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Father’s Day: Honoring the Pillars of Strength and Love

Father’s Day 2025 in the United States

When Is Father’s Day in the US?
In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.

Is Father’s Day a Public Holiday?
Father’s Day is not a federal holiday, but it is recognized as a state legal holiday in Arizona. However, this recognition does not mean it is a paid public holiday. Most USA government offices and some businesses remain closed, as is typical for Sundays. However, many restaurants and retail stores stay open, and some may offer special hours or promotions for families.

A Day to Say Thank You
Father’s Day is a meaningful day widely observed across the United States. It is a time to thank fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, guardians, and other male role models for their love, USA guidance, and support.

Whether it’s a quiet meal or a big celebration, this day is all about showing appreciation for the important role fathers play in our lives.

History of Father’s Day in the US
The idea of celebrating Father’s Day started in the early 1900s. In 1908, Grace Golden Clayton held a church service in Fairmont, West Virginia, to honor fathers who died in the 1907 mining disaster in Monongah, West Virginia.

A year later, Sonora Smart Dodd, a young woman from Spokane, Washington, proposed a national Father’s Day. Inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon, she wanted to honor her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran and widower who raised his six children alone.Sonora approached the Spokane Ministerial Alliance for support. Although she suggested June 5, her father’s birthday, the alliance opted for the third Sunday in June to give pastors more time to prepare their sermons.

With help from local churches, community groups, and the Spokane Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the first Father’s Day celebration was held on June 19, 1910.In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson visited Spokane and spoke at a Father’s Day service, showing early presidential support. The idea gained momentum over time.

By the 1930s, advertisers and retailers began promoting Father’s Day as a commercial holiday, encouraging people to buy gifts and cards. The National Council for the Promotion of Father’s Day helped push the holiday into wider public acceptance through marketing campaigns.

In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a presidential proclamation recognizing Father’s Day. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed it into law as an official national observance.

How Do People Celebrate Father’s Day in the US?
Many people spend time with their fathers or father figures. Common ways to USA celebrate include:

giving gifts like tools, gadgets, books, or homemade crafts
sharing meals together, such as family barbecues or picnics
enjoying outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, or watching sports
attending church services or local celebrations honoring fathers
Children often make cards, drawings, or homemade gifts for their fathers or father figures. USA Adults may call, visit, or plan a family outing. Restaurants are usually busy, as many families dine out.

USA Symbols and Traditions
Father’s Day doesn’t have any official symbols, but certain items and traditions are commonly associated with it:

neckties: a classic gift choice
greeting cards: a simple and common way to say thanks
family time: the main tradition is spending time with loved ones

Father's Day is an emotional day dedicated to recognizing and honoring the role and sacrifices of fathers and father figures in our lives. Celebrated across the world, this day provides us with the chance to express our gratitude towards the men who sheltered, guided, and motivated us through every stage of life. Though normally overshadowed by the more celebrated Mother's Day, Father's Day is a unique day with an equally important place in our culture and hearts.

The History of Father's Day

Father's Day was inaugurated in the United States in the early 20th century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fathers, fathering, and fatherhood.

Father's Day was founded in Spokane, Washington, at the YMCA in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, who was born in Arkansas. Its first celebration was in the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who raised his six children there. After hearing a sermon about Anna Jarvis' Mother's Day at Central Methodist Episcopal Church in 1909, she told her pastor that fathers should have a similar holiday honoring them.Although she initially suggested June 5, her father's birthday, the pastors of the Spokane Ministerial Alliance did not have enough time to prepare their sermons, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June.

It did not have much success initially. In the 1920s, Dodd stopped promoting the celebration because she was studying at the Art Institute of Chicago, and it faded into relative obscurity, even in Spokane. In the 1930s, Dodd returned to Spokane and started promoting the celebration again, raising its awareness at a national level.She had the help of those trade groups that would benefit most from the holiday, for example the manufacturers of ties, tobacco pipes, and any traditional presents to fathers. Since 1938, she had the help of the Father's Day Council, founded by the New York Associated Men's Wear Retailers to consolidate and systematize the commercial promotion. Americans resisted the holiday at first, perceiving it as just an attempt by merchants to replicate the commercial success of Mother's Day, and newspapers frequently featured cynical and sarcastic attacks and jokes.But the trade groups did not give up: they kept promoting it and even incorporated the jokes into their adverts, and they eventually succeeded. By the mid-1980s, the Father's Council wrote that " [Father's Day] has become a Second Christmas for all the men's gift-oriented industries."

