Father’s Day in the U.S.: When, why, and how it all started

Father’s Day in the United States is celebrated every year on the third Sunday of June, a tradition that honors the vital role fathers and father figures play in families and society. In 2024, the day falls on Sunday, June 16.

Origins of Father’s Day

The idea for Father’s Day traces back to 1909, when Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, was inspired to honor her father, William Jackson Smart—a Civil War veteran who raised six children alone after his wife died during childbirth.

Moved by a sermon about Mother’s Day, which had already become an established celebration, Dodd proposed the idea of a similar holiday for fathers. With support from local churches and community leaders, the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, aligning with the month of her father’s birthday.

National Recognition

While the holiday gained some regional popularity, it took decades to be formally recognized:

1924: President Calvin Coolidge publicly supported the idea of a national Father’s Day.

1966: President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day.

1972: President Richard Nixon signed it into law, making Father’s Day an official national holiday.

Why June?

The choice of June was largely personal—Dodd wanted to honor her father during his birth month. Over time, this became a tradition embraced by the nation, and now June is widely associated with celebrating fatherhood.

Originally rooted in religious and community observance, Father’s Day has since evolved into a more commercial and cultural event celebrated across various walks of life. From heartfelt messages to gifts and family outings, it’s a day for recognizing the dedication, strength, and love of fathers everywhere.