Ah, Good Neighbor Day. It's definitely a good thing. Being good neighbors is an important part of the social fiber that makes this country so great. Therefore, it seems only fitting that one day a year honors good neighbors.
This day of recognition, originally the fourth Sunday in September, now the 28th, is not to be confused with other forms of "Good Neighbor Days". Stores proclaim "Good Neighbor Days" to promote sales, a wide range of organizations announce "Good Neighbor Days" to promote their cause, and local municipalities and governments proclaim "Good Neighbor Days" for a variety of reasons.
Rather, this day is to truly recognize and appreciate your good neighbor. Hopefully, one of those good neighbors is you!
History:
In the early 1970's, Mrs. Becky Mattson from Lakeside, Montana recognized the importance of good neighbors, and started the effort to make this a National day. With the help of congressman Mike Mansfield, she succeed in getting three presidents (Nixon, Ford, and Carter) to issue proclamations, along with numerous governors.
In 2003, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution, sponsored by Montana Senator Max Baucus, making September 28, National Good Neighbor Day. Previously, this day was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September.
Note: Rhode Island initiated a movement to pass a National Neighbor Day on the Sunday before Memorial Day. Action never materialized into a formal national proclamation or law.
How to Celebrate:
Here are some suggestions for celebrating the day:
- Help your neighbors in some way.
- Offer a smile and friendly hello to your neighbor
- Have your neighbor over for a meal
- Hold a block party
- Get to know your neighbor a little better