For most Fathers, Father’s Day is a celebration where they receive cards, gifts, and showers of admiration and thanks from their loved ones. For Dads serving in the Armed Forces on Father’s Day, the appreciation often travels a great distance to reach them. If you have a Father serving in the Military and he is TDY or deployed over Father’s Day Weekend, you can still share your appreciation and send him a care package to show that though he is far from home, he is not forgotten.
If your Military Dad is home and by your side this Father’s Day, you certainly know how special it is that you can show him your thanks and appreciation in person! Consider taking him out to eat a nice meal. Many restaurants are offering free meals and discounts for Dads.
Father’s Day will be on Sunday, June 21st, 2020.
History of Father’s Day
Father’s Day was first introduced in Spokane, Washington, by Sonora Smart Dodd. Ms. Dodd first proposed the idea of Father’s Day when her pastor gave a passionate speech about Mother’s Day and the importance of mothers.
Ms. Dodd went to her pastor and explained that her father, who was a Civil War Veteran, had raised 6 children as a single parent and that fathers deserved a holiday just as much as mothers did. Father’s Day was proposed by Ms. Dodd to be on the Fifth of June, the birthday of her father; but the pastor had not prepared their sermons in time and thus Father’s Day was postponed until the third Sunday of June.
The holiday did not stick right away and the citizens of Spokane forgot about Father’s Day until Ms. Dodd graduated from college in the 1930’s and began promoting Father’s Day on a national level. She enlisted the help of manufacturers of ties, tobacco pipes, and any industry that would benefit the most from the adoption of Father’s Day.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson went to Spokane to speak in a Father’s Day celebration, and wanted to make Father’s Day a national holiday. Congress resisted, and it was not until 1966 that President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers. It was not until 1972 that President Richard Nixon actually signed Father’s Day into Law.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Military Fathers
If he’s deployed, a care package from the family back home is always an amazing gift. Dad will be reminded of his family’s appreciation for his role as a father, even though he’s far away. Things you could include in a Father’s Day care package might be his favorite candies, a picture of the family together, a good book, and a few personal care items like new socks and shampoo. Don’t forget to add a hand crafted item to the care package to make it extra special.
Other gift ideas and options for Military Dads include:
Military Discount – While you’re shopping for the perfect Father’s Day gift, you can also take advantage of the many Military Discounts that are available year round.
Favorite Stores – Keep in mind that some of dad’s favorite stores may offer a military discount at participating locations. Check out Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and other popular retailers. If you’re really not sure what would make dad the happiest, consider giving him a gift card to these places so he can pick out what he wants. He can still use his military discount at any time, instead of just for the holiday.
Dinner – Take your dad out to eat for some Father’s Day Free Meals, Freebies & Discounts. These special offers and discounts are available at participating restaurants like Firehouse Subs, Hooters, and Romano’s Macaroni Grill. Your dad will surely enjoy a nice meal with his family.
Request a Gift Box – If your father happens to be deployed, you can also request a free Father’s Day care package, sent on your behalf from Full Circle Home.
Subscription Boxes – Subscription boxes can send a range of products directly to a military dad even ones who are deployed on a monthly basis. Hello Subscription is a great directory with a number of different military and veteran subscription boxes available that include items such as branch-related clothes and tactical gear.
Medals and Awards Display Case – Send your dad a display case to place his military medals and awards to honor his years of service.
Personalized Ammo Box – Ammo boxes are made from military surplus boxes where each case was previously used by the US armed services to carry real ammunition. Ammo boxes can custom printed with any message line plus the name, date, and rank of your choice.
JibJab – You can also create a funny Father’s Day eCard featuring Dad, with JibJab. Use their website to insert pictures of your favorite people, and create funny videos and eCards . It costs $12 per year and there are humorous videos for every holiday, birthday and much more… so this gift can keep on giving.
Organize a Father Son/Daughter Trip – Spending time with your dad can be the best gift of all. Organize a weekend trip, go to a sporting event or a dinner. A weekend with your dad can be a memory that will last forever.
Create a Video or Photo Album – This is easier than ever with the advancements in technology and a custom video of the family is a great (and free) gift for your dad on Father’s Day.
#HappyFathersDay – Reach out to your dad through social media to thank him for all he has done.