"It's true. Mothers Day was NOT invented by Hallmark. Or by 1-800-FLOWERS or even Sees Candies. In fact, Julia Ward Howe, the woman credited with initiating Mothers Day in 1870, would have been appalled by its crass commercialism. Were she alive today, Julia probably would have told her kids to dispense with the roses and chocolates, and instead join her in an anti-war rally. Yes, Julia Ward Howe was a peacenik."

Read the rest of Medea Benjamin's piece on the true meaning of Mother's Day and CodePink's planned 24-hour vigil in front of the White House from 4 pm May 13 to 4 pm May 14.