Evolution of Father’s Day



Posted: Wednesday, June 04, 2008

by
F & S Company

Father's Day is a secular celebration inaugurated in the early twentieth century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fatherhood and to honor and commemorate fathers and forefathers. While many people believe that Father's Day is a holiday invented by the fine folks at Hallmark, it's not so. The driving force behind the establishment of the celebration of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Todd. Sonora honored and revered her father, and while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909, she determined then and there, that there should also be a day to honor fathers. She was also inspired by Anna Jarvis’ efforts. Her father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane , Washington on the 19th of June, 1910. Unofficial support from such figures as William Jennings Bryan was immediate and widespread. President Woodrow Wilson celebrated the informal holiday with his family in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, during the presidency of Richard Nixon . Even though it took more than half a century to implement Father’s Day nationally, Sonora has been considered the “mother" of Father’s Day.

Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. It is the most appropriate platform to make us look beyond “our own" family and honor the man who brought us joy and happiness. Father's Day is a time of burnt toast and breakfast in bed, family gatherings, and crayon scribbled "I Love You Dad". It is now celebrated in every part of the world. Sonora ’s early vision came true, as now Father's Day is without a doubt, a time to recognize the fathers and father figures in everyone’s lives. Fathers have always acted as the strong pillars of our lives on whom we have relied for all our small and great problems. Their gifts usually involve the traditional neckties or individualistic personal pursuits, golf clubs and fishing rods, when their gifts should mean much more than that. Fathers are not as simple as they once thought to be; they have evolved into the second parent with complex maneuvering skills in the treacherous and rewarding road of parenting.

While some claim Dads to be less involved with parenting, they are ultimately wrong. In this hectic day and age, mothers and fathers, both have become a part of the parenting process. Fathers have crossed the stereotypical boundaries, which classified them as the sports’ dad, the overbearing dad, the always too-busy-businessman dad, or the corny, embarrassing dad. As human beings evolved, so did our fathers. They now have to be a combination of a therapist, confidante, supporter, financial provider, chef, motivational speaker, chauffeur, and much more. By taking more responsibility in providing care for their children, the next generation will be better prepared for what the world has in store for them, because they don’t have to carry the extra baggage of an unhealthy relationship with their fathers. With fathers stepping up to the plate with better parenting, it is only natural for the sons and daughters to come up with meaningful gifts’ to show their dad the appreciation and gratitude they feel for his work. Now that is easier than ever, with the Personal Treasures provide the best, customized present your dad will always treasure.

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