.

AMERICAN WAR MOTHERS MEDAL was designed by E. May Hahn in 1940 and adopted. This medal to be presented to the members of the CMTC who receive meritorious commendation for outstanding prowess or other awards of merit. Later the CMTC (Citizens Military Training Camps) were closed and the American War Mothers were asked to concentrate on the ROTC (Reserved Officers Training Corps) in high schools. This was done for several years. The medal has also been awarded to distinguished speakers and guests.

SGT. ALVIN E. YORK FUND: In 1938 a $400 Scholarship Fund was set up for children in the Mountain School of Sgt. York which he established upon his return to Tennessee after his WWI heroic services. The American War Mothers honored Sgt. York, his wife and son at a luncheon to which many dignitaries were invited. The luncheon preceded the premiere showing of the motion picture Sergeant York at which the National officers and the Washington, D. C. American War Mothers officers were guests. This fund was maintained for several years. Upon the death of National President Mary G. Treachener, 1947, a Living Memorial Fund was established which provided a complete medical school education for Julian Bertram who had been a high school recipient of the American War Mothers-York Scholarship.

MOTHERS DAY GIFT SHOPS: In 1949 the Indiana chapters of the American War Mothers held "Mothers Day Gift Shops" in the three Indiana VA Hospitals. Gifts were donated by the mothers and veterans were encouraged to select gifts for their wives and mothers which were then gift wrapped, wrapped for mailing and mailed at no cost to the veterans. The total cost of the gift shop as $1,600.00. In 1953 the Mothers Day Gift Shop idea was adopted as a national project

AMERICAN WAR MOTHERS FLAG

The American War Mothers is a national organization chartered by Congress with its headquarters in Washington, DC. Its members are mothers whose sons and daughters have served or who are serving in the Armed Forces. Its objective is to aid the serviceman or veteran and his family, including those who are hospitalized.

According to records in the Office of the Architect of the U.S. Capitol, the American War Mothers flag was purchased by them and first flown over the U.S. Capitol, always below the American flag, on Armistice Day, November 11, 1926.

The authority for flying that flag over the U.S. Capitol on this occasion and in subsequent years has been granted annually by written permission of the Vice President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Provision for the ceremony was further recognized when the flagpole on the east front, after the extension of 1960, was installed with two halyards.

Traditionally the flag has been raised at 11 minutes after 11 a.m. by a detail from the Capitol Police. The flag flies until sundown, although originally it flew only for three hours. A bugler selected from one of the armed services plays taps. Brief memorial services are held in connection with the ceremony. These services have been accommodated on the east and west front steps or in Statuary Hall and permission to hold them is generally granted in the same letter that permits the flag to be flown.

The act of July 1, 1882, regulating the use of the Capitol Grounds vests the Vice President and the Speaker with the authority to grant this privilege.

The American War Mothers flag is kept in a safe at the U.S. Capitol. The present flag, first used in 1970, replaced the original woolen flag of 1926. It is of a synthetic fabric, 47 x 72 inches in size, consisting of a white field with a red border 11 inches wide. At the top is an 11-inch blue star for the 4,695,039 who served in World War I. These figures are 2l/2 inches in blue. Across the center in 4-inch letters are the words ‘United States Service Flag.’ Below is an 11-inch gold star for the 60,672 who gave their lives. These figures are 2 1/2 inches high in gold.

American War Mothers United States Postage Stamp-
Mothers Day Commemorative Stamp

1934 Mothers Day Stamp A POSTAGE STAMP FOR MOTHERS' DAY

 

 

On January 25, 1934, four women visited the White House to ask President Roosevelt to authorize the issuance of a special postage stamp to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of Mothers Day. The women were Mrs. W. E. Ochiltree, National President; Mrs. H. H. McCluer, past National President; Mrs. Howard G. Boone, first National vice-president; and Mrs. Virginia Jenckes, United States Congresswoman from Indiana.

The idea of a Mothers' Day stamp originated in the mind of Mrs. McCluer who had long been interested in collecting stamps. These loyal American War Mothers were of the opinion that the American War Mothers would do much to show appreciation of the nationwide observance of Mothers Day by sponsoring a postage stamp to be known as a Mothers Day stamp.

