Father’s Day in the United States was not always a festive and joyful date, since it had its roots in a tragedy that occurred on December 6, 1907 in Marion County, West Virginia. On that day, a devastating explosion shook mines number 6 and 8 of the Fairmont Coal Companywhich caused the death of 362 men, of which 250 were fathers, he recalled WBOY.
This incident, known as the Monongah Mine Disasteris still the deadliest in the mining history of West Virginia. The Central United Methodist Church organized the first Father’s Day celebration in 1908 to honor these men who lost their lives.
According to information published by CBS News, Grace Golden Clayton He convinced the community pastor to hold a special service in memory of the deceased parents. This service took place on July 5, 1908 at the Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church.
The disaster left a devastating toll, since 1,000 children were left without their parents, families suffered the irreparable loss of their loved ones and it deeply affected the local community and, as WBOY explained, to this day ceremonies continue to be held in the church. local to honor living parents and the deceased.
The 1907 event not only sparked an annual celebration, but also left a lasting legacy in the community and the country’s history. Images of wives waiting for their husbands at Mine 8 and the sight of the dead from the Monongah disaster are somber reminders of that tragic day. These historical photos can be found at the West Virginia & Regional History Center in the West Virginia University.
He Father’s day Initially it was a regional commemoration, but other states began to adopt the celebration. In 1910, Sonora Smart Doddinspired by Anna Jarvisthe founder of Mother’s Dayactively promoted the idea in Washington state.
Thanks to their efforts, the date for dads became an official holiday in 1966, when President Lyndon B. Johnson He proclaimed it as a national day. Finally, it was established as a permanent celebration by the president Richard Nixon in 1972.
As time went by, this holiday in honor of parents transformed its meaning by becoming a national celebration. The holiday is observed on the third Sunday in June throughout the country, a time to recognize the influence of parents in the upbringing and education of their children.
The tragedy in Monongah acted as a catalyst for the establishment of the Father’s day, and although its origin is rooted in a painful event, today the celebration is an opportunity to thank and honor parents in life. Each year, his importance is recognized and the father figure is celebrated, transforming the pain of the past into an occasion of gratitude and respect.
