HOW IT ALL BEGAN

The origin of Father's Day in the United States can be traced back to the early 20th century and is attributed to the efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd. The story goes that Sonora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by her father, William Jackson Smart, wanted to honor him for his love, care, and sacrifices as a single father.

Sonora's mother passed away during childbirth when she was just 16 years old. William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, took on the responsibility of raising Sonora and her siblings on his own. Sonora admired her father's dedication and felt that there should be a special day to honor fathers like him.

The idea for Father's Day took shape when Sonora attended a Mother's Day sermon at a church in Spokane, Washington, in 1909. She thought about the significance of mothers and realized that fathers also deserved recognition and appreciation. Inspired by the establishment of Mother's Day, Sonora proposed the idea of a similar holiday for fathers.

Sonora, along with the support of her siblings, started campaigning for the establishment of Father's Day. They approached local churches, government officials, and community organizations to garner support for their cause. Their efforts paid off, and the first Father's Day celebration took place in Spokane on June 19, 1910—William Jackson Smart's birthday.

Initially, Father's Day faced some resistance and was met with skepticism. Some argued that it was unnecessary, while others believed it would become overly commercialized. However, the idea gradually gained traction as more people recognized the importance of honoring fathers and father figures.

Over the years, the concept of Father's Day spread to other states and gained nationwide attention. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation declaring Father's Day as a national holiday, officially recognizing it as a day of celebration across the United States.

Sonora Smart Dodd's initiative to honor her father and acknowledge the contributions of fathers in society led to the establishment of Father's Day in the United States. Today, Father's Day is celebrated not only in the United States but also in various countries around the world, albeit on different dates.

Father's Day is a special day dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood. In the United States, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, as I mentioned earlier. It is a time when children and families express their love, appreciation, and gratitude for their fathers and father figures.

The origin of Father's Day in the United States can be traced back to the early 20th century. The first observance of Father's Day is credited to Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised his six children single-handedly after his wife's death. Inspired by the establishment of Mother's Day, Dodd proposed the idea of a day to celebrate fathers. The first Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington, on June 19, 1910.

However, it took some time for Father's Day to gain widespread recognition and acceptance. It wasn't until 1972 that President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making Father's Day a national holiday, officially recognizing it as a day of celebration across the country.

Father's Day is celebrated in various ways. Children often present their fathers with gifts, such as cards, flowers, or personalized items. Many families also plan special activities or outings to spend quality time together, such as having a meal at a restaurant, going for a picnic, or engaging in recreational activities that their fathers enjoy.

It's worth noting that while the third Sunday of June is the most common date for Father's Day in the United States, it may vary slightly in some years due to the calendar. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the specific date for Father's Day each year to ensure accurate planning and celebration.

Father's Day in the United States is typically celebrated on the third Sunday of June each year. In 2023, Father's Day will fall on June 18th.