The Story Behind Father's Day

Holiday founded at a YMCA to honor father of six motherless children

On June 17, 2007 when millions of fathers enjoy gifts and cards nationwide, most of them will be unaware that, in addition to their children, they also owe special thanks to Sonora Louise Smart the founder of Father's Day.

Eighty-nine years ago at a YMCA in Spokane, Wash., this dedicated daughter honored her father by calling for an annual Father's Day. The inspiration for Father's Day struck Sonora in 1909, while listening to a sermon celebrating Mother's Day. She thought of her father, a Civil War veteran, who had raised her and five brothers after their mother died in childbirth. Sonora shared her idea with local Protestant ministers at the Spokane YMCA who passed a resolution to observe a Father's Day.

The Spokane YMCA sponsored the first celebration on June 19, 1910. June was her father's birth month. Ms. Smart suggested honoring fathers through religious services, special meals, small gifts and wearing roses. The Father's Day idea spread rapidly, and in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recommended a national observance.

"Being a father in 2005 comes with a much different job description than in Sonora's day," said Barbara Taylor, Associate Director for Child Care and Family Programs for the YMCA of the USA. "Fathers are earning this day of recognition more than ever before. At the YMCA we've seen fathers take a much more active role in raising their children joining family activity nights, volunteering with their kids, arranging child care and participating in one-on-one programs. Fathers deserve a pat on the back and, of course, all the support community organizations like YMCAs can give them to make their job easier and more enjoyable."

Sonora Louise Smart Dodd died at the age of 96 but her legacy lives on. A monument to Sonora's holiday stands at the Spokane YMCA where today thousands of fathers and their children enjoy a wide range of family programs.

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News Items About Fathers and Fathers Day:

Daughter testifies in father's murder trial
The daughter of an Arcadia stockbroker accused of killing his wife described her father as "distraught" and "crying" the day before the August 2005 slaying.
Stitch Father's Day Beanbag DAD Stuffed plush toy doll $14
DISNEY STITCH 2005 Father's Day Beanie, Lilo and Stitch stuffed plush toys dolls.miniature beanbag plushes, each depicting Stitch, who's celebrating Father's Day 2005 by donning a button-down shirt with his "#1 Dad" tie, and carrying a "Happy Father's Day 2005" briefcase Disneyland Theme Parks and Resorts exclusive beanbags, plush, toys, dolls, holidays, souvenirs. Size: each approx. 8" Materials: polyester fibers, plastic pellets
Dance With My Father- LUTHER VANDROSS
Release date - 23/6/2003 ;If I Didn't Know Better Think About You If It Ain't One Thing (feat. Foxy Brown) Buy Me A Rose The Closer I Get To You (duet with Beyonce Knowles) Lovely Day (feat. Busta Rhymes) Dance With My Father She Saw You Apologize Hit It Again (feat. Queen Latifah) Right In The Middle Once Were Lovers Lovely Day [Part II] (feat. Busta Rhymes) They Said You Needed Me, £6.99
Father of 'Idol' champ sues over book
The father of American Idol champ Fantasia Barrino filed a $10 million lawsuit in New York Tuesday claiming he was libeled in her 2005 biography.

Your Best Fathers Day Resources:

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11. eowa = Media Release - Father's Day 2003
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12. Shared Inspiration - SEI Grampa's Attic 2005 Father's Day 1 - Powered by Pho...
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13. Donnamaie E. White - Short Stories and Essays - Saturday, Before Father's Day
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14. MilkandCookies - Father's Day News
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15. IBRRC: Press release: Adopt-a-bird, Father's Day
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16. fathers day 2005 ª Father's Day Gifts ª INTERNET RESOURCE DIRECTORY
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17. Flower Council of Holland - The story of Father's Day
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20. Father's Day Reviews
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21.
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22. Pewter Figurines from Michael Ricker Pewter Online: Boy - Father's Day
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23. Zachary August Faber
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27. MarvaLous Memories - Father's Day Tribute
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30. USATODAY.com - December 2005 glimpses
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