For the Dads

Your Okmulgee Times/Henryetta Free-Lance family would like to wish all the dads out there a Happy Father’s Day!

The role of a father can take on many forms, serving as a beacon of security, hope, and love in our society. Whether they are biological fathers, stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, or other father figures, their influence and guidance shape our lives in profound ways.

Whether we are fortunate enough to celebrate with them in person or simply taking a moment to honor their memory, let’s take time to appreciate their impact on our lives, and work to pass along the good to the next generation of fathers.

Here’s some of the history of Father’s Day, as highlighted in a June 20, 2010 edition of the Henryetta Free-Lance:

The History of Father’s Day

Father’s Day, contrary to popular misconception, was not established as a holiday to help greeting card manufacturers sell more cards.

In fact, when a “father’s day” was first proposed, there were no Father’s Day cards!

Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a “father’s day” in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd’s mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.

The first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington.

At about the same time in various towns and cities across America, other people were beginning to celebrate a “father’s day.”

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day. Finally, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day.

Father’s Day has become a day to not only honor your father but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father’s Day.

One father who has had an undeniable impact on our team here is the late Herman Brown, who had this to say about Father’s Day in his 2014 column:

“Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in Okmulgee and across our nation.

This is ‘our day’ to be honored and noticed – and maybe even spoiled a bit.

Gifts are nice … but it’s those personal thank-you messages that truly touch our hearts.

My children are no longer children. They are young adults with busy lives. Even so, they are good about remembering dear old dad on Father’s Day. That’s good enough for me.

I don’t have to have a gift on Father’s Day to be happy. A phone call or even a text from my kids is just fine and dandy. Of course I wouldn’t get mad if they happen to buy me a book or a power tool – but that’s strictly optional.

The real gift they’ve given me is a lifetime of wonderful memories. On this special day, I’ll recall a time when my children were little and needed me. That’s where the memories were created.

I’ll remember when they learned to say Da Da.

I’ll remember watching them take those first, unsteady, baby steps when learning to walk.

I’ll remember them wanting daddy when ghosts and monsters terrorized their dreams.

I’ll remember when they showered me with hugs and kisses for no obvious reason.

I’ll remember a million other things that come with being a father.

Now, they are big people with big dreams. They need a lot of things … but, in reality, they don’t need their daddy anymore.

My job today as father is kind of like being the Vice President of the United States. I have a title, but my job is not all that important. I’m fine with that.

I am proud of how my children have turned into loving, caring adults. For that, I’ll gladly take a little credit … and maybe a book or a power tool.

Happy Father’s Day to my fellow dads.”

As is the case with all fathers, Herman Brown’s job as was indeed important, and his impact on both his family and the community continues to reverberate today.

This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate and honor the men who have made a difference in our lives. Happy Father’s Day!