National Hug A GI Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Feb 11, 2022
Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi
National Hug A G.I. Day is observed on March 4.

Where is National Hug A GI Day celebrated?

National Hug A G.I. Day is mainly celebrated in the United States. The nation celebrates in honor of the lives and hard work of the soldiers of America.

Who is National Hug A GI Day celebrated by?

National Hug A G.I. Day is celebrated by everyone in the country. Every person appreciates the ultimate sacrifice that every army personnel in the military, air forces, and navy is making and has made throughout history.

When did National Hug A GI Day first start?

National Hug A G.I. Day was created by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith in 1996. She created this national holiday as a way to recognize and support the life soldiers live. They fight in wars, and most of them have risked their lives fighting in wars. They do this so that most citizens can live their lives safely.

Who started National Hug A GI Day?

Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, who is known as a self-proclaimed Premier Eventologist, created National Hug A G.I. Day.

The duty that the military does is not only for the betterment of the country; they provide their duty for the world. That's why this national holiday reminds all men and women around the world to support and love the life of soldiers.

History And Timeline

National Hug A G.I. Day was created by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith in 1996, but the history of the G.I. goes long back than that. Let's see the history and timeline of the military and the national bonus that has been dedicated to them.

New Nickname For American Infantrymen

American Infantrymen were called 'doughboy', but that changed to G.I. during the second World War, in 1941.

1941

The Montgomery G.I. Bill

The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 included the G.I. Bill. This is where the term was included in the law that made it official.

1944

G.I. Joe, The Action Figure

Hasbro, the American toy company, released their latest toy, G.I. Joe which became a hit instantly.

1964

National Hug A G.I. Day Is Created

Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith created National Hug A G.I. Day in 1996.

1996

Heading:

The holiday might have started small, but the entire nation now celebrates the holiday to honor the military.

Now

Traditions And Customs

People observe this national holiday by hugging soldiers who are still serving or have served the country in the past. The physical contact from hugging works wonders to relieve a person from their pain, so even this little gesture can mean a lot to them.

Some people gift them something to their best abilities, and some even organize a party in their honor. Did you know the full form of 'G.I.' is 'Government Issue', 'Ground Infantry', or 'General Issue'?

The original meaning of 'G.I.' was 'galvanized iron' that was used in the United States Armed Forces' logistics services.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Hug A GI Day

You can observe National Hug A G.I. Day by hugging a soldier or a family member of a soldier. However, keep in mind that the soldier might have some kind of chronic pain in their body from their past, so hug them gently and cautiously, and always seek permission before hugging them.

Facts And Stats

  • The creator of National Hug A G.I. Day, Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, has created almost 2000 events.
  • Many people take a picture with our military heroes and then post it on their preferred social media platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
  • People also gift veterans and active soldiers something on this special day.
  • A popular joke that goes on the holiday is that 'March 4' is the only day in the calendar that reads like a direct order that says 'March forth'!

Is 'March 4' a military command?

Technically no, but it is the only day in the calendar that can only be read as a military command that says 'March forth!'

What are some benefits of National Hug A GI Day?

Celebrating National Hug A G.I. Day makes our military heroes understand how much we value them.

How is our government promoting National Hug A GI Day?

The government fund campaigns around the country to promote National Hug A G.I. Day.

What are some assumptions we need to take while celebrating National Hug A GI Day?

We have to assume that the military person we are hugging might have some injuries, like spinal injuries that we don't know, so be gentle when hugging and always seek permission before touching anyone.

Who originally directed National Hug A GI Day?

Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, the self-proclaimed Premier Eventologist of the United States, invented National Hug A G.I. Day.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, March 04, 2020
  • Thursday, March 04, 2021
  • Friday, March 04, 2022
  • Saturday, March 04, 2023
  • Monday, March 04, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi

Postgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi Raturi picture

Sakshi RaturiPostgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi has experience in marketing strategy, social media planning, and recruiting industry experts for capstone projects, she has displayed a commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge. She has won multiple awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for Creative Writing and a Certificate of Merit for Immaculate Turut, and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and develop.

Read full bio >