Ann Reeves Jarvis, a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War, and created Mother's Day Work Clubs to address public health issues died in 1905. Her daughter, Anna Jarvis, campaigned to make a recognized holiday of this day as a memorial to her mother and all mothers.
Mother's Day was first celebrated in America 1908.
The US Congress rejected a proposal to make Mother's Day an official holiday in 1908. However by 1911 many US states observed the holiday, some officially recognizing Mother's Day as a local holiday. In 1914 the then president signed a proclamation designating Mother's Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers.
The origins of Mothers’ Day in France are believed to have stemmed from the Napoleonic era. In 1806, the French emperor announced a special day to recognize mothers of large families. This celebration was revived after World War I for some time. In 1950 a special law was created to dedicate Mothers’ Day as an official tribute to mothers.

The original idea (in the various places that this holiday started around the world) was to commemorate all mothers in a loving, homely way but as time has gone by the holiday has become commercial and bought flowers, cards and other gifts are lovingly bestowed on mother figures. This day does not need to be commercial you can let your mother know how much you love and appreciate her just by calling her - it is so easy to call. You can, of course always follow up by sending a card, or having flowers or a gift delivered to her.