A FATHER’S DAY MESSAGE

---NEWS RELEASE---

(June 15, 2007)--- Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez would like to wish a Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads, and those who fill the role of Dad, who live, work, play, or raise their family here in the Capital City.

Mayor Perez says, “For me, the best part about fatherhood are the spontaneous moments of bonding--- the laughing and sharing and quality moments that you just can’t plan or predict.  While fatherhood can have its challenges, the rewards are the greatest gift life can bring.”

Mayor Perez’s pride in being a father is shared in this month’s edition of Hartford Magazine.

The history of Father’s Day is quite unique.  Records show that a Babylonian youth carved the first known Father’s Day card in clay nearly 4,000 years ago.  In his message, he wished his father good health and a long life.

In this country, Father’s Day found its roots in Spokane, Washington.  William Jackson Smart was a widower and raised his six children by himself.  In 1909, Sonora Louise, the daughter of this Civil War veteran heard a Mother’s Day sermon and the next year, asked churches to share a similar message to fathers as well--- only in June, the month of her father’s birth.

Over the years, Father’s Day celebrations grew but the holiday was not made official until 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed a resolution declaring Father’s Day as the third Sunday in June.