There is no better gift, than that of life. Just the thought of knowing that your contribution has helped to shape an individual by passing on DNA - genes, and its unique characteristics, begs the question: what could be more precious than being a father?

The third Sunday in June 2012 will be a celebration for honouring all fathers around the world. June 17, 2012 will not just afford us the opportunity to celebrate with all fathers, but this day will also allow us to pay tribute to fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Fathers' Day complements Mothers' Day which is a celebration that honours mothers and motherhood.

But how was it that this momentous day was created. Many persons desired a celebration of fatherhood similar to that of  Mothers' day. Fathers' Day was founded in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd. She was born in Arkansas but lived in Spokane and she was the driving force behind its establishment. The first celebration of Fathers' Day took place in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910. Mrs. Smart Dodd’s father was a single parent, a civil War veteran, William Jackson Smart, who reared his six children in Spokane, Washington. It wasn’t until 1909 after hearing a sermon about Mothers' day that Dodd suggested a similar day for fathers. 

Initially, Dodd would have wanted this occasion to take place on her father’s birthday-June 5. However, due to insufficient time, the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday in June. The official presidential proclamation of Fathers' Day was issued in 1966 by President Lyndon B Johnson. Six years later, the third Sunday in June became a permanent national celebration when President Richard Nixon signed it into the law in 1972.

A fatherly act on show at a church service at NCU SDA Church 

Many persons send or give cards and gifts to their fathers. Some common Fathers' Day gifts include sports items or clothing, electronic gadgets, outdoor cooking supplies, and tools for household maintenance. Fathers' Day is a relatively modern holiday; thus, different families have a range of traditions. Father figures can include fathers, step-fathers, fathers-in-law, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and even other male relatives. In the days and weeks before Fathers' Day, many schools and churches help their pupils to prepare a handmade card or small gift for their fathers.

In the words of a child... The greatest gift I ever had came from God; and I call him Dad. As we approach Fathers' Day this coming weekend, let us celebrate our dads by showing how much we appreciate their contributions, no matter how small.