Fathers play an important role in making our families and our communities strong, so today I applaud them. Father’s Day is a special time for us to recognize the investments fathers make in our lives, and I celebrate the impact my own dad had in shaping who I am today. I thank him and all fathers for their sacrifices; their words of wisdom and encouragement; and their support through good times and bad.  

While dads are celebrated all across our country, this holiday is particularly special to Eastern Washington, where Sonora Smart Dodd, the Spokane woman who set out to honor her father became the visionary for this national holiday. We take great pride in that first Father’s Day celebration in 1910, which took place right here in our own backyard, but more than that, we take great pride in all that this holiday represents — love of family, gratitude, and commitment. I honored this Eastern Washington holiday on the House Floor this week, and I hope you’ll watch by clicking here. 

Wishing you a very happy Father’s Day!