History of Fathers Day Recipes Food Cooking International Guide
History of Fathers Day Began With Passionate Speeches And A Rigorous Campaign
By Jane Kliperrs
There is some contention over when and where the history of Fathers
Day began. Some say it started on the east coast in Fairmont,
West Virginia, while others maintain that the sentiment started
in Spokane, Washington.
Others still may argue that the official nature of our national
Father’s Day began with the work of legislators who saw
fit to add the day to the calendar, where all American citizens
would review and recognize the importance of expressing love and
gratitude toward their fathers.
The modern celebration of Father’s Day in America is said to
have originated with a woman named Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of
Spokane, Washington. In 1909, while listening to a Mother’s Day
sermon at her local parish, 27-year-old Dodd wondered, "Why
shouldn’t there be a celebration for fathers too?"
First Fathers Day Activities On June 19, 1910
After all, her mother had died in childbirth and her Civil War
veteran father, Mr. William Jackson Smart, was left to raise and
care for six children alone. She then began a rigorous campaign
to create an official Father’s Day date in America.
Thanks to enthusiastic support from the Spokane Ministerial Association
and the Young Men’s Christian Association, Spokane celebrated
its first Father’s Day activities on June 19, 1910.
Passionate Speeches To Celebrate Fathers
Others say the history of Fathers Day begins officially in Chicago,
Illinois in 1915, when Lion’s Club president Harry C. Meek gave
passionate speeches about the need to celebrate fathers throughout
the United States.
He felt it was unfair that mothers should be given a special
day of commemoration, but no consideration was given to the other
half of the partnership. In appreciation of his work campaigning
for the first Father’s Day date of celebration, the Lions Club
of America presented him with a gold watch inscribed with the
words, "Originator of Father’s Day" -- on his birthday,
June 20, 1920.
A plaque in Spokane, Washington commemorates his work as well,
which leads people to believe he took his speeches across the
country to inspire others to take up the cause.
Third Sunday In June
The history of Fathers Day in the national spotlight began in
1924, when President Calvin Coolidge said he wanted a day that
"would establish more intimate relations between fathers
and their children, and to impress upon fathers the full measure
of their obligations."
He created a National Father’s Day Committee, which met in 1926
in New York City. A Joint Resolution of Congress designated the
third Sunday of June to be the official Father’s Day date.
Finally, in 1972, Father’s Day was recognized as an official
national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed a law making
the third Sunday in June a day of permanent national observance.
About the Author:
By Jane Kliperrs has written a number of articles on Fathers Day, cooking, party and gift ideas including
Happy Fathers Day,
Gourmet Cooking,
Birthday Party Rental,
Mothers Day Gift,
Wedding Gift Ideas,
Unique Gift.
Keep a lookout for more articles on this website.
Did You Know?
Every day should be one that you celebrate and honor with your
father. But, sadly, life often gets in the way and people do not
visit their fathers like they should. Before you know it, weeks
have passed and you have not called or stopped by for a visit.
It can be really hard on a parent to lose touch with their children.
It is good that there is a Father’s Day and it is even better
when children can be with their fathers on that special day. But
are you curious as to how it got started? This article can help
cure that curiosity.
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