Vietnamese man fishes in father’s memory
Pham Ngoc Thuc goes fishing in different coastal villages and islands to fulfil his father’s wishes

June 21, 2026, is a notable day as it celebrates Father's Day, which falls on the third Sunday of June each year. This year, it coincides with two important events in Vietnam: the Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day and the Summer Solstice. Father's Day is a global celebration dedicated to honoring fathers and father figures, recognizing their contributions and love for their children.
The origins of Father's Day can be traced back to the United States. It began in 1908 when Grace Golden Clayton wanted to honor fathers who had lost their lives in a tragic mining accident in Monongah, West Virginia. This disaster claimed the lives of over 300 men, many of whom were fathers. In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd proposed the idea of a national Father's Day to celebrate fathers, inspired by her own father, a widowed veteran who raised her and her siblings alone.
In Vietnam, June 21 also marks the 101st anniversary of the Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day, which commemorates the establishment of the Vietnamese revolutionary press in 1925. This day serves as a reminder to honor and appreciate the contributions of journalists in building a strong press in the country. Additionally, it is the first day of the Summer Solstice in 2026, which signifies the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
As families around the world celebrate Father's Day, it is a moment to express gratitude and love towards fathers for their unconditional support and sacrifices. In Vietnam, this day is particularly special as it overlaps with significant national celebrations, making it a time of reflection and appreciation for both familial and national contributions.