The History of Father's Day

Father's Day was first proposed in 1909 by Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by a church service celebrating Mother's Day. She envisioned a day to honor fathers like her own, a Civil War veteran, William Jackson Smart.

The inaugural Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. Dodd's efforts to promote the holiday included support from local churches, the YMCA, and shopkeepers.

Despite its popularity, Father's Day faced opposition for decades. Critics viewed it as an attempt to commercialize parental love. Congress was lobbied frequently, yet they resisted, fearing commercialization.

It wasn't until 1966 that President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day.

Following Johnson's proclamation, it took another six years before President Richard Nixon signed the law in 1972, making Father's Day a permanent national holiday.

Around the world, Father's Day is celebrated on various dates and in different ways. In Thailand, it is held on the king's birthday, reflecting the nation's deep respect for the monarchy.

In Germany, Father's Day, known as Männertag, is marked by groups of men going hiking with wagons of beer. The tradition is rooted in 18th-century celebrations of fatherhood and manliness.

The world's oldest father was 96 years old when he welcomed a child, showcasing the diverse realities of fatherhood.