Sunday is a day for dads everywhere

No one knows what kind of father Freddie John Falgout would have made.

One day shy of his 21st birthday, the Raceland native became the first casualty of World War II. He and fiancée Louise St. Germaine would never experience the joys and pains of parenthood. But based on the example set by his father, Harrison, Freddie would have likely made his parents proud.

Like hundreds of soldiers before and after, Freddie gave his life protecting America’s interests abroad.

Today, battles are still being fought.

Responding to the call, fathers across the country packed up and headed where the military directed, leaving behind those they love. Too many dads won’t live to be reunited with their children this holiday.

But you have to believe, like Freddie, their minds and hearts were on home. In his last letter home to the family, Freddie asked about the crop and speculated on his earnings while he was away.

On Sunday, we’ll all pay tribute to our dads this Father’s Day.

It’s a tradition that dates back to the early 1900s. It’s the one day of the year we set aside to tell our fathers how much we appreciate all they do as leader, defender and provider of the household. For most, our father was our first modern-day hero. Heaven knows this world needs a few more heroes.

Ironically, the holiday was welcomed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, but it was not officially recognized until 1972 by President Richard M. Nixon, who was then in the thick of the Watergate scandal.

Whether it’s with lighted ties, electronics or a card, this day’s for dad.

To all the pops in the Tri-parishes, we salute you.