Artifact of the Week - US Army Mothers Pin

The United States Army Mothers National Organization was born from a deeply personal journey. Founder Margaret M. Jackson was inspired to create the organization when her son enlisted in the Air Corps Division of the US Army in 1939.  Enlistment ignited Mrs. Jackson's passion for supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces. Her quest for knowledge about the Army and the brave souls serving their country led her to Col. Fred M. Logan on July 4, 1940.  He provided Margaret Jackson with the list of twenty-three charter members of the organization.  On September 25, 1940, these twenty-three women gathered at Mrs. Jackson's home. In July 1941, the United States Army Mothers National Organization was established, comprising thirty groups from Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas.  On September 25, 1941, Founders Day, two months later, 67 more groups and one state, Nebraska, joined.  As of August 1967, there were approximately 140 Posts and over 8,000 members.

Initially, the organization served as a meeting place for mothers whose sons had departed for military service. Membership later expanded to include any wife, mother, sister, or daughter related to a man or woman in the US Armed Forces. The first meetings took place before World War II began. The Army Mothers transitioned into a service and social organization during the war. They focused on providing aid to service members and veterans and undertook tasks such as aid to hospitals and child welfare projects. The Army Mothers prioritized providing as much recreation for service members as possible during the war.  After the war, they focused on helping veterans and their families. The Army Mothers sewed and visited with the veterans, providing the extras these men and women wanted but did not receive from the veterans' hospitals.

In October 1989, after approximately 48 years of service, the Army Mothers National Organization ceased to exist.  The organization faced a financial deficit due to a lack of new memberships and contributions, which led to its closure.

Our pin was worn by Mrs. A. Y. Doan and donated by her family. The star denotes one family member in the service.