Published: May 05, 2008 07:33 pm         

Senator seeks commemorative coin for Mother’s Day

A century ago, West Virginia’s own Anna Jarvis launched what has evolved into a national tradition to honor mothers.

Reflecting on the 100th observance of Mother’s Day, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., offered a bill Monday aimed at minting commemorative coins to recognize the role of women.

At the same time, Rockefeller said his legislation would help finance scientific research into cancer and brittle bone disease.

“What started out as a simple act on the streets of Grafton is now celebrated in every community across the nation, and quite a few countries around the globe,” he said.

“My wife Sharon will tell you that there’s no better gift on Mother’s Day than the one that comes from the heart. Giving these coins is a simple, heart-felt gesture that shows our mothers, grandmothers, daughters and nieces just how much we care and appreciate them.”

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., is an original co-sponsor of the Rockefeller legislation, which is a Senate companion bill to last year’s proposal by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.

“Mothers make an incredible difference in the life of a child, and are an unending source of love, patience and understanding,” Rockefeller said. “I can think of no better way to honor them, along with West Virginia’s role in creating Mother’s Day, than through this tribute. People across the country can show their affection for the important women in their lives, and help them to advance crucial medical research, by purchasing this keepsake coin.”

Known as the Mother’s Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, the bill would require the Treasury Department to mint coins commemorating the centennial of the national observance.

In 1910, the state recognized the efforts two years earlier in Grafton to establish Mother’s Day. Within four years, President Woodrow Wilson declared the first national Mother’s Day.

Any money made from the proposed coins would help in the fight against breast cancer and osteoporosis by benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com