A father is his son’s first hero, and his daughter’s first love.
These words may seem cliche or like they were written just for a greeting card, but it turns out that for most of us, they are actually very true.
Dads play a crucial and unique role in the family. And, whether to his own children, his nieces or nephews, or to family friends, he acts as an important role model, guide, and advisor. He is a source of inspiration for many.
Most of us go through life with the sure knowledge that, at certain times, there’s no-one else we need quite like our Dad.
Whatever our stage of life or current circumstances, he is there to give us unwavering support and love. From learning to ride a bike to choosing a college, buying a home and starting a family of our own, fathers always seem to know the right things to say.
“The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams, and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family.” – Reed Markham
The History of Father’s Day
The first Father’s Day on record occurred on July 5, 1908 at the Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South in Fairmont, West Virginia.
Although not strictly speaking a day, a “Father’s Day” service was held thanks to the efforts of a woman named Grace Golden Clayton. Mrs. Clayton had asked her pastor, Dr. R. Thomas Webb, if a Sunday service could be held to honor fathers.
Though Mrs. Clayton’s own father had died in 1896, she wanted the opportunity to have a service in remembrance of more than 200 fathers who had died in the Monongah mining explosion, a disaster which had occurred a few miles south of Fairmont on December 6, 1907. The worst mining incident in U.S. history, more than 360 men and boys were killed, and more than 1,000 children in the area were left without a father.
Although the Fairmont service was the first known to honor fathers, it would take a couple more years for the idea of celebrating dads to take root. Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, is the one credited for starting the chain of events that led to Father’s Day becoming a national holiday in America.
“A father is nether an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.” – Unknown
Listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, Mrs. Dodd felt it was only right and fair that fathers should be honored in the same way. Her own father, William Smart, had raised his six children alone on his farm in Washington after his wife died giving birth to their sixth child.
It was in his name that Mrs. Dodd proposed to the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA that they celebrate a “father’s day.” She chose the 5th of June for the celebration, because it was her father William’s birthday.
The idea received strong support, though the ministers of Spokane did ask for the day to be changed in order to give them extra time to prepare sermons on fathers. The first Father’s Day in Spokane, Washington, was observed on June 19, 1910 (the third Sunday in June). It became an annual event there, and other towns quickly followed their example by introducing celebrations of their own.
Despite widespread popular support, Father’s Day did not become a national holiday for many years. Though the first bill was introduced to Congress in 1913 – and backed by President Woodrow Wilson – it didn’t pass. In 1966, Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation that designated the third Sunday in June as an annual day to honor fathers. It became law under President Richard Nixon in 1972 and has been an official, permanent national holiday ever since.
In honor of Father’s Day – and Dads everywhere – we’ve put together a list of the very finest quotes about fathers. Keep reading to find the perfect way to say “thank you” in your Father’s Day card this year.
“A father is someone you look up to, no matter how tall you grow.” – Unknown
Quotes about Fathers and Sons
The relationship between a father and his son is absolutely unique.
For young boys, there is no idol quite like Dad! From dressing like Dad to standing like him and adopting his mannerisms, the connection between sons and their fathers is an incredibly close one.
As we grow, our perceptions of both of our parents – and especially our Dad – can shift and change. While you may come to see that your dad isn’t quite the unstoppable hero you once thought he was, he’s played a crucial part in shaping the man you have become.
At home and in the workplace, your Dad is a valuable role model, and, the example he set for fatherhood is the one that you will take forward in your own life as you become a Dad.
“Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice.” ―Charles Kettering
“We think our fathers fools, so wise we grow. Our wiser sons, no doubt will think us so.” – Alexander Pope
“When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.” – Linda Poindexter
Quotes about Daddies and Daughters
Dads also play crucial roles in shaping the lives of their daughters.
Little girls know that there is no one who can protect and love them quite like Daddy. And, as they grow, research has shown that positive father-daughter relationships mean that women are more assertive, self-reliant, and successful in both their academic and work lives. They also forge healthier, more fulfilling and longer-lasting relationships.
Her father is a girl’s first love, and he never stops being an important part of her life. He’ll always be a source of guidance and support, and his opinions and concerns will always matter to her.
“A little girl giggles when she is denied an ice-cream by her mother. She knows daddy will get her some later.” – Unknown
“It is admirable for a man to take his son fishing, but there is a special place in heaven for the father who takes his daughter shopping.” – John Sinor
“The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother.” – Elaine S. Dalton
Quotes for all Dads
If the history of Father’s Day makes one thing clear, it’s that the third Sunday in June is intended for celebrating all fathers, not just our own. It’s a time for recognizing the tough job done every day of the year by single parents, who have to take on the roles of both Mom and Dad.
We know that not everyone has a positive and loving relationship with their Dad. But, Father’s Day can also be a time to recognize those male role models who have played an important role in supporting and encouraging you to reach your goals.
Stepping in to fill the role of a father – whether as an adoptive Dad, a step-parent, or a mentor – is a long and hard commitment that thousands of people gladly make every day. Whatever your family looks like, it’s nice to show your appreciation on Father’s Day.
“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.” – Umberto Eco
“The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.” – Prevost Abbe
“Daddies don’t just love their children every now and then. It’s a love without end.” – George Strait
Remembering Dad
Losing a father is a source of indescribable grief. A protector, a hero, a friend, a source of inspiration: Dads fills all of these roles, and many more. For those who have lost their Dad, Father’s Day can be a particularly painful and upsetting holiday.
However, it is also a nice opportunity to remember all of the fond memories you have with your Dad. However long he was in your life, his influence and memory will continue to shape you long after he has gone.
“This is the price you pay for having a great father. You get the wonder, the joy, the tender moments – and you get the tears at the end, too.” – Harlan Coben
“No matter how old we are, we still need our dads, and wonder how we’ll get by without them.” – Jennifer Williamson
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” – Winnie the Pooh
We hope we’ve inspired you to find a meaningful way to say a big “thank you” to your Dad – whether on Father’s Day or any other day of the year. Have we missed your favorite quote about Dad? Share it with us in the comments!
