Dear Ol' Dad... Father is a grand ol' Dad, we love him, admire him, and appreciate all that he does. That's why we set aside a special day to celebrate his contributions to humanity. After all, without Dad, there would be no future humanity. But where did it all start? Not dads in general, but the special day we honor each year to tribute pop. According to some, a woman by the name of Sonora Dodd first came up with the idea of a special "father's day." It is said she thought of it while considering an upcoming mother's day celebration. If Mom had a special day, why not Dad? President Calvin Coolidge, in 1924, supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Then in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. President Richard Nixon signed the law which finally made it permanent in 1972. Ever since that time, the day has been put aside for Dad to decide how and where to best celebrate his special day. Some may choose the ballpark for a little popcorn, peanuts and cracker jacks during the game. Others head to the rivers and lakes and seashores to wet a line, or head to the backyards for an overnight outing. But most, at least in Texas, head to the backyard for aspecial barbecue while the kids or grandkids play with the water hose. But no matter where, when or how you celebrate this fathers day, remember to let him know he's special. Tell him how much you appreciate him. Or try on one of the poems, jokes or songs below to make him feel really special. We post them here for your use, your amusement and entertainment, or just because we are thinking about our dads today too. Enjoy! "None of you can ever be proud enough of being the child of SUCH a Father who has not his equal in this world-so great, so good, so faultless. Try, all of you, to follow in his footsteps and don't be discouraged, for to be really in everything like him none of you, I am sure, will ever be. Try, therefore, to be like him in some points, and you will have acquired a great deal." -- Victoria, Queen of England Fathers then & now Today is one of the first Father's Days of our new millennium. Fathers of 1900 didn't have it nearly as good as fathers of today; but they did have a few advantages: In 1900, fathers prayed their children would learn English. Today, fathers pray their children will speak English. In 1900, a father's horsepower meant his horses. Today, it's the size of his minivan. In 1900, if a father put a roof over his family's head, he was a success. Today, it takes a roof, deck, pool, and 4-car garage. And that's just the vacation home. In 1900, a father waited for the doctor to tell him when the baby arrived. Today, a father must wear a smock, know how to breathe, and make sure film is in the video camera. In 1900, fathers passed on clothing to their sons. Today, kids wouldn't touch Dad's clothes if they were sliding naked down an icicle. In 1900, fathers could count on children to join the family business. Today, fathers pray their kids will soon come home from college long enough to teach them how to work the computer and set the VCR. In 1900, fathers pined for old country Romania, Italy, or Russia. Today, fathers pine for old country Hank Williams. In 1900, a father smoked a pipe. If he tries that today, he gets sent outside after a lecture on lip cancer. In 1900, fathers shook their children gently and whispered, "Wake up, it's time for school." Today, kids shake their fathers violently at 4 a.m., shouting: "Wake up, it's time for hockey practice." In 1900, a father came home from work to find his wife and children at the supper table. Today, a father comes home to a note: "Jimmy's at baseball, Cindy's at gymnastics, I'm at adult-Ed, Pizza in fridge." In 1900, fathers and sons would have heart-to-heart conversations while fishing in a stream. Today, fathers pluck the headphones off their sons' ears and shout "WHEN YOU HAVE A MINUTE.." In 1900, a father gave a pencil box for Christmas, and the kid was all smiles. Today, a father spends $800 at Toys 'R' Us, and the kid screams: "I wanted Sega!" In 1900, if a father had breakfast in bed, it was eggs and bacon and ham and potatoes. Today, it's Special K, soy milk, dry toast and a lecture on cholesterol. In 1900, a Father's Day gift would be a hand tool. Today, he'll get a digital organizer. In 1900, fathers said, "A man's home is his castle." Today, they say, "Welcome to the money pit." In 1900, "a good day at the market" meant Father brought home feed for the horses. Today, "a good day at the market" means Dad got in early on an IPO. In 1900, a happy meal was when Father shared funny stories around the table. Today, a happy meal is what Dad buys at McDonald's. In 1900, a father was involved if he spanked the kid now and then. Today, a father's involved only if he coaches Little League  and organizes Boy Scouts and car pools. In 1900, when fathers entered the room, children often rose to attention. Today, kids glance up and grunt, "Dad, you're invading my space." In 1900, fathers threatened their daughters suiters with shotguns if the girl came home late. Today, fathers break the ice by saying, "So...how long have you had that earring?" In 1900, fathers pined for the old school, which meant a one-room, red-brick building. Today, fathers pine for the old school, which means Dr J and Mickey Mantle. SONG FOR DAD Who can fix my broken bike? Whose strong hands can hold me tight? When I need someone to make things right, It’s my dear old Dad. Who does things that help me grow? Who shows me so I will know? When I need someone to catch or throw, It’s my dear old Dad. Dads come in all shapes and sizes, Big or small, short or tall, Someday I hope that I will be, Half as great as he. Who helps me know right from wrong? Who works hard all day long? When I need someone to sing along, It’s my dear old Dad. Dads come in all shapes and sizes, Big or small, short or tall, Someday I hope that I will be, Half as great as he. At night before I go to sleep, I thank the stars for giving me, The greatest man in history, It’s my dear old Dad.