Father’s Day is a time to honor fathers, grandfathers and fathers-in-law. It is an opportunity for children to express thanks and love to their dads or remember them if they have passed away. Many countries, including the United States, celebrate the holiday on the third Sunday in June.
History
In 1972, President Nixon made Father’s Day a permanent holiday. Several previous presidents had supported the idea but never made it official. However, Sonora Smart Dodd is credited with originally coming up with the idea many years earlier. Dodd’s father, William Jackson Smart, raised her and five siblings by himself, and she wanted to commemorate all he had done. His birthday was in June, and Dodd organized what is considered the first Father’s Day celebration on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington.
Famous Fathers and Their Sons
- John Adams and John Quincy Adams
John Adams and John Q. Adams were the first father and son to both be President of the United States. John Adams was also one of the founding fathers and helped draft the Declaration of Independence. He was the first vice-president under George Washington and second president from 1797 to 1801. John Quincy Adams was born in 1767 and president from 1825 to 1829. After he left office, Quincy Adams was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served for 17 years.
- Kirk and Michael Douglas
Kirk Douglas, born in 1916, is one of the living legends of the silver screen. During his decades-long acting career, he has appeared in close to 100 movies. Douglas was nominated for three Academy Awards and received an honorary Academy Award in 1996. Michael Douglas has also been a force in Hollywood. Some of his most famous films include Romancing the Stone, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Wall Street and Fatal Attraction. He is the winner of two Academy Awards and is married to actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.
- God and Jesus Christ
God and Jesus Christ are the integral deities of Christianity. God is considered to be the Supreme Being. The concept of God is common in numerous other religions. Jesus is believed to be the long-awaited savior and God’s only son. Many Christians believe he was crucified and died on the cross so people can be forgiven for their sins by God.
Famous Fathers and Their Daughters
- President Obama and Malia and Sasha Obama
President Obama has made a point of discussing the important roles fathers play in their children’s lives. Obama’s own parents divorced shortly after he was born, and his father, Barack Obama, Sr., did not play prominent role in his life. Malia Obama is sixteen, and Sasha is thirteen.
- Bill and Chelsea Clinton
President Bill Clinton served from 1993 to 2001. His father was killed in an automobile accident shortly before he was born, and his stepfather was alcoholic and abusive. Chelsea Clinton was born while her father was Governor of Arkansas. She holds degrees from Stanford, Oxford and Columbia Universities and serves on the board of the Clinton Family Foundation.
- Prince William and Princess Charlotte
Prince William will one day be the king of England. His daughter, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge, was born on May 2 and is fourth in line to the British throne.
- Paul and Stella McCartney
Sir Paul McCartney became a household name as a member of the Beatles. He has also had a very successful solo musical career. Stella McCartney is a highly successful fashion designer. Her collections feature apparel and lingerie for women as well as clothing for children and newborns. McCartney also has a skincare line called CARE.
Father’s Day comes once a year. However, many dads play an important role in their children’s lives every day. Don’t wait until Father’s Day to thank your dad and give him a hug.