Founders of Mother's Day
For more than a century, the second Sunday in May has been set aside to honor mothers everywhere - and it all started with a push from the Fraternal Order of Eagles. On February 7, 1904, Fraternal Order of Eagles Past Grand Worthy President Frank E. Hering made a public plea to recognize mother's everywhere. A decade later, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making Mother’s Day a reality.
The achievement remains one of the most significant milestones in the history of the organization. From preparing brunch to buying cards and flowers, the spirit of Hering and the F.O.E. lives on through our actions each Mother’s Day.
While the F.O.E. continues to celebrate and take pride in the creation of Mother’s Day, many citizens are unaware of the organization’s work toward making the holiday a reality.
Hering, a faculty member at the University of Notre Dame, found inspiration for the holiday when he stumbled upon a classroom of students preparing postcards to send home to their mothers. The generous task inspired him to create a day specifically for honoring and recognizing mothers.
Serving as Grand Worthy President in 1909 and 1911, Hering used his position of influence to spread his idea for Mother’s Day. Soon the enthusiasm swelled throughout the organization and Eagles across the country were eager to see their dream become a reality.
Aeries began hosting their own celebrations to honor mothers and finally their hard work paid off as President Wilson designated May 10, 1914, the first Mother’s Day. Several organizations have stepped forward in an attempt to take credit for the holiday, but documented evidence shows that Hering – and the Eagles – were the true founders of Mother’s Day.
In 1925, the Society of War Mothers introduced Hering as “The Father of Mother’s Day” before an audience of Congressmen at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier cementing his legacy – and that of the Eagles – as the founder of Mother’s Day.
As we celebrate another Mother’s Day more than 100 years after Wilson officially recognized the Eagles’ work, we ask citizens everywhere to honor the important women in their lives and remember the passion and dedication an organization shared with the world to make it all possible.
Auxiliary Officer's Duties
The duties listed are a brief overview of duties spelled out by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Order. If you wish to find out more about an office, please see the section indicated below the office name.
Jr. Past Madam President
(Sections 9.1-9.3)
The retiring Madam President shall become Junior Past Madam President by virtue of having served as Madam President to the end of her term.
Madam President
(Sections 10.1-10.4)
The Madam President shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the Auxiliary and at all officers meetings. She shall see that harmony is preserved and shall enforce the Laws of the Order. She shall have general supervision over all the affairs of the Auxiliary, except where such power is vested elsewhere.
Madam Vice President
(Sections 11.1-11.2)
The Madam Vice President shall assist the Madam President in preserving order and decorum in the Auxiliary; and shall, in conjunction with the Madam President, inspect all ballots on applications, and report the same to the Auxiliary; she shall preside in the absence of the Madam President; and shall perform all other duties required of her by the Laws of the Order.
Madam Chaplain
(Section 12.1)
The Madam Chaplain shall have charge of the devotional exercises of the Auxiliary in accordance with the Ritual.
Madam Secretary
(Sections 13.1-13.14)
It shall be the duty of the Madam Secretary to keep a full and complete record of the proceedings of the Auxiliary, read all reports, bills and communications, fill out certificates and cards, keep and maintain the roster, issue summonses and notices, affix the Seal of the Auxiliary to documents requiring it, notify the Grand Secretary of removed officers, collect dues and more.
Madam Treasurer
(Sections 14.1-14.7)
The duties of the Treasurer include demanding and receiving all money from the Secretary belonging to the Auxiliary; providing receipts for the money; depositing funds within 48 hours in the bank account designated by the Auxiliary; signing warrant checks; keeping all records and books related to money; hold in trust all securities designated to the Auxiliary and any other such duty assigned to their position within the Laws of the Order.
Madam Conductor
(Sections 15.1-15.4)
The Madam Conductor will ensure that all participants in attendance at the opening of any session are permitted to remain; prepare the ballot box for the election of candidates to membership and supervise the voting; introduce all visitors and seat them; hold custody of all Ritual items and any other sich duty assigned to their position within the Laws of the Order.
Guards
(Sections 16.1-16.2)
The Inside Guard will maintain a position at the inner door of the Auxiliary, examining the official receipt of every member entering the meeting room while the Auxiliary is in session. The Outside Guard will have charge of the outer room during a session and permit only members in good standing to enter the room.
Madam Trustees
(Sections 17.1-17.8)
Under the direction of the Auxiliary, the Board of Trustees will hold all real property belonging to the Auxiliary and all personal property not entrusted to any other officer by the Laws of the Order and maintain an inventory of such property. Immediately following the installation of officers each year, the trustees will elect one of the other members as Chairman for one year. Under the direction of the Auxiliary, the Madam Trustees shall be the medium between the officers and members of the Auxiliary and the Aerie They shall consult with the Trustees of the Aerie with relation to the use of the Aerie premises for Auxiliary meetings, social functions, entertainments and charitable undertakings of a local nature. The Board of Trustees must also perform or maintain any other duties as stated within the Laws of the Order.