Today is Father’s Day – the day set aside to honor good old Dad. It may not have much status as a holiday. The flags probably won’t be out and there won’t be a parade. But it’s listed (just barely) in the encyclopedia. Father’s Day comes each year on the third Sunday in June. Merchants love it, most dads can take it or leave it (depending on how many bills they receive for the gifts), and families seize upon the opportunity to let the male parent (the “old man” in common parliance) know that he’s really not such a bad guy after all. Fathers prior to 1910 just had to get along without the annual recognition. It was that year that Mrs. John Bruce Dodd (bless her heart) started the Father’s Day recognition in honor of her dad. Realization of the possibilities of such a day came later and in 1931 the Father’s Day Council was conceived. A more general observance of the day was encouraged, and a big bulge in spring – summer gift sales was quites noticeable after that. ‘Among the duties of the National Father’s Day committee is selection of some fathers to be specially honored. The panel apparently couldn’t make up its mind this year so it named TEN well-Imown Americans as 1977 Fathers of the Year. Out through the country and here in Central Utah, Dad is king for a day. Theoretically at least, he’ll plop in the easy chair while Mom and the children minister to his every need. Really it’s a fine thing to have a day dedicated to Father. I-le deserves the recognition. I-le’s head of the household, it says here. In most cases he bears the financial responsibility earnsthe daily bread. He provides for the house and helps make it a home. Through his leadership and understanding, he joins with the delightful woman he chose to be Mother of his children to teach the youngsters honesty, morality, citizenship. He sets the example, helps steer his children toward worthy objectives, and serves as an anchor in time of sorrow and trouble. All in all, Dad’s a pretty important guy in the family. This is his day – a good time to pay sincere and thoughtful tribute. If you love him, let him know.