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National Sibling Day Facts

National Sibling Day Facts
National Sibling Day is a holiday in some U.S. states, observed each year in various parts of the country since 1997, on April 10th. The holiday was created by Claudia Evart in honor of her two siblings who died in two separate accidents when they were young. Claudia Evart established an organization called the Siblings Day Foundation in 1997 in New York and Massachusetts, and in 1999 the organization became a not-for-profit. April 10th was the birthday of her sister Lisette, and Claudia chose this date for National Sibling Day based on upon its personal symbolism. National Sibling Day was created as a way to honor one's siblings, and many organizations have adopted the day to help people celebrate siblings who may have an illness or disability as well.
Interesting National Sibling Day Facts:
Claudia Evart established the Siblings Day Foundation with the goal of creating an annual National Sibling Day in the United States.
In 1996 the U.S. Congress took away its ability to authorize commemoratives. The U.S. president has had that ability since then.
In 2000 Bill Clinton recognized Siblings Day in a Presidential Message.
In 2008 George Bush recognized Siblings Day in a Presidential Message.
In order for National Sibling Day to be an official commemorative a Presidential Proclamation must be issued.
Since it was established by Claudia Evart in 1997, 88 governors in at least 39 states have signed gubernatorial proclamations in an effort to help establish National Sibling Day in the United States.
Gubernatorial messages in honor of Siblings Day have been given by Governor Brian Schweitzer in 2007, 2008, and 2009, and by Governor Jeb Bush in 2001, and by Governor Tom Ridge in 1998.
Mayoral messages have been given by NYC mayors in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2011 by Mayor Guiliani and Mayor Bloomberg.
The bond between siblings is usually the longest relationship a person has in their lifetime. It usually lasts longer than their relationship with their parents, children, and spouse(s).
National Sibling Day is meant to be celebrated in a similar manner to Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Grandparent's Day. It is another celebration of the values of the family unit.
It is estimated that 79% of the children in the U.S. have at least one sibling.
The United States is not the first country to honor siblings. Northern India has celebrated Siblings Day for centuries. There are several South Asian countries and an African country that also celebrates this holiday annually, long before it was introduced in the United States.
Some people celebrate Siblings Day by sending their sibling a card or a gift, or having dinner together. Some people choose to do a favor or chore for their sibling, and others use their creativity the same way they do on Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Oprah Winfrey has celebrated Siblings Day on April 10th on her television show.
On April 6th, 2005 the holiday was officially saluted by Carolyn Maloney and introduced into the United States Congress' official Congressional Record.


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