‘Thank You Dad’: Celebrating Father’s Day June 20 in Alexandria
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‘Thank You Dad’: Celebrating Father’s Day June 20 in Alexandria

By Jeanne Theismann

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Following a year of quarantines, limited travel and social distancing, families are looking forward to celebrating in more traditional ways as Father’s Day approaches on June 20.

While the holiday did not become official until 1972, the tradition of honoring fathers began in 1910, when Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to honor her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised six children after his wife died during childbirth.

Traditional celebrations range from picnics, sporting events and family outings. Father’s Day 2021 will take on a special significance as families are able to reunite following more than a year of pandemic restrictions.

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Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

Fernando Torrez with Fernando Jr. and Alexandra – Alexandra: “My daddy is great because he loves me and he likes to watch TV with me.” Fernando: “Being a dad is a blessing and at the same time entertaining. Every day is something new.”

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Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

James Robinson with Jordyn, Jackson and baby Jay – Jordan and Jay: “Our dad is the best because he’s cool.” James: “Being a father is amazing. It’s challenging and tiring but worth it.”

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Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

Frank Fannon with son Jackson – Frank: “The best part of being a dad is having the opportunity to raise my son in Alexandria as a 5th generation Alexandrian and share the local and family history with him.”

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Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

Emmanuel Medina with son Elan – Emmanuel: “I enjoy each moment with my son. Elan is my best friend.”

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Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

Greg Golubin with son Garrett – Greg: “My children are innovative, generous, and have a genuine belief in God and a willingness to help other people at the drop of a hat.” Garrett: “It is always an adventure with both my parents. They have instilled in me an effort to help others and be involved in the community. We will celebrate Father’s Day by going to a Nationals game.”

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Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

Kent Jancarik and 10-month-old daughter Charlotte – Kent: “I am excited to be celebrating my first Father’s Day. I am very proud to be a father and love seeing Charlotte change every day.”

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Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

Shad Thomas with Louisa, Kai, Noa and Adelaide – Adelaide: “My Dad is special because he is so nice and plays with us.” Louisa: I like that my dad reads us Harry Potter and other books.” Shad: “Each one of my children is different and we each have our own thing – reading, kicking the soccer ball or playing ‘daddy behind the corner.’ They have a surprise for me for Father’s Day and I am looking forward to that.”

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Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

Nina and Nelson Greene Jr. – Nelson: “It’s a joy being a father, especially now that they are all grown. I miss my own father and wish he was still here to see them.” Nina: “Everything I have done is because of the work ethic my dad and grandfather instilled in me.”

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Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

Ryan Fannon with Ryan Jr., Maggie and Gracie – Maggie: “The best thing about my dad is that he always tells us that he will love us forever.” Gracie: “I love that my dad always cares about me.” Ryan Jr.: “What is so cool about my dad is that he is very enthusiastic, very outgoing and fun to be around.” Ryan: “The greatest thing about being a dad is how much love you can feel for your children. My wife Laura and I love them more than life itself and are so proud of the young people they are becoming.”

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