To Fathers—and Their Sons – Sunday, June 18, 1944
Thoughts and feeling’s grow on a given theme, until someone succeeds in having it publicly noted. And so today we have Fathers’ Day. In a world that has seemingly been run by men, in a civilization in which the patriarchal order has been the prevailing rule, and in which children have taken the names of their fathers, it would appear as something of a paradox that fathers seem to have been given the lesser share of tribute and of eulogy in our spoken and written expressions of sentiment. In a way, however, this is not difficult to explain. The more stern pursuits of life have fallen to the lot of fathers—theirs to provide, theirs to protect, theirs to contend with the grosser and more material things—theirs to engage in war, and theirs to be separated from their families. But we do honor and cherish our fathers despite any past seeming lack of demonstrative appreciation.
And we’re especially aware today that millions of them are offering themselves in the firm belief that by so doing they are helping to make a better world for their children and their children’s children. Except for this conviction the present struggle would mean much less to them than it now does. If someone or something were to convince these fathers that they had left home and family to offer their lives for anything less than the freedom of their children, that inspired idealism of which heroes are made would wither to a mere dogged defense, as it already has in some places where the hope of a glorious cause is lacking. Another paradox is that there are many fathers separated from many sons this Fathers’ Day whose thoughts and affections may seem closer now that they are apart than they sometimes were when they were together.
We have been blind and groping, many of us, and have often let the pressure of the passing days rob us of irreplaceable things. And so today, to the Fathers who have their sons with them, may we say, draw near unto them while you can, and make that association one of rich understanding, for the office of fatherhood has been made hallowed and sacred by the Father of all men in that relationship which He bears for all His children. And may peace be with the fathers and sons who are separated from each other this day as they reach out, each for the other, in their thoughts, and in prayers burdened with such promise and hopes as these: “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; . . . nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee…. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways”—until all things turn home, which is the cherished destination of all men, here and hereafter. (Psalm 91:5-7, 11.)
Heard over Radio Station KSL and the nationwide Columbia Broadcasting System, from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Sunday, June 18, 1944. Copyright – 1944.
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June 18, 1944
Broadcast Number 0,774