Maybe it’s because there’s been so much talk recently of gender and gender roles, but for some reason, the celebration of dads on Father’s Day this year stood out to me more than it has in the past. I do realize not everyone is fortunate enough to have a good dad or father figure in their lives, but hearing and reading the loving tributes from those who are or were has been a true blessing. 

Though they’re celebrated only one month apart, it’s always seemed to me that Father’s Day gets rather short shrift compared to Mother’s Day. It’s like there’s a presumption that moms are more emotional or sentimental – a hint that it’s more critical to make a big To Do about celebrating our moms than our dads, when the truth is, both deserve a big To Do.

And while dads are often praised for their strength and their wisdom, there’s another special facet of fatherhood that warrants recognition. My colleague, Bob Hoge, wrote up a fun tribute to “dad jokes,” noting the largely unsung benefits that accompany the groans and eye rolls inevitably prompted by them. It made me think: For all their corniness, the world’s a measurably brighter place with them in it.

So, I just wanted to take a moment to thank all the dads out there for upholding the dad joke tradition. Don’t ever let the naysayers dissuade you: Your silliness is needed, and we salute you for it. Lean into your dadness, Dads. Thank you for being you.

This “Moore to the Point” commentary aired on NewsTalkSTL on Monday, June 19th. Audio included below.