This World War I–era telegram relays the Secretary of War’s desire that all commanding officers and soldiers write a letter home for Mother’s Day. By the date of this communication, May 6, 1919, those moms had been waiting almost six months for their children to come home. Although the Armistice was announced in November 1918, it took over a year to transport the millions of American troops stationed overseas back to the United States.
Mother of four soldiers at a parade in Boston, Massachusetts, January 21, 1919. The two blue stars on her service flag represent family members serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. The two gold stars represent family members who died during military operations.National Archives, Records of the War Department General and Special StaffsView in National Archives Catalog
Cartoonist Clifford Berryman captures the spirit of Mother's Day. Here, amidst the chaos of battle, a soldier writes a letter to his mother, her image clearly in his mind. Mother’s Day, May 12, 1918.National Archives, Records of the U.S. SenateView in National Archives Catalog
