LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the celebration of Father's Day,
Sunday, June 21, 2015, in honor and recognition of all fathers through-
out the State of New York

WHEREAS, Father's Day is a day selected to celebrate "Dad"; it is the
one day out of the year to praise and pay tribute to fathers, and all
other men who have taken on that role and acted as a father figure in
the children's lives, including those being raised in a single parent
home, whether it be an uncle, stepfather, grandfather, friend or Big
Brother; and
WHEREAS, These outstanding men show great strength and selflessness,
as well as spend countless hours offering their love, support and guid-
ance to the children in their lives, acting as role models and inspiring
them to develop to their fullest potential; and
WHEREAS, Fathers, who take on many roles such as coaches, teachers and
friends, lead by their example through their encouragement and uncondi-
tional love; fathers also guide their children and help them to envision
a bright future by instilling in them the principles of integrity, hard
work, personal responsibility and service; and
WHEREAS, Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington, initiated the idea of
Father's Day in 1909, in honor of her father William Smart, a widowed
Civil War veteran and father of six; her father was born in the month of
June, so she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration on the
19th of June, 1910; and
WHEREAS, In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a
National Father's Day; then in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a
presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's
Day; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to pay tribute and commend
these men who are worthy of full recognition for their valued contrib-
utions and who should be celebrated by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the celebration of Father's Day, Sunday, June 21, 2015, in
honor and recognition of all the fathers of the State of New York.