There are many different stories as to the origins of Father’s Day. Some of the possible scenarios telling the story of the first Father’s Day are:
1. It started in 1908 during a church service in West Virginia.
2. Vancouver, Washington was where the first Father’s Day celebration occurred.
3. Harry Meek, president of the Lions’ Club branch in Chicago, created the first Father’s Day with his organization. It was celebrated in 1915 on the third Sunday of June, since that was a date very close to his birthday.
Even though we don’t know exactly when the first Father’s Day was celebrated, we do know who promoted this holiday with a great passion. Mrs. John B. Dodd, who resided in Spokane Washington, felt that her father was outstanding and deserved to be honored. He had fought in the Civil War and had raised six children on his own after his wife had died.
Mrs. Dodd spoke to her minister and other ministers around Spokane to see if they would have a church service that was solely dedicated to fathers. She wished this service to be held on June 5th, her father’s birthday. It was actually scheduled on June 19th however, since a June 5th date was not long enough for her minister to prepare such a service.
After that, the whole state of Washington began celebrating “Father’s Day" on the third Sunday of June. Children prepared special meals and desserts as a treat for dad. If they happened to live apart, children would make an effort to visit.
Other states and organizations now wanted an annual Father’s Day for the whole country. They began lobbying Congress to declare such a holiday. The idea of a “Father’s Day" was approved by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, but it was not official until President Calvin Coolidge made it a national event in 1924.
Now, we celebrate Father’s Day every third Sunday in June!
I remember past Father's Day celebrations well. Mom would buy dad something he asked for while us kids would use his money (our allowance) to buy him something I am positive he not only didn't want, but didn't need as well. Sure, I know...it's the thought that counts. Unfortunately, the only thought I have about those particular days centers around the astonishment I have that dad could keep a straight face after opening our gifts, much less offer up a gracious "thank you" as he always did. I remember one year in particular I bought dad a pen. Not an executive pen, mind you, but a ball point pen. It was made of plastic and proudly displayed the "Bic" label in bold blue letters.
I was too young to know we had several of them in a desk drawer, and for all dad knew, that's probably where I obtained it. The following years brought a multitude of neckties, socks or wallets, only to change to neckties, socks and wallets when I got my first real job. Nothing says "thanks for being the world's greatest dad" like a pile of mundane gifts, with the possible exception of a "worlds greatest dad" t-shirt, which I also purchased for him one year. Yes, my track record on Father's Day is nothing short of abysmal, although this year I plan to remedy that situation.
I've decided to buy dad a Father's Day gift basket. I haven't settled on which type of gift basket to buy, but I'm hedging my bets that no matter what I choose, dad will get something he enjoys. There are gift baskets with gourmet foods, chocolates, wines...you name it. The last time I checked, all of the aforementioned are high on dad's list of the good things in life, so I think this year I will finally come through for the old man. Hey, maybe I will get him an executive gift basket this year, complete with a real pen set worthy of a high level executive. Then again, he does still have that drawer full of Bics...
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Ns Kennedy Kennedy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Hair Removal, Fathers Day and Halloween Costumes. Nicola takes great care in celebrating Father's Day, both as mom to her husband's children, and as a loving daughter. She can help you find a great