Every year on the third Sunday of September, Ukrainians celebrate National Father’s Day. This holiday is aimed at honoring the role of men in the family and emphasizing the importance of responsible fatherhood. The idea of introducing it emerged in the early 2000s and gradually gained widespread public support, reports Baltimore Chronicle.
The proposal to establish Father’s Day in Ukraine was first raised in 2001 by women’s civic organizations. In 2003, under the leadership of Oleksandr Marchenko, the “International Center of Fatherhood” was registered, focusing on promoting a culture of responsible fatherhood.
In 2005, the Ministry of Family, Youth, and Sports prepared a draft Presidential Decree to establish the holiday, but the Cabinet of Ministers did not approve it. In response, activists launched a campaign, collecting 10,000 signatures from Ukrainians. In 2006, the “International Center of Fatherhood” initiated the annual public initiative “Father’s Day.”
In 2008, the All-Ukrainian Forum “The Importance of the Father’s Role in the Family and Society” was held, following which a new draft Presidential Decree was prepared. However, the document was again not approved due to economic instability.
Despite official refusals, from 2009 civic organizations, together with local authorities, began celebrating Father’s Day every year. Over time, it evolved into National Father’s Day, which today unites Ukrainians in September.
On this day, warm words of gratitude and greetings are traditionally expressed to fathers.
Father’s Day Greetings in Poems
1.
Dear Dad, you are my friend,
My advisor and my guide.
Be healthy and happy,
Wise, strong, and full of pride.
2.
You are our reliable protector,
Kind, brave, and calm.
May God always guard you,
And send the very best.
3.
Dad – our strength and support,
Light and warmth in our home.
Thank you for every step,
And every wise lesson you’ve shown.
4.
Dad, you are our hero,
Our mentor, always near.
May life bring joy and happiness,
And troubles never appear.
5.
Dear, beloved father of mine,
I wish you to flourish and shine.
Peace, joy, and warmth in your heart,
And may your family never part.
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