102 years ago in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910 the first Father’s day was celebrated. A year earlier, Sonora Smart Dodd heard a sermon about Mother’s day and she told her preacher there should be a similar holiday to celebrate fathers. Sonora’s father was a Civil War veteran who had single-handedly reared his six children. The initial date suggested was June 5th (her father’s birthday), but the preacher didn’t have enough time to prepare a sermon, so it was set on the third Sunday in June — which continues to be the case a century later.

I am blessed in that I have a wonderful father who I get to honor on this date. I am also picking up a great father-in-law! Two amazing men that I get to celebrate on Father’s Day! While this date is set aside specifically to celebrate fathers, fathers should be celebrated year round. On this day though, I want to say a special thank-you to my father for all he has done the last 30 years and continues to do for me! I love you Dad!!

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there!