Southern Nevada Chapter of the American War Mothers Organization Records (MS-00396)

Federal officials impressed with the food conservation and war relief work carried on by mothers of servicemen and women during World War One, requested the group be established permanently The American War Mothers Organization was founded in response to federal officials impressed with and grateful for the Food Conservation and War Relief Work carried on by mothers of servicemen and women during World War I. On September 29, 1917 these officials requested that a permanent War Mothers organization be established. Enthusiastic response resulted nationwide, and by Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, two thirds of the states were organized into chapters. The first National Convention of War Mothers was called by the Governor of Indiana and convened in Indianapolis on August 15, 1918. Delegates from other states were appointed by their respective governors. On February 24, 1925 the 68th Congress granted the American War Mothers a National Charter (PL-453).

The purpose of the organization is to keep alive and develop the spirit of world service; maintain the ties of fellowship born of that service; to assist and further any patriotic work, including assisting the men and women who served and were wounded in the World Wars or conflicts in the United States; and to foster and promote a friendship and understanding between America and the Allies. Membership is limited to women who are citizens of the U.S. whose children served in the Armed Forces of the United States or its allies in World War I, World War II, Korea or Vietnam Conflicts, or any subsequent wars or conflicts involving the United States, having an honorable discharge from such service, or being still in the service.

The charters' activities revolved around promoting patriotism and memorializing the war dead. Nationally, the American War Mothers instituted the practice of awarding a silver star banner to families whose son or daughter served in war, and a gold star banner to those whose son or daughter died in military service. American War Mothers also participated in the national project to memorialize the war dead by identifying Gold Star Memorial Highways. Locally, the American War Mothers donated trees and planted the City of Las Vegas Rose Garden in memory of the war dead. The Henderson chapter's main project was the erection of the Memorial Wall in Henderson. Although the chapters were still active through Desert Storm of the early 1990s, participation in this patriotic organization waned, and the Southern Nevada chapters of the American War Mothers disbanded in the 1990s.