The first Father’s Day was commemorated in accordance with two different stories. Some sources claim that the first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910, in Washington state. Sonora Smart Dodd, a lady, was inspired to recognize and celebrate her father in 1909 while taking in a Mother’s Day sermon at church. She believed that moms were receiving all the attention when fathers too deserved a day of recognition (she would probably be annoyed that Mother’s Day still commands the majority of attention).
Sonora’s father was a fine man. Civil War veteran William Smart lost his wife at the birth of their sixth child, leaving him a widower. The six kids were then raised by him alone on their modest farm in Washington. Sonora believed there should be a day set aside to honor William and other father figures in order to express her gratitude for all the time and love he spent raising her and her brothers. She originally proposed setting aside June 5th, the anniversary of her father’s passing, as the date to honor fathers, but owing to some poor planning, Spokane, Washington moved the observance to the third Sunday in June.The first Father’s Day was commemorated in accordance with two different stories. Some sources claim that the first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910, in Washington state. Sonora Smart Dodd, a lady, was inspired to recognize and celebrate her father in 1909 while taking in a Mother’s Day sermon at church. She believed that moms were receiving all the attention when fathers too deserved a day of recognition (she would probably be annoyed that Mother’s Day still commands the majority of attention).
The other history of the first Father’s Day in America took place on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia, which is located all the way on the opposite side of the country. After a tragic mine explosion claimed 361 lives, Grace Golden Clayton recommended to the local Methodist church’s minister that they arrange ceremonies to honor dads.
While Father’s Day was being observed locally in many places across the nation, there was almost instantly unofficial support for
declaring the occasion a national holiday. Its strongest supporter was William Jennings Bryant. President Calvin “Silent Cal” Coolidge suggested Father’s Day be declared a federal holiday in 1924. However, nothing official was done.
Father’s Day became an official holiday in 1966 when Lyndon B. Johnson issued an executive order designating the third Sunday in June as the day. Father’s Day wasn’t recognized as a national holiday, though, until 1972, during the Nixon administration.
Father’s Day International
Father’s Day has also gained popularity in other nations. A lot of people celebrated it on the third Sunday in June, but some people chose to remember their fathers on other days. Here is a list of the dates Father’s Day is observed around the world so you may make plans to honor your dear old dad on those days wherever you are.
Iran on 14 March
Bolivia, Honduras, Italy, Lichtenstein, Portugal, and Spain on March 19
South Korea on May 8
Lithuanian First Sunday in June
Austria, Ecuador, and Belgium on the second Sunday in June
Antigua, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saint Vincent, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Trinidad, Turkey, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Zimbabwe
El Salvador and Guatemala on June 17
Nicaragua, Poland, and Uganda on June 23
Uruguay: Second Sunday in July
July’s final Sunday – Dominican Republic
Brazil’s second Sunday in August
Taiwan, China, August 8
24-08-2013 Argentina
Australia and New Zealand on the first Sunday in September
Nepal’s September new moon
Luxembourg – First Sunday in October
Estonia, Finland, Norway, and Sweden on the second Sunday in November
Thailand on December 5
It’s interesting to note this holiday is celebrated throughout the year! Don’t just buy your dad or grandfather a cheap “World’s Best Dad” mug on Father’s Day. Send him a card outlining some of the qualities you adore and respect about him. Nothing soft. Simply let him know how proud you are to be his son or daughter! Many people grow up without a dad in their lives and feel sad or indifferent during this holiday. Reach out to those you know in this situation and see if there is anyway you may be able to help. Also remain aware of those that may have recently lost their dad and share compassion. Have a memorable day because one day our dads won’t be here!