A Father’s Day Tribute

Father’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to honor the men who have helped shape our lives with their strength, wisdom, and unwavering support. Whether he’s a biological father, stepdad, grandfather, uncle, mentor, or another father figure, this day reminds us to pause and appreciate the incredible impact of fatherhood in all its forms.

A Brief History of Father’s Day

The idea of celebrating fathers was first proposed in the early 20th century. While Mother’s Day gained national recognition in 1914, Father’s Day took a bit longer to catch on. The first known Father’s Day celebration was held on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. It was organized by Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent who raised six children on his own.

Despite early support, the movement to make Father’s Day a national holiday faced resistance for decades. Many dismissed it as overly commercial. It wasn’t until 1972—58 years after Mother’s Day was recognized—that President Richard Nixon signed it into law, officially designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day in the United States.

Today, Father’s Day is celebrated around the world, often with unique traditions, but always with the common goal of appreciating the father figures in our lives.

How We Celebrate

We want to share some of our Yes She Can trainees opinions and experiences on how they celebrate Father’s Day:

“Two of my favorite memories with my dad are going to the movies with him and going to a car show in the city with him,” says Camille. “My dad is supportive of me and my sister. I feel loved by my dad because he has always been there for me. For example, when I got diagnosed, he helped me a lot. My dad took me to many doctor’s appointments. 

Lily says, “I like spending time with my dad watching wrestling on TV. He brings me to my appointments when my mom can’t. I enjoy it when my dad cooks pasta for me and my family.  He also barbecues hot dogs and cheeseburgers.”                        

Janice says, “I spend time with my dad by going to the movies and the Palisades Mall. We go to Dave and Busters, where we play games and have lunch. My dad makes noodles for dinner, and we go on walks together.”

Julia says, “My dad and I go traveling together a lot. He wants me to see the world. My family and I will celebrate my Dad by either going out to dinner or, since my dad likes to BBQ, or maybe barbecue at home.” “I appreciate every single thing my dad does. I think some holidays should last longer because the honorees do so much, and they should be appreciated more.”

From all of us at Yes She Can, we want to wish all dads and father figures a Happy Father’s Day!