A History Of Fatherhood

Fathers Day in the United States

A History of Fatherhood

Fathers Day is a holiday honoring the contributions of fathers and father figures in the lives of children. It is celebrated annually in the United States on the third Sunday in June.

The Origins of Fathers Day

The idea of celebrating Fathers Day originated in the early 1900s. In 1908, Sonora Dodd, from Spokane, Washington, proposed the idea after listening to a Mother's Day sermon in church. Her father, William Smart, had raised her and her five siblings as a single parent after their mother died in childbirth. Sonora believed that fathers deserved recognition for their role in raising children, just like mothers.

The First Fathers Day Celebration

The first Fathers Day celebration was held on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. The day was proclaimed a holiday by the mayor of Spokane, and it was celebrated with a special church service and a parade.

National Recognition

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Fathers Day. However, it was not until 1972 that President Richard Nixon signed a bill into law making Fathers Day a permanent national holiday.

When is Fathers Day Celebrated?

Fathers Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June in the United States. In 2023, Fathers Day fell on June 18th. In 2024, it will fall on June 16th.