A bill to accord national recognition of the holiday was introduced in Congress in 1913. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson went to Spokane to speak at a Father's Day celebration and wanted to make it official, but Congress resisted, fearing that it would become commercialized.US President Calvin Coolidge recommended in 1924 that the day be observed by

the nation but stopped short of issuing a national proclamation.Two earlier attempts to formally recognize the holiday had been defeated by Congress. In 1957, Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith wrote a proposal accusing Congress of ignoring fathers for 40 years while honoring mothers, thus "[singling] out just one of our two parents".In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Six years later, the day was made a permanent national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed it into law on April 24, 1972.

In addition to Father's Day, International Men's Day is celebrated in many countries on November 19 for men and boys who are not fathers.

A "Father's Day" service was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia, in the Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South, now known as Central United Methodist Church. Grace Golden Clayton was mourning the loss of her father who died on USA December 6, 1907, when the Monongah mining disaster in nearby Monongah killed 361 men, 250 of them fathers, leaving around a thousand fatherless US

A children. Clayton suggested to her pastor, Robert Thomas Webb, that he should honor all those fathers. Clayton chose the Sunday nearest to the birthday of her father, Methodist minister Fletcher Golden.

Clayton's event did not have repercussions outside of Fairmont for several reasons, among them: the city was overwhelmed by other events, the celebration was never promoted outside of the town itself and no proclamation was made in the City Council. Also two events overshadowed this event: the celebration of Independence Day July 4, 1908, with 12,000 attendees and several shows including a hot air balloon event, which took over the headlines in the following days, and the death of a 16-year-old girl on July 4. The local church and Council were overwhelmed and they did not even think of promoting the event, and it was not celebrated again for many years. The original sermon was not reproduced in the press, and it was lost. Finally, Clayton was a quiet person, who never promoted the event or even talked to other persons about it.

Clayton also may have been inspired by Anna Jarvis' crusade to establish Mother's Day; two months prior, Jarvis had held a celebration for her dead mother in Grafton, West Virginia, a town about 15 miles (24 km) away from Fairmont.[citation needed]

In 1911, Jane Addams proposed a citywide Father's Day in USA Chicago, but she was turned down.

In 1912, there was a Father's Day celebration in Vancouver, Washington, suggested by Methodist pastor J. J. Berringer of the Irvingtom Methodist Church. They believed mistakenly that they had been the first to celebrate such a day.[6] They followed a 1911 suggestion by the Portland Oregonian.

Harry C. Meek, member of Lions Clubs International, claimed that he had the first idea for Father's Day in 1915. Meek claimed that the third Sunday of June was chosen because it was his birthday (it would have been more natural to choose his father's birthday).The Lions Club has named him "Originator of Father's Day". Meek made many efforts to promote Father's Day and make it an official holiday.

World Celebrations and Traditions
Father's Day is not a day or tradition confined within but is celebrated globally in numerous ways. For instance:

It is celebrated in the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom on the third Sunday in June by means of gifts, cards, and reunions of family members.

It is celebrated in Australia and New Zealand on the first Sunday in September.

In Spain and Italy, and in most other European countries, Father's Day is on St. Joseph's Day on the 19th of March to remember Jesus' earthly father, Joseph.

Thai Father's Day is celebrated on USA December 5th, which is the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday, to honor fatherhood and national unity.

These divergent dates and activities are evidence of cultural difference, yet the theme is one: they all commemorate paternal relationships and fatherly influence on society.

The Role of Fathers in the Family
Traditionally, the father is seen as the breadwinner and protector of the family. But the father role has changed dramatically in recent decades. Modern fatherhood now encompasses emotional support, nurturing, teaching, and care-taking—activities stereotypically presumed for mothers. Modern fathers are more involved in their children's lives than any generation before them, from changing diapers and reading aloud to school events and counseling on matters of emotion.

The role of a father goes beyond biology. Stepfathers, adoptive fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, and older brothers often serve as fathers, offering love, discipline, and guidance. Recognizing these individuals on Father's Day extends the celebration to all men who have a positive influence on children's lives.

Words of Appreciation
During Father's Day, love and thankfulness come in various forms. Children can pen thoughtful letters, provide home-made or store-bought presents, or merely spend time with their fathers. Typical presents are tools, gadgets, sporting goods, and books—items suited to specific hobbies and interests. USA Nevertheless, the most appreciated gift is usually the most straightforward: the honest recognition of a father's influence on a child's life.

Most families mark the day by sitting down to a meal together, be it a backyard barbecue, in-bed breakfast, or dinner at a favorite restaurant. These are bonding moments, chances for storytelling and laughter—signs of a healthy family relationship.

Schools and communities alike participate in Father's Day celebrations, typically organizing activities such as father-child picnics, art sessions, or essay contests. These allow children to write about the significance of their fathers and father figures to them.

