In June of every year , we honor fathers. The first Mother’s Day was celebrated in 1914, but the holiday for honoring fathers did not become official until 1966 !! In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson declared that the third Sunday in June would be Father’s Day. President Richard Nixon made this proclamation permanent in 1972. But this doesn’t mean that the holiday was not celebrated before this time.
The idea for Father’s Day is attributed to Sonora Dodd, who was raised by her father, after her mother’s death during childbirth. While listening to a sermon at church on Mother’s Day, she thought about all her father had done for her and her siblings and decided fathers should have a day , too. Sonora’s father was born in June and she encouraged churches in her area, Spokane, Washington to honor fathers that month. The first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane in 1910.
Over the years, the idea spread and people lobbied Congress to establish the holiday. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson, who had signed a proclamation establishing Mother’s Day , approved the idea but never signed a proclamation for it. In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge made it a national event to establish more intimate relationships between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations.
Other countries also picked up the idea of Father’s Day. Many follow the United States and celebrate the third Sunday in June, some decided to honor Dad on different dates.
By understanding the concept of Father’s Day , we can better celebrate and honor our Fathers !!
Happy Father’s Day to All !!
