Father's Day was originally observed back in 1910. While listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day in 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd had the idea to honor her father, who was a Civil War Veteran and raised her and her 5 siblings after their mother passed during childbirth. Local religious leaders supported the thought and the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, the month of the birthday of Dodd’s Father. Support grew over time and in 1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation recognizing that day. It became a national holiday in 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed legislation designating the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. (36926000)
While not everyone gets blessed by a long-lasting relationship with a loving father, most all of us, at some point, have influences in our lives that help us make good decisions, learn life lessons, or develop useful skillsets. We have an amazing collection of such individuals here at YVEC. Our linemen, trustees, tree trimmers, engineers, member service and operations employees are grandfathers, fathers, uncles, sons, neighbors, and mentors. Not only do they have a solid work ethic, but they also genuinely care about the communities where they live and work. Many spend their free time as coaches, firefighters, youth instructors, or community volunteers. These gentlemen are making a positive impact, not for the notoriety, but because it makes their communities better places to live and grow.
So many holidays have become commercialized, thus diluting their true meaning; Father’s Day has a lasting significance. A gift isn’t necessary, but always appreciated to honor a father. A simple thank you, a loving embrace or some time spent talking on the phone have a more significant effect than a tie, golf club or pair of slippers. Dads are generally humble creatures and don’t require a lot of attention or fanfare for doing what is instinctive to them.
Here's to our guys. While not all of them are fathers, all of them are role models and important members of their families and our local community. I enjoy watching each of them live a life of greater purpose. I’m proud to be just a part of this great team. A heartfelt thank you to each of our gentlemen for what they do at YVEC and beyond.
While not everyone gets blessed by a long-lasting relationship with a loving father, most all of us, at some point, have influences in our lives that help us make good decisions, learn life lessons, or develop useful skillsets.
Dad: A son’s first hero, a daughter’s first love.
Brandon J. Wittman
Chief Executive Officer