Challenges and Reflection
Father's Day can be a painful event for others. For individuals who lost their fathers, the day could be moments of melancholy and nostalgia. Others might have complicated relationships or might never have known about their fathers. In such instances, the USA day can serve as a moment to reflect, to heal, or to honor a deceased loved one.

It's also important to look at the social burdens that some fathers carry. Single fathers, working fathers working two jobs, or those under money or emotional pressure tend to carry massive burdens silently. Celebrations of Father's Day can place the demand for greater support, recognition, and awareness of the diversity of modern-day fatherhood in the spotlight.

The Lasting Impact of Fathers
A father's impact on a child is profound and long-lasting. Studies have shown that children with involved fathers tend to perform well in school, have good social skills, and have better emotional regulation. Fathers are models to children, and they learn values such as responsibility, honesty, empathy, and persistence from them.

With every move and presence, fathers mold their children's character and sense of the world. Whether they're teaching a kid to ride a bike, providing words of wisdom in dark moments, or merely showing up to offer encouragement from the sidelines, these experiences add up to a heritage of love and stability.
Father's Day is not merely a holiday or calendar date—it is a time to honor the men who have enriched our lives with wisdom, strength, humor, and love. Whether they are our biological fathers or adoptive fathers, living or passed on, fathers play an important role in our individual and collective development.

In slowing down to thank and acknowledge our fathers, not only do we celebrate their triumphs but strengthen bonds of family and society. By doing so, we also reassert the values of gratitude, respect, and love passed across generations. USA Father's Day reminds us of the fact that each thriving individual typically had a father or father figure behind him who surrendered, offered counsel, and loved without condition—silently, patiently, and with an open heart.

50 Father's Day Messages

Father’s Day is a special opportunity to show dad how much you appreciate him. Beyond scoring brownie points with a winning gift, you’ll inevitably want to add a special note in a greetings card.

Choosing a card is the simple part, actually knowing what to write? That’s a whole other ball game. Luckily for you, we’ve put our heads together to create this helpful guide, full of greetings to help you say “Happy Father’s Day Dad” your way.

Don’t forget to check out our full range of Father’s Day gifts, serving as the perfect accompaniment for your card - all with free, instant digital delivery.

Best Father’s Day Wishes
Whether he’s your Dad, grandad or someone who is like a father to you, we’ve rounded up the best Father’s Day wishes just for you.

Thank you for all the ways you go above and beyond every day for our family.
You make this family fun. We love you, Dad!
I am so grateful to have a dad who is as wonderful as you. Thank you for everything. Happy Father's Day!
Dad, you give Superman a run for his money.
There's no better role model than you, Dad.
You’re my one and only dad, and you'll always have a special place in my heart.
Wishing you a Father’s Day that's as wonderful as you.
Out of all the Dads in the world, I’m so glad that you’re mine!
Happy Father’s Day to the best dad I’ve ever had.
You inspire me every day - Happy Father's Day!

Meaningful Father’s Day Messages

Looking for something heart-warming to add to your card? Shower him with love using one of these meaningful Father’s Day messages.

Thank you for always being my rock, my mentor, and my biggest supporter. I am so grateful for everything you've done for me. Happy Father's Day!

I want to wish you a Happy Father's Day filled with love, laughter, and all the things that make you happy. Thank you for being the guiding light in my life.

You've always been my hero, my confidant, and my friend. Your love and support mean the world to me. Happy Father's Day!

Dad, thank you for being the backbone of our family, for your unwavering love and support, and for always being there for me.

Dad, your guidance and wisdom have helped shape me into the person I am today.

You’re the man who's made me who I am today. Thanks for always being there.

Thank you for being my mentor, and my biggest fan. Did I mention my style icon?

I'm so proud to be your daughter/son.

I'm so lucky to have you in my life. Happy Father's Day!

Thanks for always having my back, Dad. I love you.

Short Father’s Day Messages

Dad not one for gushing displays of affection? Keep it short and sweet and let the card and any gifts do the talking.

Dad, you've given me so much. Here's to you.
There's no one I'd rather look up to than you.
Thank you for being my dad.
Dad: A man with infinite patience.
Happy Father's Day to the coolest Dad ever!
You’re the best, Dad. I love you!
Dad, you’ve made all my favourite memories.
There's no other father like you in the world.
For being everything I could ask for and more. Thank you
Fatherhood is a marathon, not a sprint.” - Paul L. Lewis

Funny Father's Day Messages

Want to bring a different kind of tear to your dad’s eye? Check out our collection of funny Father’s Day messages.

