In recognition of the substantial importance a woman's role and motherhood was in support of a strong Germany,[REF][REF][REF][REF] the Cross of Honour of the German Mother was introduced by decree in Berlin on 16 December 1938 by Führer und Reichskanzler (leader and chancellor) Adolf Hitler [REF].
The crosses were awarded annually on the second Sunday in May (Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day), but also extended to include other national annual occasions of celebration [REF].