Father's Day is one of the "Johnny come lately" national holidays.

It was not enacted into law until 1966 by then-President Lyndon Johnson. The inspiration for the holiday, in fact, was Mother's Day. Observance of the day apparently began in the South in 1908 but supporters of the holiday had a difficult time over the years getting it to be recognized. The first bill to legitimize the holiday was introduced in 1913 but it didn't succeed. Over the ensuing years, efforts continued. Merchants supported the idea of the new holiday, seeing it as another "gift season" opportunity. LBJ finally made it official.

I think it is a great holiday. As a father, I feel that I should get some recognition, along with all the other fathers who work hard at supporting and creating role models for their children. We deserve the day.

The question is, what are some good ways to mark the day? Here's a roundup of some ideas.

Have a party at home. Many dads, particularly "road warriors" who travel greatly for their work, may appreciate the idea of a home-cooked meal, enjoyed in the peace and quiet of home. If cooking is a chore, most quality restaurants will offer some kind of takeout service. Even better -- check on the cost of having dad's favorite place to dine come into the home and cater a meal for whatever size group you plan to host.

The ultimate experience may be obtained by hiring a personal chef who will prepare a custom menu, buy all the good, prepare and serve the meal and even clean up. Search online for the American Personal & Private Chef Association and you'll find several dozen listed.

If takeout, catering or a private chef ideas strain the budget, at least make the dessert something special. Extraordinary Desserts (619-294-7001) is featuring a mouthwatering individual caramel macadamia nut cheesecake that will make the day.

Bottom line, though, going to a restaurant may just be easier and classier. One of the classiest places to dine is at Donovan's (877-698-6666), either at UTC or Gaslamp. The ambiance and service are excellent. The steaks are prime. Donovan's is not open usually on Sundays but will open for dinner this special day. A prix fixe three-course dinner is available.

Another American-style restaurant that offers real homey comfort and excellent food at reasonable prices is The Spot (858-459-0800), in La Jolla. A recent renovation improved the seating and added more TVs for sports viewing, but The Spot has been a family favorite for over 30 years. Generations of fathers have celebrated there.

Have you considered celebrating over breakfast? Richard Walker's Pancake House (619-231-7777) is located conveniently downtown near the Children's Museum and serves amazing pancakes. But get there early because long lines to enter form quickly.

The Broken Yolk (three locations -- PB, Del Mar, Eastlake and soon in the Gaslamp) offers my favorite omelets and sandwiches. The portions are large and the prices so reasonable, I don't understand how the place can stay in business.

Roppongi (858-551-5252) offers exotic and tasty Pacific Rim cuisine prepared by the talented Stephen Window, an award-winning chef. The dishes and sushi are superb. Dining at Roppongi is always memorable.

Just a bit up the coast, in Del Mar, the Poseidon on the Beach (858-755-9345) is featuring its regular brunch and dinner menu. The name says it all -- "on the beach." If it weren't for the retaining wall, the sand could get into one's food. Its cuisine has won many awards but its prices are moderate.

So, let's hear it for all the dads of the world (55 countries celebrate Father's Day as the third Sunday in June -- other countries celebrate at other days of the year), who are so often the unsung heroes of the struggle to raise children who can succeed in an increasingly competitive and tough world.

Let's honor the men who work so hard to mold good people and good citizens.