Father’s Day is being celebrated today all around the world.
Father day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June every year to honour fathers for their relentless dedication for their families, and celebrates fatherhood and paternal bonds, and also the influence of fathers in our society.
The day has a long history dating back to more than a century to complement Mother’s Day in celebrating fathers and male parents.
The first known celebration was held in 1910 by Sonara Smart Dodd in Spokane, Washington who wanted to honour her father who was a war veteran and a single father and had raised six children.
The celebration later faded in obscurity as many Americans feared the commercialisation of the day. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson want to make it official but it was resisted by Congress.
In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, and designated the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. It was made into law six years later by President Richard Nixon.
The day is celebrated by people expressing their love and respect for their fathers, and by giving gifts to appreciate the efforts and sacrifices their father undertakes for their upbringing and well-being.