Editorials

Celebrate Father's Day every day

Hernando Today
Published: June 20, 2009

Today, across America, families will celebrate Father's Day. They will give glory to the role that is so often taken for granted and which will, for one day, be given the honor it deserves.

Father's Day traces back to the early 20th century. It originated in Spokane, Wash., where Sonora Dodd came up with the idea after listening to a Mother's Day sermon.

Dodd's father, William Smart, was a widowed Civil War veteran, and Dodd wanted to show her appreciation for him.

The first father's day was June 19, 1910. June was chosen because Smart's birthday was that month.

Nationally, the third Sunday in June was set aside for Father's Day by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966.

It has been a Hallmark Card bonanza ever since.

There are many million of fathers in the United States. So, today, if one of those millions is your father, find a way to show your appreciation.

We cannot pick what family we are born into; we certainly don't pick our parents. But, with some exceptions, our parents do the best they can to raise us, and regardless, they give us life.

For all of you who have ever played catch in the backyard with your dad, learned to tie a tie under his tutelage or learned how to stand up for yourself and be a man, this day is a time for you to give back.

For all of you who have felt the unconditional love of a father for his daughter, have felt the protective - sometimes overprotective - embrace of his concern or have basked in the glow of his attention, this day is when you can show him how much it meant.

And, perhaps today you might also reflect on the fact that you need not wait for this one day to show your father how much you care. Every day is a good opportunity. Celebrate Father's Day today. Celebrate Father's Day tomorrow. Celebrate Father's Day all year long.