As you know, Father’s Day occurs in the month of June. Here are some of the facts about our country's dads that you may not have known:
- Did you know that the concept of Father's Day was first proposed in 1909 by Washingtonian native Mrs. John B. Dodd? Her inspiration for the holiday was to honor her own father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran and single dad, widowed when his wife died in childbirth with their sixth child.
- Did you know that Mrs. Dodd's vision did not become reality until 63 years later? In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.
- Did you know that Americans aren't the only ones to celebrate their dads? In the United States and over 50 other countries around the world, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. The first Sunday in June is when Lithuanian dads are honored; and on the second Sunday, dads in Austria and Belgium have their special day.
- Did you know that there are 64.3 million fathers in America?
- Did you know that in families where the mother works outside of the home, 14% of fathers are full-time stay-at-home dads?
- Did you know that nearly a quarter of all married dads have three or more children living at home?
- Did you know two-thirds of children under the age of six eat dinner with their dads every day?
- Did you know that six out ten children under the age of six were praised at least three times a day by their fathers?
- Did you know that one in twelve men serving in the US Army are dads?
As you know, Father’s Day occurs in the month of June. Here are some of the facts about our country's dads that you may not have known:
