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Celebrate National Hug a G.I. Day on March 4 by showing your appreciation and support for the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. Military! This day was created to honor and recognize those who have served in both wartime and peacetime, and to remind us of their sacrifices and contributions to our country. There are many ways you can show your appreciation, such as donating to veteran charities or simply offering a hug or heartfelt thank you to a service member you know. Let's come together to show our gratitude – after all, they deserve it!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1775</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of the U.S. Military</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States Army is established, marking the start of the U.S. Military, which the term G.I. refers to.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of 'G.I.'</div><div class='timeline-text'>During World War II, the term 'G.I.', derived from 'Government Issue' or 'General Issue', became synonymous with U.S. Soldiers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950-1953</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Military Support in Korean War</div><div class='timeline-text'>The support provided by G.I.'s during the Korean War further emphasized their importance to national security and peace.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1973</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Vietnam War</div><div class='timeline-text'>The end of the Vietnam War highlighted the sacrifices made by G.I.'s, fostering a greater need for healing and appreciation for them in American society.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001-Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Support in War on Terror</div><div class='timeline-text'>G.I.'s have played a crucial role in the War on Terror, demonstrating their continued importance and dedication to their country.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Undated</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of National Hug a G.I. Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Hug a G.I. Day is created to recognize the tireless efforts and sacrifices of G.I.'s, promoting appreciation, care, and support for them.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a letter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write a letter to a G.I. thanking them for their service. You can find an address to send the letter to through the USO website.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a gathering</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a gathering for current and former military members and their families. Host a potluck, fire up the grill and have some fun.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send care packages</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Send care packages to G.I.s who are currently stationed overseas. Include items like snacks, toiletries, and entertainment items that may be hard to come by in a military setting.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a veteran’s hospital</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time volunteering at a veteran's hospital or veterans' home near you. You can help out however you’d like, from playing board games with residents, to helping out with administrative tasks.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a veteran’s charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many charities that provide financial and other support to members of the armed forces, both active duty and retired. Consider donating money to such charities in order to show your support.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To recognize and appreciate their service</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Hug a G.I. Day is a day to recognize all of the men and women who have served in our armed forces. From World War II veterans to those serving today, this day serves as a reminder to thank our troops for their courage and sacrifice in defending our country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To show appreciation for their commitment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By participating in National Hug a G.I. Day, we are showing our gratitude for the great commitment that these brave individuals make in order to protect us and our freedom. It's a way of saying thanks for the countless sacrifices they make on our behalf every day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To support moral</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Hugging a G.I. or sending them a kind note can help boost their morale and remind them that they are appreciated. Knowing that Americans thank them and want to support them can be an enormous source of comfort in times when their duty calls them away from home.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The first G.I. Joe action figure was created to honor the U.S. Military</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 1964, Hasbro launched the first G.I. Joe action figure as a tribute to the courageous members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The toy was named 'G.I. Joe' after the everyday soldiers who were the backbone of the military.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"G.I. Bill of Rights" was implemented to aid veterans</h3><p class='facts-content'>To help servicemen reintegrate post World War II, the G.I. Bill, or Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, was passed. It offered benefits like college or vocational education, and loans for homes and businesses.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>G.I.s were instrumental in aiding Holocaust victims</h3><p class='facts-content'>In World War II, G.I.'s played a vital role in rescuing and rehabilitating victims of the Holocaust, showing their humanity and compassion amidst the horrors of war.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Presidents have been former G.I.s</h3><p class='facts-content'>Severals U.S. Presidents including George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and George H.W. Bush have served in the military, exemplifying their leadership and commitment to their country.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>'Hug a G.I. Day' encourages us to recognize women in the military</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the term 'G.I.' traditionally refers to male military personnel, it is essential to remember that today it represents hundreds of thousands of brave women serving their country. 'Hug a G.I. Day' is about acknowledging and appreciating everyone in uniform, irrespective of gender.</p></div></div>
National Hug a G.I. Day is celebrated on March 4th every year. In 2024 National Hug a G.I. Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Mar 4
Saturday
2024
Mar 4
Monday
2025
Mar 4
Tuesday
2026
Mar 4
Wednesday
2027
Mar 4
Thursday
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