The design of the stamp was chosen by President Roosevelt who said "Wouldn't Whistler's Mother make a pretty stamp?"

The release of the issue of the stamp dated Wednesday, March 28, 1934, called for the initial printing of two hundred million of the new stamp of three cent denomination to be placed on sale on Tuesday, May 1st.

The American War Mothers arranged for an appropriate cachet (first day issue envelopes) and after a conference with Mr. Albert F. Kunze, president of the Washington Philatelic Society, and Mr. David H. Davenport, an active member of the American Philatelic Society, engaged these two gentlemen to manage a campaign for the sale of the cachet. An office was opened at the American War Mother Headquarters, 1527 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, D. C. A staff of six stenographers worked for more than two months under the direction of Mr. Kunze and Mr. Davenport, caring for order for the special cachet and addressing them, ready to be mailed on the first day of the sale of the stamp. Proceeds from the sale of the cachet were used for relief work of the organization.

The ceremony at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, on Friday, April 13, when the first printing of the Mothers Day stamps was run, was very interesting. Postmaster General James Farley made a brief address and predicted that the new stamp would be the most popular stamp ever issued. Which statement was proved true.

Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt represented the mothers of the land, and with her came Mrs. Henry Morganthau, Jr., wife of the Secretary of the Treasury. The American War Mothers delegation consisted of Mrs. Ochiltree, Mrs. McCluer and Mrs. Boone, the original sponsors of the stamp.

Photo courtesy of Bob Allen, senior editor
http://1847usa.com/ Mr. Allen also provided the names of the Designer,and Engravers
Designers and engravers of the stamp.

*
• Designer: Victor S. McCloskey Jr.
* Engraver: J.C. Benzing (vignette)
• * Engravers: E.M. Hall and W .B. Wells (lettering)

The National Memorial Home

Long before there were Fisher Houses there was the National Memorial Home. The American War Mothers saw a need for food and lodging close to the Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver. From 1926 until 1960 the home served as temporary lodging to families of our wounded troops many of whom came from families with limited funds.

Chapters across the nation contributed to the home, situated on five acres, in order to provide a warm atmosphere with household amenities. During the first year of operation over 150 Mothers and wives received comfort in a home atmosphere during their loved one's hospitalization.

The home was the first project for the American War Mothers which lasted over thirty years. The home in now privately owned and listed on the Historic site registry in Colorado. A current photo of the home may be viewed here.

The American War Mothers Flower

The National Flower of the American War Mothers is the Carnation. The American War Mothers have a long history associated with the Carnation. Please read the history of the American War Mothers excerpted from the forward by Marguerite H. White, Indiana Public Relations Chairman 1979-1981.

Post WWI Carnation recovered during a home restoration

Photo courtesy of Johnathan at Cambell Mansion

In 1923 to help finance the national convention, and upon the suggestion of Adelaide Riffle, carnations were sold on the streets of Kansas City, Missouri. This project was so successful that the 1923 national convention accepted it as a national project with Mrs. Adelaide Riffle the first national Carnation chairman. Until November 1931 the chapters were allowed to keep one-half of the proceeds from the sale of carnations; send one-half to the state corresponding secretary, the state kept one-fourth and sent the remaining one-fourth to national. It was this carnation money that kept the national organization going and paid for much of the magazine expense. National Convention 1931 decreed that the chapters should from then on keep all the monies collected from the sale of carnations but it was to be used expressly for hospital work, veteran aid or civic welfare.

In the beginning, with a membership of 200 mothers, the Kansas City, Missouri chapter ordered 100,000 carnations, and sold them with the blessings and voluntary permit from the Mayor. Omaha Chapter ordered 50,000 carnations; and in Milwaukee, an ordinance was passed by the city council signed by the Mayor making it a law for the American War Mothers to sell carnations, and that chapter was debating whether to order 80,000 or 100,000 carnations! Figures on the carnations ordered were never well published, so I haven't tried to list them, but this has been a national project and one of the main money making schemes of the American War Mothers through the forty-three years.