FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day, a day to honor and remember all fathers and paternal figures, is always celebrated on the third Sunday in June. It’s a time to say “Thank You” for the hard work, patience, understanding, discipline and love that fathers have shown to their children and families in their lifetime.

The person responsible for creating Father’s Day was Sonora Smart Dodd. She lost her mother in childbirth which left her father, a Civil War veteran, to care for Sonora and her five siblings in Spokane, Washington. Sonora wanted to find a way to honor her father for all he had unselfishly done for her and her siblings. Inspired from a sermon she heard in church on Mother’s Day, Sonora decided to go out on her own and gain support to help celebrate the first Father’s Day which she organized to be celebrated on her father’s birthday, June 19, 1910.

President Calvin Coolidge supported Sonora’s petition to hold a National Father’s Day and set up a National Father’s Day Committee in l926 in New York City.

There was quite a bit of controversy over both Mother’s and Father’s Day being celebrated at all. During World War II people were encouraged to support the brave men fighting in the war and support the cause. By the end of the war Father’s Day became nationally recognized.

Thanks to President Lyndon B. Johnson, Father’s Day became officially celebrated on the third Sunday in June. President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation and officially made Father’s Day a national holiday honoring fathers for their sacred and vital role in the family.

I can remember growing up and respecting my father for the stories my grandmother told me about my father’s bravery and courage in enlisting under the required age to fight for his country and to be overseas with his two enlisted brothers during WWII. The pride and respect that flowed from my father spilled onto me growing up as the first born. It was his strength, perseverance and determination that trickled down onto me as well. I can never forget the lessons learned. Thank you, Dad, for a job well done!!!!!!

May we never forget the time spent with our fathers, grandfathers, uncles, etc. who inspired each and every one of us to become the person we are today.

                      HATS OFF TO DADS EVERYWHERE!!!!!!