Celebrating Fatherhood, Paternal bonds & the Influence of Fathers in Society as World Marks Fathers Day Today

Today is Father’s day, and the day is set aside globally to honour, celebrate fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in Society.

According to an article on the Holistic Living web site,Sonora Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a 'father's day' in 1909. Dodd was inspired with the idea of Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon at church. 

She wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. 

Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.

The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across America, other people were beginning to celebrate a 'father's day.' In 1926 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. 

Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day for the U.S.A. and has since been adopted by Canada, Europe and several other countries including Ghana.

"Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all to be honored on Father's Day."

I wish it were true that every one of us had a father like Sonora Dodd had because, in spite of what many women's libbers and same-sex marriage advocates are claiming to the contrary, the role of a healthy, emotionally involved father (and mother) is critical for the emotional healthy development of both boys and girls.

"According to Dr. T. Berry Brazelton [child development expert], a father's involvement with a child increases the child's IQ, the child's motivation to learn, and the child's self-confidence. In addition, children with involved dads are more likely to develop a sense of humor as well as an 'inner excitement.'"

And to all responsible fathers on this Father's Day, do not only appreciate the love of our children and grandchildren but also realize the importance and responsibility of the God-given role you have been entrusted with in the emotional development and health of your children.

Wishing All Responsible Fathers a Very Happy Father's 


GBC