Remembering All Fathers on Father's Day: Sunday, June 21, 2009

Father's Day this year 2009, falls on Sunday, June 21.
A day when millions of dads across the world will break into a smile and bask in the happy remembrances ensured by their off-springs.

Psychologists credit fathers for their genuine smiles on this day, and say that even though dads get less attention on Father's Day than moms do on Mother's Day, dads are more likely to be satisfied on their special date.

Mainly a US phenomenon, it is claimed the history of Father's Day dates back to 1909, in Spokane, Washington; when Sonora Smart Dodd listening to a Mother's Day sermon at the Central Methodist Episcopal Church was inspired to have a special day dedicated to her father, William Jackson Smart, who had brought her up and her siblings, single-handedly, after their mother died.

She realized her father's contribution and greatness and wanted to let him know how deeply she was touched by his sacrifices, courage, selflessness and love. To pay a tribute to her great dad, Sonora held the first Father's Day celebration on 19th of June 1910, on the birthday of her father - and so became the first to solicit the idea of having an official Father's Day observance. Unlike Mother's Day, which was readily accepted, Father's Day was apparently received with mockery and hilarity. Though the day was gaining attention, it was mostly for the wrong reasons. Jokes, satire, parody and derision were all that the day was commemorated for.

In 1913, a bill in accordance with making the day official was introduced. The idea was approved by US President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. Later, in 1924, the idea gained further momentum as it was supported by President Calvin Coolidge. In 1926, a National Father's Day Committee was formed in New York City. However, it was thirty years later that a Joint Resolution of Congress gave recognition to Father's Day.

Another 16 years passed (sixty-two years after it was originally proposed) before President Richard Nixon established the third Sunday of June, as a permanent national observance day of Father's Day in 1972.

Historians seeking an ancient precedent for an official Father’s Day observance have come up with only one: The Romans, every February, honored fathers - but only those deceased.

The day was primarily nationalized in the honor of all good fathers, who contribute as much to the family as a mother, in their own ways. Another theory states that even before Dodd came into the picture, Dr. Robert Webb of West Virginia is believed to have conducted the first Father's Day service in 1908 at the Central Church of Fairmont. However, it was the colossal efforts of Dodd, which made it possible for the day to acquire national recognition. The white and red rose was made the official flowers for Father's Day celebration. While the white rose commemorated gratitude for a father, who was deceased, a red rose expressed thankfulness to one, who was living.

So on this Father's Day, a short note to let all you Fathers there... know that you are fondly remembered on the special day dedicated to you.
As a father you have given the best to your children inculcating true values in them. May you receive the very best from your children.
The best gift one can have is to be loved and you are indeed loved not only by your children and family members but by all you come in contact with. You are gifted.
I wish all you fathers the very best on this day and may you be blessed immensely.
Have a wonderful Father's Day on June 21st.