On Sunday, June 19, the third Sunday of June, many of us will celebrate Father’s Day. FD is commonly viewed as an opportunity to gather with family for barbecues, picnics, sporting activities (e.g. baseball, golf or fishing), eat at a favorite restaurant or attend a Broadway show. Generally, it is a fun day.
The idea of an annual day to recognize fathers was first proposed by Sonora Dodd a resident of Spokane, WA, in 1909. She wanted to honor her own father who had raised her and five siblings as a single parent. In her opinion, mothers had their “day,” so why shouldn’t fathers. At first, she approached her pastor about organizing a special service on her father’s birthday, June 5, but for some reason, perhaps, time constraints, the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The initial celebration was held in 1910.
For many years the idea of a “day” for fathers did not catch on with the general public. The major reason was the fear that it would become overly commercialized like Mother’s Day and Christmas. In addition, the media was not behind the concept. Rather than support the idea, they attacked it with sarcastic and cynical articles and cartoons. FD did, however, have its supporters. Congress debated a bill as early as 1913, but it did not pass. Presidents such as Woodrow Wilson and Calvin Coolidge spoke out in favor of it. Margaret Chase Smith, a longtime influential Senator from Maine, criticized the inequity of Congress’ ignoring fathers while honoring mothers. Finally, in 1966 LBJ issued a Presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as FD. It became a permanent holiday in 1972.
FD is celebrated differently in other countries around the world, as follows:
- United Kingdom – It is also celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is recognized as a day to honor not only fathers, but also other father figures, such as grandfathers and fathers-in-law. As in the US, typically, people pay a visit and give cards and gifts. Other activities might include male-only outings [golf, football (soccer), or cricket] or trips. One significant difference is that the day is not considered to be a holiday, just a normal Sunday.
- Canada – Very similar to the UK. Popular activities would include going to the park, the zoo or eating out in a restaurant.
- Russia – The holiday, celebrated on February 23, is called Defender of the Fatherland Day. All men are honored, not just fathers. It began as a military celebration and is still marked by military parades.
- Mexico – Celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is marked with parties and gifts for dads and a 21 kilometer Father’s Day race.
- Brazil – It is celebrated on August 2 in honor of St. Joachim, patron saint of fathers and grandfathers.
Sports fans, which, let’s face it, include most dads, will have a variety of choices. In addition to the regular choices of the US Open and baseball we have the unexpected bonus of Game 7 of The Finals. My family will be enjoying all of the above.
FD is one of the few days of the year when the wife will not complain when you watch “too much” sports. Dads, it is your day. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy it.