No one complained when Mother’s Day was made a national holiday in 1914. The same cannot be said, however, for Father’s Day.
Harold Murray and Gladys Rice recorded Stand Up and Sing For Your Father An Old Time Tune in 1921. But Father’s Day wouldn’t be recognized as a national holiday until 1972. Many attempted to secure the day in the time between, but were met with opposition, even ridiculed.
Seems lawmakers, and indeed the public, viewed it as one big commercial ploy. Hard to argue, especially when one considers the group that may well be responsible for the eventual holiday. The National Father’s Day committee was formed in the 30’s… by the Associated Menswear Retailers. And today Home Depot, Titleist, and of course, makers of fine men’s apparel everywhere, have them to thank.