Parents' Day
Parents' Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of every July. It is a national observance, but it is not a public holiday. Most businesses keep to Sunday working hours.
Parents' Day is observed in recognition of what parents do to care for their children. It also helps families to focus on the love, dedication, and investment that child-rearing entails. The day has grown since its introduction in 1994 and is now recognized in countries across the globe including India and The United Kingdom.
History of Parents' Day
In 1994, President Bill Clinton introduced Parents' Day into law (36 U.S.C. § 135), signing a congressional resolution for “recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children.” Chester Trent Lott Sr, former US Senator, was the one who proposed this bill. Although Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day were celebrated, the President believed it was necessary to commemorate a day dedicated to both parents.
The first Parents' Day was officially observed in the following year on July 28, 1995. According to the National Parents' Day website, “The greatest work of any individual, rich or poor, black or white, when it comes down to the evening of their life, is their children and grandchildren, the work of being a parent.”
Parents' Day Celebration
- Children show love and appreciation for their parents by hosting family meals and giving personalized gifts. Some gift ideas include photo albums, flower bouquets, handmade cards, handmade dishes, food coupons, spa coupons, and so on.
- All parents truly want is to spend time with their children. Thus, on this year's Parents' Day, do their favorite activities with them such as watching movies, having a picnic, going on a weekend getaway, and organizing a karaoke night.
- On this day, local Parents' Day Committees organize programs in order to award outstanding parents, 'Parents of the Year'. There are also state-level award ceremonies that take place at an annual banquet in Washington D.C. Nominees from each state, in turn, are put forward for National Parents of the Year awards.
- In recent years, Parents' Day has been used for rallies and proclamations about family life by civil rights activists.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you will also like reading about Global Day of Parents celebrated on June 1.
