Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are celebrated within the Emery community and globally annually to recognize and value the roles parents play in a child’s everyday life. 

Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, while Father’s Day is acknowledged on the third Sunday of June. In 1908, Anna Jarvis founded Mother’s Day, which then President Woodrow Wilson made a national holiday six years later. On the other hand, Father’s Day was not authorized as an official national holiday until 1972, 58 years later, by President Richard Nixon. To this day, children of all ages celebrate the mothers and fathers who fill the world with their benevolence. 

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are significant to acknowledge parents who do all in their power to provide an easier life for their children than they have had. Children on this day go beyond the gift-giving or expression of affection to honor the selfless and tireless devotion of time that mothers and fathers give. These holidays are a time to appreciate parents for all they have sacrificed and provided. On Mother’s Day, children express our gratitude and love for our mothers that have nurtured us since the beginning of our lives. On Father’s Day, they celebrate the fathers in our world who push us by supporting our endeavors while encouraging us to do our best.

Gage Rubenstein, a Junior at Emery, stated, “I celebrate both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with my parents by taking them out to dinner.” Students and faculty at Emery like to celebrate the two holidays by eating a nice meal with their loved ones. Furthermore, Rubenstein  reflected, “I love my parents and appreciate all they do for me. By taking them out to dinner, I feel good about myself, and it assures me that I give back to them for all they have given to me.” These holidays are a time to appreciate parents for all they have sacrificed and provided. On Mother’s Day, children express our gratitude and love for our mothers that have nurtured us since the beginning of our lives. On Father’s Day, they celebrate the fathers in our world who push us by supporting our endeavors while encouraging us to do our best. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day offer an opportunity for families to come together and spend quality time with one another while laughing at pure and funny jokes.

Raya Weinstock, Emery sophomore, ecstatically remarked, “I will always buy my Mom roses because they always make her happy.” Weinstock loves to express her appreciation for her mom by purchasing roses. A global tradition is gifting an item such as flowers or a candle, or a card, but truly, any gift is significant. In reality, spending time together is more than enough because it can further cement the bonds between parent and child. 

Mothers and fathers give their unconditional and invaluable love to their children, and these designated days give children the opportunity to celebrate with their loved ones while expressing gratitude for their presence. Ultimately, these days remind everyone to value and cherish the love, sacrifice, and guidance provided by our mothers and fathers; this day is a day like many other days when we all come together and show our love and appreciation for the influential people in our lives.