Dad, I love how we don't even have to say out loud that I'm your favourite.
The most important life lesson I've learned: When all else fails, call Dad.
The man, the myth, the legend. Happy Father's Day, Dad!
It turns out you were right about everything, Dad. Happy Father's Day!
I love you, Dad—even if I never accept your friend request.
I smile because you are my father, I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it!
Today is all about you, Dad! Enjoy, because tomorrow it’s back to the rest of us.
Happy “Golf to Your Heart’s Content” Day!
“The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get” - Tim Russert
Just remember, without me today is just any other day.

Father’s Day Messages from Daughter

The relationship between a father and his daughter is a unique one. Capture your one-of-a-kind relationship with one of the following messages.

I’ll always be your little girl even when I’m old and grey.
No matter how many years go by, Dad, I’ll always be that same little girl who loves you with all her heart. Happy Father’s Day!
Happy Father’s Day! I may be taller than you now, but I still look up to you.
I'm so proud to be your daughter.
Thank you for being the most incredible Dad in the world. I feel so happy to be your daughter.
Happy Father’s Day from the World’s Luckiest Daughter.
I would be lost without your guidance and grace.
Happy Father's Day to the kindest, wisest, warmest person I know.
Sending lots of love to the dad who did his best to keep me out of trouble… from the daughter who sure did have a knack for finding it!
Happy Father's Day! Having me as a daughter should be a gift enough. You’re welcome.

This feast can fall between 11 and 17 December. This feast includes the ancestors of Mary, mother of Jesus and various prophets.

A customary day for the celebration of fatherhood in Catholic Europe is known to date back to at least 1508. It is usually celebrated on 19 March, as the feast day of Saint Joseph, who is referred to as the fatherly Nutritor Domini ("Nourisher of the Lord") in Catholicism and "the putative father of Jesus" in southern European tradition. This celebration was brought to the Americas by the Spanish and Portuguese. The Catholic Church actively supported the custom of a celebration of fatherhood on St. Joseph's Day from either the last years of the 14th century or from the early 15th century, apparently on the initiative of the Franciscans.

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the celebration of fatherhood is also observed on St Joseph's Day, but the Copts observe this on 20 July. The Coptic celebration may date back to the fifth century.

In the United States, whether to celebrate this day nationwide or not is a matter for debate. In 1908, Grace Golden Clayton proposed the day to honor those men who had died in a mining accident in the US. Though it was not accepted then, in 1909 Sonora Smart Dodd, who along with her five brothers was raised by her father alone, after attending Mother's Day in a church, convinced the Spokane Ministerial Association to celebrate Father's Day nationwide.

In addition to Father's Day, International Men's Day is celebrated in many countries on 19 November in honor of both men and boys.

Father’s Day 2025: Quotes

“A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” – Unknown
“Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes.” – Pam Brown
“To the world, you are a dad. To our family, you are the world.” – Unknown
“The power of a dad in a child’s life is unmatched.” – Justin Ricklefs
“A father carries pictures where his money used to be.” – Steve Martin
“Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” – Wade Boggs
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.” – Jim Valvano
“No man stands taller than when he stoops to help a child.” – Abraham Lincoln
“Fathers just have a way of putting everything together.” – Erika Cosby
“A father is the one friend upon whom we can always rely.” – Emile Gaboriau
“What you teach your children, you also teach their children.” – The Talmud
“Dads: A son’s first hero, a daughter’s first love.” – Unknown
“Fatherhood is a lifetime job and does not stop when a child grows up.” – Jake Slope
“Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow.” – Reed Markham
“It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons.” – Johann Schiller
“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” – Billy Graham
“The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.” – Antoine François Prévost
“Fathers are the anchors of a child’s life.” – Unknown
“Behind every great child is a truly amazing father.” – Unknown
“To her, the name of father was another name for love.” – Fanny Fern

In the words of Dad himself, it's the thought that counts on Father's Day! While Father's Day gifts, family activities, and a grilled feast are wonderful, there's something so special about expressing your feelings in writing. Crafting a heartfelt message in a card for your father is a surefire way to make his day! That's why you need this collection of the best Father's Day messages to help you in conveying your affection and appreciation.

Now, choosing a card is the simple part. Figuring out what to write in a Father's Day card this year? Well, that's a bit more difficult. Not everyone is a wizard with words and sometimes you need a bit of inspiration. No shame in that! Ahead, you'll find plenty of cute Father's Day messages and wishes for Dad, including the most meaningful Father's Day quotes and funniest Father's Day puns.

Perhaps you're hoping to keep things short and sweet with a note like, "I'm so proud to be your kid." You can also always lighten things up by adding a slew of silly dad jokes. Or you could go full-on, whip-out-the-tissues-level sentimental like Ree Drummond did in a message to her husband Ladd one year. Either way, there's a USA Father's Day message on this list for you.

Posted on 2025/06/16 01:41 PM