Marines

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A father and son participate in arts and crafts during the Father’s Day Brunch provided by the Harriotte B. Smith Library and Tarawa Terrace Community Center, aboard the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune housing area, June 4. For the third year in a row, the brunch gave children and their fathers a chance to spend quality time with one another.

Photo by Cpl. Miranda Blackburn

Father’s Day Brunch provides quality daddy time

21 Jun 2011 | Cpl. Miranda Blackburn Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

On a Saturday morning, most children would be tugging on their mother’s pant leg telling them it’s time for breakfast. 

However, June 4, the Harriotte B. Smith Library and the Tarawa Terrace Community Center provided an opportunity for fathers and their children to attend the annual Father’s Day Brunch held at the community center aboard the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune housing area.

The first observance of Father’s Day actually took place in Fairmont, W.Va., July 5, 1908. It was organized by Mrs. Grace Golden Clayton, who wanted to celebrate the lives of the 210 fathers who had been lost in the Monongah Mining disaster.

Since then, people have found their own ways and traditions to honor fathers every year, to celebrate fatherhood and paternal bonds.

For the third year in a row, the Father’s Day Brunch gave children and their fathers a chance to spend quality time with one another. The brunch was one way to honor fathers for the roles they play in the world.

"We do this not only to thank them for being great dads, but also because they are in the military and serving their country," said Jana Guitar, program supervisor for the Harriotte B. Smith Library.

Attendants lined up, some with armfuls of children, and filled their plates two or even three times with hearty breakfast food which included eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and assorted pastries.

"They are so appreciative and surprised that we provide them with this big meal and a chance to play with their kids," said Judy Bradford, director of the Harriotte B. Smith Library.

While fathers enjoyed their meal, sat around, relaxed and socialized, every child had a smile on their face as they made friends and chased each other from one end of the room to the other.

After demolishing the food provided, attendants were invited to take part in creating arts and crafts to take home.

The community center provided picture frames, coloring pages, crayons and stickers, most of which ended up on faces and hands rather than the art project itself.

While some mothers tagged along for the festivities, the brunch was not only geared toward thanking fathers, but also giving mothers a break from their normal routine.

"It gives moms a day to themselves," said Bradford. "They can stay in bed an extra couple hours, soak in the tub or go get their nails done."

Overall, the Father’s Day event continued on the tradition of showing fathers the appreciation and gratitude they deserve.