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:

Versailles drama department to present Father of the Bride
The Versailles High School Drama Department will be presenting Father of the Bride, by Caroline Francke, at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov.Comment
Roc La Familia & Hector Bambino "EL FATHER" Present Los Rompe Discotekas - Various Artists
Roc La Familia & Hector Bambino "EL FATHER" Present Los Rompe Discotekas © 2006 The Island Def Jam Music Group Play Album Roc La Familia & Hector Bambino "EL FATHER" Present Los Rompe Discotekas Page on Rhapsody Online
Scotsman - BBC's founding father was not a natural family man
HE FOUNDED the world's most famous broadcasting organisation, and his values - to educate, inform and entertain - permeate the BBC to the present day.

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