Father's Day happens every third Sunday during June across America and many other countries. Sonora Smart Dodd created the holiday back during 1910 after hearing a Mother's Day sermon the year before. Her father William Jackson Smart raised six children alone after his wife died during 1898. The Civil War veteran inspired his daughter to start a special day honoring fathers everywhere. She worked with churches and community groups around Spokane to make the first celebration happen.
The holiday took more than 60 years to become official across the entire United States. President Richard Nixon signed the law making Father's Day a national holiday during 1972. Sonora was 90 years old when her dream finally came true for the whole country. She passed away during 1978 but left behind a lasting tradition for families. Her great-granddaughter Betsy Roddy remains the last direct family member connected to the holiday's founder.
MyHeritage researchers found Roddy and shared her family story with the world. She admits taking Father's Day for granted as a child because she thought every family celebrated the same way. Roddy has no children and recently lost her husband. The woman embraces her great-grandmother's legacy and wants people to remember the holiday's true meaning.
The holiday took more than 60 years to become official across the entire United States. President Richard Nixon signed the law making Father's Day a national holiday during 1972. Sonora was 90 years old when her dream finally came true for the whole country. She passed away during 1978 but left behind a lasting tradition for families. Her great-granddaughter Betsy Roddy remains the last direct family member connected to the holiday's founder.
MyHeritage researchers found Roddy and shared her family story with the world. She admits taking Father's Day for granted as a child because she thought every family celebrated the same way. Roddy has no children and recently lost her husband. The woman embraces her great-grandmother's legacy and wants people to remember the holiday's true meaning.
