Hug a GI Day

Hug a GI Day is the only day for military command. It is celebrated on March 4 every year.

History of Hug a GI Day

Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith founded Hug a G.I. Day in 1996. She chose the only day on the calendar that was also the day of military orders to salute and honor the men and women who risked their lives for the country and freedom.

Gather your waiters and women to hug them. With a pat on the back or a warm handshake, make sure you give G.I. past and present to their appreciation. While G.I. used to refer to military personnel, this date includes all those who have served in the military.

Today the term G.I. commonly known to call those in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. How that happens is a bit less of a military protocol and more of an American story.

It seems that at the beginning of the 20th century, G.I. is a symbol used in supply profiles for galvanized iron. Later, it was used for German artillery shells made of galvanized iron in World War I.

Sometimes during war, soldiers begin to understand the initials as "Government Matters" or "Common Matters". By the time World War II struck, it was starting to make sense as a general enlisted man.

Not surprisingly, the use of sarcasm among multiple waiters is common, feeling them like any other Government-issued supply being mass-produced for Uncle Sam.

Around that time G.I. Joe was born. Creator, cartoonist, and former Army Sergeant David Breger, released G.I. Joe cartoon series in Yank magazine June 17, 1942.

The term G.I. became more common in the American language since President Franklin Roosevelt signed the bill known as G.I. Bill; Server Readjustment Act in 1944.

And then there's no going back when Hasbro trademarked G.I. Joe was an action figure in 1964.

Why Hug a G.I. Day is important

They are willing to serve

There are 1.4 million active-duty US service members who have dedicated their lives to serving our country, and we love each and every one of them! The G.I. This man chose to spend his life serving in the military and we couldn't be more grateful.

They sacrificed

Some G.I. made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country, and for those G.I. gave their lives, we are grateful. But every G.I. make sacrifices, whether it's being away from their families while deployed, moving around the country and the world every few years as they're moved where they're needed most, or facing stress and danger when they put themselves in dangerous and complicated situations.

They represent us around the world

While the main mission of G.I. protect the United States, G.I.s do more than fight. They also provide aid and assistance in natural disasters, and carry out humanitarian and rescue operations. They act as ambassadors of the United States around the world and we are so proud that they represent us!

How to celebrate Hug a GI Day

Hug G.I.

If you know a GI, show your appreciation by giving her/him a squeeze. If you don't have a close friend or family member serving, shake hands with the waiters and women you see around the world and ask for a hug if you feel like it!

Send care package

A gift can be like a hug, so send a gift box to those G.I. in your life as a final way to say thank you! Commonly requested items include playing cards, snacks, toiletries, and of course, handwritten letters!

Send your virtual thank you

Using the Internet to connect with G.I.s is a great way! Send thank you email G.I. you know and love, explore the hashtag #HugaGIDay on Twitter or Facebook to learn about events and celebrations in your area, or create and share a post of your own!