The

— La'NA'

While rehearsing music for a Patriotic Concert  on June 24, I decided to research Father’s Day for this piece, only to learn that it does have a story to tell.  Now that I’ve read the story, I’ll always feel a special relationship between Father’s Day and the music we celebrate in honor of  our nation’s battles for freedom and justice. 

The story tells of a civil war veteran thrust into single parenthood when his bride died in childbirth.  As often will happen when children reach adulthood, they realize the depths to which parents have stretched to bring up their children.  So it was that the daughter [one of six children] of the veteran, Mr. Dodd recognized the strength and selflessness her dad demonstrated in raising his family.  Thus, the third Sunday of June became the established date to celebrate Dads.  It wasn’t until the 1960s that Father’s Day received presidential proclamation, which officially set aside the day.

I asked my grandnieces to share what Father’s Day is to them.  Amberlyn, who is five years old, said, “We love our daddy.  We are nice to him.  I am good to him.” Sarah, at the age of two, with arms wide said “love”.  Amberlyn then concluded that she wanted to get her daddy a present and help him.

We wish all you Dads, who face many battles inbringing up children today,  special memory making moments on your celebration day.

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