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Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
Father’s Day isn’t just a day for dads to get more ties. It’s celebrated on the third Sunday of June to honor dads, grandfathers, step-dads and all men who act as a father figure. Like most holidays that go way back, the origin is hard to trace but most people will agree that Sonora Dodd played a big part in starting the holiday.
The history behind this holiday
Sonora Louise Smart Dodd first brought up the idea of a father’s day in 1909. She wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. When Sonora’s mother died in childbirth with her sixth child, William was left to raise the newborn and five other children by himself on a farm in Washington state. As an adult, Sonora realized how strong and unselfish her dad had been raising his kids as a single parent.
Sonora wanted this holiday to be celebrated on the first Sunday in June, because it was close to her dad’s birthday. Instead, the first Father’s Day celebration took place on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made the third Sunday of June Father’s Day. It wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon made this celebration a national holiday-about 60 years after Mother’s Day had been made a national holiday.
Let’s celebrate the Fathers in our lives
As we recognize the history and meaning behind this celebration, let’s take a moment to honor all the fathers, grandfathers, stepdads, and father figures who have made a lasting impact on our lives. Whether through a heartfelt message, a family gathering, or a simple thank you, this is a chance to show appreciation for their love, strength, and support. From all of us, Happy Father’s Day!
