Willow Glen Resident

Letters & Opinions

Father's Day tradition almost a century old

By Moryt Milo

that dates back to the early 1900s. She wanted to recognize all the sacrifices her father had made raising her siblings after her mother died giving birth to the family's sixth child.

The family, which lived in the state of Washington, began the celebration in 1909 with the help of its minister. Somewhere along the way, it spread across the country, turning into an annual nationwide event.

President Calvin Coolidge recommended it become a national holiday in 1924. President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. But it took until 1972, during Richard Nixon's presidency, for it to become an official holiday.

Looking back, it can be argued that the role of dads has changed dramatically. Dad, the traditional breadwinner, wouldn't have been caught dead decades ago pushing a stroller or changing a diaper. That dad would have come home from work viewing himself as the king of his castle, expecting to be waited on hand and foot. Fortunately, much as changed since those demarcation lines were drawn between the roles of a dad and a mom.

Dads today are involved in all aspects of family life, from diaper changing and stroller walks to cooking dinner. In fact, a 2004 statistic estimated there are 98,000 stay-at-home dads, married fathers with children under 15 in the United States. The number may sound miniscule, but it shows many fathers place their children's wellbeing at the top of their list, just as Dodd's father, William, did almost a century ago.

There are also some interesting traditions that have become part of this age-old holiday. If your father is living, celebrate the day by wearing a red rose to honor all he has done for you. Maybe even give him a bouquet of flowers. Who says flowers are only for moms? One year I send my father yellow gladiolas because I knew they were his favorite flower, and he loved it.

The flipside to this flower tradition is, if your father has died, wear a white rose to celebrate his life.

Of course there's always the good old-fashioned barbecue, but that's in dad's hands.

There is, however, one thing every child young and old can do that is guaranteed to elicit a big smile. Give dad a hug. It's one gift that is sure to grab his heart, and you don't even have to wait until this Sunday. That gift is a winner anytime.

Moryt Milo is the editor of the Willow Glen Resident. She can be reached at 408.200.1051 or via email at mmilo@community-newspapers.com.