On this day the men of the Eta Nu Nu chapter of the illustrious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., are taking this opportunity to pay tribute to all fathers. Although Americans had been celebrating Father’s Day since the early 1900s, it wasn’t until 1957, when Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith who penned a document taking Congress to task for ignoring fathers while at the same time honoring mothers with Mother’s Day that the idea to make it a federal holiday gained traction. Stated Smith, “Either we honor both our parents, mother and father, or let us stop honoring either.” In 1966 President Lyndon Baines Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. In 1972, the day was made a national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed it into law.
Fathers are the protectors of their families and loved ones. They are teachers of their children and mentors to others. They stand on the right side of history even when doing so brings uncomfortable consequences. They speak up when others fail to do so. They are steadfast and unwavering in all that that do because they take fatherhood seriously and understand the importance of setting an example. Fathers are often, in the eyes of their children, the standard against which all other men are measured. Being a father is a full-time job and lifetime charge for which there is no pension, workers' comp, overtime or retired pay.
The Eta Nu Nu chapter of the illustrious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., is well-stocked with the kind of men that exemplify the spirit and intent of Father's Day. For example, when it comes to nurturing a child, society has historically given mothers the lion's share of the credit, but fathers nurture as well, just in their own way. Fathers put their children's well-being before their own. Fathers are constantly teaching their children how to navigate this thing called life. Fathers give their children just enough leeway to make their own mistakes, then they provide the appropriate level of guidance to prevent repeat performances.
Fathers are caring yet understand the importance of meting out tough love when appropriate. On this day, the men of Eta Nu Nu tip their hats to all the fathers out there who take care of business. Kick off your shoes and relax gentlemen, but remember Dads, come Monday morning, it’s back to the frontlines.