by Douglas Black

Created on: June 04, 2008   Last Updated: June 05, 2008

The Legacy of Father's Day

Although Father's Day isn't quite celebrated by every culture across the globe and the specific target date varies from country to country, one constant remains: it is still a commemoration of all that is fatherhood. Looking back most of us will agree that at one time or another throughout our lifetime we have done something for our father's on Father's Day, but if you ask around the general consensus will show that few actually know that not so long ago Father's Day didn't even exist. Actually if it weren't for the plight of a devoted daughter by the name of Sonora Louise Smart Dodd, the third Sunday in June would just be like any other day.

The Story of Sonora Smart Dodd:

Sonora was born February 18, 1882 to the parents of William and Ellen Smart, but unlike everyone else she questioned why there was a specific day dedicated solely to celebrate all mother's, but yet an absence existed in which to pay homage to father's. At the age of five her family like most left there home in Jenny Lind, Arkansas in search for a better life, which landed them in the quickly developing city of Spokane, Washington. Later when she was only sixteen years old Sonora lost her mother who died during complications that occurred during the birth of her sixth child. As the eldest child of the family Sonora tried her best to help in the absence of her mother. As she matured into a young adult she witnessed how her father remained devoted to all of his children despite the adversity of being a single parent. Throughout all the destitution and hardship her father who not only gave himself to his country serving in the Civil War, he also continued sacrificing himself for the sake of his family.

So when did Sonora make the decision that father's deserved a day of recognition? Actually, it wasn't until much later in her life at the age of twenty-seven, during a Sunday Sermon held interestingly enough on Mother's Day back in 1909. It was at that moment that she failed to accept that Mother's were the only parental member that deserved such an honor, especially when her father had done so much for her and their family without seeking any recognition for his efforts. As a mother herself, she felt the need to share her idea with her minister. After welcoming Sonora's proposal he instructed her to approach the Spokane Ministerial Association and soon after the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). Shortly after she received a surmountable amount of support from

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