The Origin of Father’s Day and the Need for Greater Recognition of Fathers

The Roots of Father’s Day

Father’s Day, observed on the third Sunday of June each year in the United States, has a history as complex and emotional as the relationships it honors. The holiday’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century when a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, who her father, William Jackson Smart, had raised, single-handedly proposed the concept.

Moved by a sermon about Anna Jarvis’s successful push to establish Mother’s Day, Dodd began her campaign to acknowledge fathers similarly. Her Civil War veteran father was a single parent who raised six children. Inspired by her own father’s resilience and dedication, Dodd sought to honor him and other fathers like him for their commitment and sacrifice.

The first observance of Father’s Day occurred on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. However, it would take much longer for the day to gain national recognition. It wasn’t until 1966 that President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed it into law, finally giving Father’s Day the national recognition it deserved.

How Father’s Day is Celebrated

In its simplest form, Father’s Day is about acknowledging and appreciating the vital role fathers and father figures play in families and society. It is traditionally marked with acts of appreciation – breakfasts in bed, special meals, handmade gifts, or simple expressions of love and gratitude. It’s an opportunity to celebrate fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.

Children, both young and adult, spend the day with their fathers or father figures, expressing their gratitude and making them feel special. Schools often engage in activities leading up to Father’s Day, helping children prepare homemade cards and gifts.

An Unsung Role: The Need for Greater Recognition

Despite the establishment of an official holiday, it’s arguably true that the societal recognition of fathers often doesn’t match the significance of their contributions. The critical role that fathers play in shaping the character, self-esteem, and overall life of their children is enormous and often under-recognized.

The stereotypical representation of fathers in media and society as merely the ‘secondary parent’ or the ‘breadwinner’ fails to capture the complexity and depth of a father’s role in his children’s lives. The truth is, fathers are as crucial in nurturing and raising children as mothers.

While we’ve seen cultural shifts towards a more balanced view of parenting, there’s still progress to be made in giving fathers the recognition they deserve. Father’s Day is a good reminder to not just celebrate fathers once a year, but also to appreciate and acknowledge their efforts throughout the year.

Celebrating Our Fathers

Father’s Day is not just about honoring biological fathers. It’s a day to celebrate all paternal figures – stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and even male mentors – any man who has offered guidance, support, and a nurturing influence. It’s about acknowledging the profound impact these men have on our lives.

Fathers, in all their forms, deserve to be celebrated for their sacrifices, for their love, and for the important role they play in nurturing their families. As we observe Father’s Day, let’s also remember to show appreciation for our fathers every day. Their unwavering commitment to their children, their unspoken sacrifices, and their silent strength are invaluable.

So, here’s to the fathers, the unsung heroes of our lives – let’s make every day a day to honor and appreciate them.

Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash