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The Origin of Father's Day
By Patricia Twitchell
Have you thought about what you are going to do to
pay tribute to your father this coming Father's Day? Perhaps there is someone in
your life who is not your biological father and yet, they are a father figure to
you. Either way, you may want to share the following story with those you love
for the coming tribute to fathers everywhere.
Did you know that Father's Day began in 1909? That's right. Mrs. John B. Dodd
of Washington thought up the idea as a unique way to honor her father, William
Smart. Mr. Smart was a Civil War veteran. He was widowed when his wife died
during the birth of their sixth child. Being left to raise the newborn and five
other children by himself on a rural farm, William Smart did a great job of
showing the love of a father to his children.
It was when Mrs. Dodd was an adult that she realized just how much her father
had done as a single father. To honor him, she began her first official Father's
Day. Interestingly, at about the same time in other areas of the country other
folks were getting precisely the same idea about their fathers. Goes to show you
when one person has a great idea others may be thinking the same great idea at
the same time.
In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge endorsed the idea of a national Father's
Day. In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation
declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.
And that's how Father's Day began!
About the Author Patricia Twitchell is the proprietor of Just Bears and
Stuff, a unique gift shop located in Myrtle Creek, Oregan. Nestled in the scenic
mountains it is a favorite place to visit from people all over the country.
Receive "Beary Special Moments" a free online teddy bear facts and tips e-zine
by visiting www.justbearsandstuff.com
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