Father’s Day in the United States had a rocky start. Despite its official recognition in 1972, many men initially resisted the idea, seeing it as too feminine or simply a commercial gimmick. This was in stark contrast to the widespread acceptance of Mother’s Day. But the origins of Father’s Day reach back much further, to a poignant moment in 1908 when a church gathering in West Virginia marked the aftermath of the worst mining accident in US history that claimed 362 lives.
The driving force behind establishing Father’s Day as a national holiday was Sonora Smart Dodd, who was deeply influenced by her single father’s dedication to raising her and her five siblings after their mother passed away. Inspired by Mother’s Day, she sought to honor her father’s sacrifices and love. Despite initial pushback and attempts to commercialize the holiday, it took her 62 years to finally succeed. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Father’s Day gained significant momentum. President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers in 1966, designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Then, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a law making Father’s Day a permanent national holiday in the United States.
Since then, Father’s Day has become a widely celebrated occasion in many countries around the world. It’s a day to honor and appreciate fathers, father figures, and paternal bonds, recognizing the important role they play in families and society as a whole. In most countries, Father’s day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. While in the UAE, it is celebrated on June 21st.
Popular gifts for Father’s Day vary depending on individual preferences, interests, and cultural trends. When it comes to picking out the perfect Father’s Day gift, it’s all about personalizing it to match your dad’s interests and personality. Whether it’s something techy, a heartfelt keepsake, or an experience he’ll never forget, the key is to show him just how much he means to you. And don’t forget to include a heartfelt note on a special card (Discover our collection)—it’s those personal touches that really make all the difference! You can either purchase a ready-to-order gift card for your father online or design a gift card online.
Need some inspiration? Here are some quotes to get you started:
- “Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, storytellers, and singers of song.” – Pam Brown
- “Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” – Anne Geddes
- “A father’s smile has been known to light up a child’s entire day.” – Susan Gale
- “A father doesn’t tell you that he loves you. He shows you.” – Dimitri the Stoneheart
- “A father is someone who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” – Cardinal Mermillod
- “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.” – Jim Valvano
- “To the world, you may be just one person, but to your children, you are the world.” – Unknown
As we celebrate Father’s Day each year, we not only honor the fathers and father figures who shape our lives but also reflect on the journey that led to this heartfelt tradition. Whether through thoughtful gifts, cherished memories, or a simple heartfelt greeting card from Halo Printworks, let’s continue to celebrate and appreciate the remarkable fathers who inspire us all.
