Father's day is celebrated in many countries around the world, however the actual date varies with Americans celebrating Father's Day on the third Sunday in June and Australians celebrating Father's Day on the second Sunday in September.
There are many other dates for this occasion. Nevertheless, Father's Day is a day of commemoration and celebration of dads. Its is a day where all who fulfill fatherhood roles are celebrated, like step fathers, grandfathers and in some cases uncles as well as fathers.
The idea of Father’s Day is attributed to Sorona Dodd in 1909, of Washington, who thought about the idea, whilst listening to a Mothers’ Day sermon. Her father was a civil war veteran who had been widowed, when his wife was giving birth to their sixth child. Her father, William Smart was left to raise the children by himself on a farm in Washington state. She realized her fathers contribution in raising the family single-handedly, and the sacrifices he would have made, and because he was born in June she chose to hold the first Father’s Day in June, 1910. Some petitions were prepared and signed by people and a few years later the idea of Father’s Day found its way into the political arena.
The President Calvin Coolidge, supported the idea of a national Father’s Day in 1924, however it was not until 1966, that President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed that Father’s Day in America would be held on the third Sunday in June each year. President Richard Nixon signed a law that made Father’s Day permanent. Other countries have made their own arrangements, and so it is celebrated almost all through the year somewhere in the world.
There are many customs associated with Father’s Day, but generally there is a lot of “I love you” from children to their father figures as well as gifts. Traditionally in America a necktie is given, but there is no end to the type of gifts given today.
Some faiths recognize Father’s Day with special services and readings about fatherhood and it is not uncommon for restaurant so host Father’s day luncheons.
The important this is to remember your father and celebrate the gift of fatherhood and if you are able visit him, tell him how much he means to you and give him something special.
