In May, Moms receive all the love and attention on Mother’s Day – this month, it’s Dad’s turn. On Sunday June 16, Father’s Day will celebrate the role fathers play in the family structure and their influence on society. It’s a day to recognize not just fathers, but also the father figures in our lives; step-fathers, fathers-in-law, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and even other male relatives.
What is the history of Father’s Day? According to farmersalmanac.com, some attribute the first observance to the 1907 Monongah, WV mining disaster that killed 361 men – 250 of them fathers – and left more than a thousand children without a dad. Grace Golden Clayton, whose father was killed in the tragedy, suggested a service of commemoration to the pastor of her local Methodist chapel; but it never really caught on as an annual observance.
It’s a day to recognize not just fathers, but also the father figures in our lives; step-fathers, fathers-in-law, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and even other male relatives.
However, during a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, a Spokane, WA woman was inspired to create a holiday that celebrated fathers, according to history.com. Sonora Smart Dodd, born in 1882, is recognized as the founder of Father’s Day, with the first observance recorded in 1910 on the 19th of June, the month of Dodd’s father’s birthday.
In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge acknowledged the holiday and asked the states to do the same. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared that Father’s Day would occur annually on the third Sunday in June.
How do you celebrate Father’s Day? With perfect summer weather, many families celebrate Dad’s special day with a backyard barbecue, picnic or other outdoor gathering. Fishing is another activity much enjoyed, and many dads enjoy spending the day on the golf course.
What’s the perfect gift for Dad? Most dads are content to just enjoy a day spent with their families and a special home-cooked meal. Tools, fishing gear, comfy clothes, gadgets and gift cards are just a few suggestions. What dads really want is a relaxing day and to know just how much they are appreciated.
Happy Father’s Day!
