Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) introduced a Congressional Resolution today (H. Con. Res. 285) establishing 2010 as “The Year of the Father” and recognizing the important role that fathers play in the lives of their children and families.

On Sunday, June 20, American families will celebrate Father’s Day.  Father’s Day was founded in Spokane, Washington on June 20, 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd - a local woman who wanted a way to honor her father for raising her and her siblings after their mother passed away.  The 100th anniversary of Father’s Day will be celebrated in Spokane, Washington on June 20.

“I thank my dad—and all the other fathers out there for serving as role models and for setting positive examples for all of us,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said.  “This resolution is a way to show my appreciation for all fathers.  And our community’s historical efforts to recognize fathers is just one more reason we can be proud of Eastern Washington.”

Research has consistently shown that the presence of a father is one of the most important factors in the health and well-being of a child.  As advisors and role models, fathers help their children understand the difference between right and wrong and help them set goals for their future.

In 2009, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers introduced legislation (H.Res. 539) recognizing Sonora Smart Dodd’s idea to create Father’s Day and the important role fathers play in our lives.

"All the fathers who have taken the time to be with their children deserve to be honored for the critical role they’re playing,” McMorris Rodgers said.  “I think I can speak for mothers everywhere in thanking them.”

After attending a Mother’s Day celebration in 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd decided she wanted a way to honor fathers.  Dodd praised her father, a Civil War veteran, who raised six children on his own following the death of his wife.  In 1910, Spokane hosted the first celebration of Father’s Day at the YMCA.  

The Congresswoman’s Resolution is co-sponsored by Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Rep. Doc Hastings (WA-04), Rep. Dave Reichert (WA-08), and Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09).
The full text of the resolution is below.

H. Res. 1163

In the House of Representatives, U.S.

June 9, 2010

Resolution

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 The Year of the Father.