(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S.
Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5)
introduced a resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of
Father’s Day, which was first celebrated in Spokane, Washington on June 20,
1910. The resolution also recognizes the important role that fathers play in
the lives of their children and establishes 2010 as The Year of the Father.
“My dad played such an important role in
my family’s life, and fathers everywhere deserve to be recognized and
celebrated,” said Senator Patty Muray. “I want to congratulate Spokane
on the 100th Anniversary of their first Father’s Day. And I am proud
to stand with my colleagues to declare 2010 as the ‘Year of the Father.’”
“Good and loving parenting pays
dividends over the course of a lifetime, and Father’s Day, a gift to the nation
from Washington state, is one way we recognize that truth,” Senator Maria
Cantwell said. “It was my own father’s steadfast and selfless service to
members of our community that inspired me to pursue my passion and life
direction in public service. I am proud to observe the 100th Anniversary of
Father’s Day in Washington state and fittingly dedicate this year to all
fathers across our great nation.”
“As the Representative from Spokane, I’m
very proud of our city’s achievement as the place where Father’s Day was
founded one hundred years ago,” said Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
“Our resolution will celebrate that anniversary and recognize all the fathers
out there – including my own dad – who serve as role models and set a positive
example for all of us.”
The full text of the resolution
follows:
United
States Senate and House of Representatives Resolution – Wednesday, June 16,
2010
Recognizing the
important role that fathers play in the lives of their children and families
and establishing 2010 as The Year of the Father
Whereas,
Father’s Day was founded in 1910 by Mrs. John B. Dodd after attending a
Mother’s Day celebration in1909 and believing that fathers should receive the
same recognition
Whereas Mrs.
John B. Dodd, Sonora Smart Dodd, founded the day in celebration of her father,
William Smart;
Whereas William
Smart, a Civil War veteran, raised six children on his own after the death of
his wife;
Whereas Spokane,
Washington recognized and hosted the first celebration of Father’s Day on June
19, 1910
Whereas in 1924,
President Calvin Coolidge recognized Father’s Day and urged states to follow
suit;
Whereas in 1966,
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a proclamation calling for the third Sunday
in June to be recognized as Father’s Day and requested that flags be flown that
day on all government buildings;
Whereas
President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation in 1972 permanently observing
Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June;
Whereas Father’s
Day is celebrated in over 50 countries around the world;
Whereas there
are an estimated 64.3 million fathers around the nation today;
Whereas it is well
documented that children involved with loving fathers are significantly more
likely to have healthy self-esteems, exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior,
avoid high risk behaviors, reduce anti-social behavior and delinquency in boys,
have better peer relationships, and have higher occupational mobility relative
to parents;
Whereas fathers
who live with their children are likely to have a close, enduring relationship
with their children than those who do not;
Whereas the 100th
anniversary of Father’s Day will be celebrated in Spokane, Washington on June
20, 2010;
Be it resolved
that Congress recognizes the important role that fathers play in the lives of
their children and families and establishes 2010 as The Year of the Father.
English 
Spanish