What year did Father’s Day become a national holiday? This question often sparks curiosity among those who celebrate the day dedicated to honoring fathers. The history of Father’s Day is rich and fascinating, with its roots dating back to the early 20th century. Understanding the year it became a national holiday is crucial to appreciating the significance of this special day. Let’s delve into the timeline and the journey that led to the official recognition of Father’s Day as a national holiday.
The idea of celebrating Father’s Day originated in the United States, and its history is intertwined with the efforts of two women who wanted to honor their fathers. Sonora Smart Dodd, a Washington resident, was inspired by her mother’s efforts to create a day to celebrate mothers, Mother’s Day. Sonora wanted a similar day to honor her father, William Jackson Smart, who raised her and her five siblings after her mother’s death in 1898.
Sonora first proposed the idea of a Father’s Day in 1909 at a sermon at the Spokane’s Central Park Congregational Church. However, it took several years for the idea to gain traction. In 1910, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington, with a sermon and a public breakfast. The celebration was not widely recognized outside of Spokane, though.
The following year, the state of Washington became the first to officially recognize Father’s Day as a holiday. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation recognizing the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. However, this was not a national holiday yet; it was merely a suggestion from the president.
The movement to make Father’s Day a national holiday gained momentum over the next few years. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recommended that the day be observed as a national holiday. It was not until 1966, however, that President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an executive order making Father’s Day a permanent national holiday, to be celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
The year 1966 marked the official recognition of Father’s Day as a national holiday in the United States. Since then, it has become a time for families to come together and express gratitude and appreciation for their fathers. While the celebration of Father’s Day may vary across cultures and countries, the core message remains the same: to honor and appreciate the important role that fathers play in our lives.
