Father’s Day, now filled with cookouts, handmade cards, and thoughtful gifts, has a heartfelt history rooted in gratitude and love.

The idea began in the early 1900s when Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, sought to honor her father, William Jackson Smart—a widowed Civil War veteran who raised six children alone. Inspired by Mother’s Day, she organized the first Father’s Day celebration on June 19, 1910, with church sermons and small tokens of appreciation.

Though early efforts gained some attention, national support was slow. Critics saw the holiday as too sentimental or commercial. It wasn’t until after World War II, when appreciation for fathers grew, that momentum increased. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation, and in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed Father’s Day into law.

Today, Father’s Day is celebrated in many countries, often on the third Sunday in June. It honors all father figures—dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and mentors—who guide and support us.

Whether you're sharing a meal, a memory, or a heartfelt “thank you,” the day is a tribute to the men who help shape our lives. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads in our community!