Father's Day

Today, being the third Sunday in June, is Father's Day in the U.S. Father's Day is observed in more than 50 countries around the word, but not all on the same day.

Father's Day has, it seems, always played second fiddle to Mother's Day. When Mother's Day was first proposed (in 1870, later authorized by Congress and backed by President Woodrow Wilson) it quickly became a sentimental holiday honoring the special relationship between mothers and their children.

Not so Father's Day. Although it was first observed in 1910 in Spokane, Wash., Father's Day didn't become a nationally recognized holiday until 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers. Congress made it a national holiday in 1972, and President Richard Nixon signed the enabling legislation.

Why did it take so long to get around to fathers? Maybe it's because men tend to be stoic. Mothers and fathers hug and kiss babies. Fathers tend to lose their hugging/kissing skills as their children grow up. What a pity.

It's not too late. Fathers, give your children -- regardless of age -- a hug today. The rest of you: If you are fortunate to have a father to hug, do it. Do it on Father's Day.