Hats Off to Dad

What became a US national holiday in 1966 was first celebrated on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. Father’s Day was inspired by Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father — William Smart, a Civil War veteran. He raised all 6 children alone after his wife died in childbirth.

Today, the honor is not only bestowed upon fathers, but on those who have served as father figures in the lives of others.

Celebrate the dads in your life with these easy–to–do, thoughtful gifts and activities:

Write. Tell him about specific times in your life when he said or did something that meant a great deal to you.

Explore. Take Dad to see something he’ll really enjoy, like a car show, a concert, or a race.

Create. Photographs of children or grandchildren — arranged in a collage frame, scrapbook, or even on a coffee mug and T–shirt — are a sure bet.

Gather. Spending time with the people he loves might be what he would enjoy most of all.