The Origin of Father’s Day
June 18, 2006

Father’s Day is a day dedicated to honouring fathers and father figures. Originally observed in the United States and Canada, this has spread to become a special day for fathers all over the world. It was started by an American housewife, Mrs. John Bruce Dodd of Washington. Mrs. Dodd first proposed the idea of “Father’s Day” in 1909. She wanted a special day to honour her father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran who was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the family by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington State. As an adult, Mrs.Dodd realized how strong and selfless her father had been as a single parent, and she wanted to show her appreciation.

The first Father’s Day took place on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. Other towns and cities across America also took up the idea, and in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge officially supported the idea of a national Father’s Day. Finally, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day. However, like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day is not an official national holiday.

While celebrating Father’s Day, let us remember that honouring our fathers should not be just a one-day event. Our filial appreciation for this special man in the family should span throughout the days of the year.

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