A Few Thoughts about Father's Day

Just a few thoughts about "Father's Day"......contrary to popular belief, the designation did not originate to help greeting card companies sell more of their product; in fact, when "father's day" was first proposed, there were no Father's Day cards! Mrs. John Dodd, of my hometown of Spokane, Washington wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. Mr. Smart was a Civil War veteran and was widowed when Mrs. Dodd's mother died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise all six children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington State (probably just outside of Spokane). After Mrs. Dodd became an adult she realized the selflessness and strength her father had shown in raising the children as a single parent while running the farm.
The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane and in 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. It was in 1966 that the proclamation was signed declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day by President Lyndon Johnson.
Today many families honor not just their fathers and grandfathers but stepfathers, uncles and other adult males that have served as mentors.

Celebrate, honor and cherish your fathers on this special day - let them know in a special way how important they are to you. And remember; be creative in your celebration and gift
giving.....they may not need another tie!

Jan