Father's Day in USA is celebrated with great enthusiasm and lot of
fanfare on third Sunday of June. Observing the day, people reflect on
the invaluable role played by fathers in building the character of
children and in the development of the nation. On Father's Day people
honor their father and express gratitude for his love and affection. As
a Father's Day tradition, people in US also pay tribute to grandfather,
stepfather, foster father, uncle or any other men who are like father.
History of Father's Day in USA
Father's Day festival as we celebrate today traces its history
to United States of America. The idea of observing a day in honor of
father was conceptualized by Ms
Sonora Smart Dodd, a loving daughter from Spokane. It so
happened that Sonora attended a Mother's Day Sermon in 1909 and she was
struck with the noble idea that society must observe a day to honor the
important contribution made by father in the raising of children.
Encouraged by the love of her father, William Smart, a civil war
veteran who single-handedly raised her along with her five siblings
after the death of her mother, Sonora worked hard to make her concept a
reality. The noble idea of celebrating Father's Day soon spread across
the nation. Father's Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of
Congress in 1956. Finally, in 1972 President Nixon established
Father's Day as a permanent national day of observance on the third
Sunday of June.
Fathers Day Celebrations in USA
Fathers Day celebrations in USA takes place with lot of gaiety and
enthusiasm. The day is observed as a time for family reunion in
families, as children who are staying away from families take time out
to celebrate the day with their father. Indulging daddy with breakfast
in bed and gifts like cards, flowers, chocolates and neckties is the
traditional way of celebrating Father Day in USA.
Massive popularity of Fathers Day Festival has led to extensive
commercialization of the occasion. Critics rue that rigorous marketing
campaign has spoiled the noble idea of honoring fathers on Father's Day
as many observe the day by performing the mere formality of presenting
gifts to dad. Others, however, see the positive side of
commercialization and say that it in fact helps to raise awareness about
the day and encourages children to honor their father.
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