In the late 1800's, a baby girl, Sonora Smart, was born. Unfortunately, her mother died giving birth to her. The usual practice was to send such a child off to relatives who would take care of her.
But Sonora's father, William, chose to keep her close to home, raising the little girl along with her five siblings alone on a farm in eastern Washington.

Sonora grew up and married, becoming Sonora Smart Dodd. One day in 1909, she was sitting in church listening to a Mother's Day sermon. Thinking that her father deserved the same recognition as any mother did, she began an effort to designate special day for fathers. The first Father's Day observance was held the following year in Spokane, Washington. She chose the month of June, the month of her father's birthday.

Within 15 years, this custom had spread across the country. In 1924, Calvin Coolidge issued the first presidential proclamation in support of Father's Day. President Richard Nixon made it a permanent designation in 1972. The third Sunday in June has become a National Day of Observance in honor of fathers everywhere. One woman's love for her father had inspired millions to honor their fathers as well.

Remember Father's Day is this coming Sunday, June 20.

I only wish that my Dad was still here for me to give him a big hug!!!

That's a great story Kelley! I knew Mother's Day was a religious celebration but I didn't know the reasons behind Father's Day!
I too wish my dad was here to give him a hug.

Thanks, Kel. By circumstance, all of my sisters were in town yesterday so we went ahead and threw a surprise "impromptu" Father's Day celebration. Nothing beats giving back a little to the ones who carried you so far.

You're both very welcome! Thought that was a great story. Life is short; love 'em now and Happy Father's Day to all!

That's a nice story Kelleygirl with a very special touch.
I wish mine was here too, to give a hug. I cherish his memories.

I didn't have a lot of use for my dad most of the time while growing up, and don't have a lot of warm fuzzy memories of him. However, I'd like to think that if he were still living, we would get along just fine now. Despite our differences, I miss him and would give anything just to have one day with him.

I have heard the story of how Father's Day began before, and always enjoy hearing it again. Spokane is an hour from where I live and this story is often repeated on the TV news as well as in the newspapers.