March 4th is National Hug a G.I. Day.
When the term G.I. came around, it originally referred to Army. It stood for government issue or ground infantry, terms applying to Army personnel or their gear. However, by World War II, it became a colloquial phrase for anyone in uniform after then five-star General Eisenhower stated, “The truly heroic figure of this war is G.I. Joe and his counterpart in the air, navy, and the Merchant Marine of every one of the United Nations.”
By 1945, a radio drama called They Call Me Joe gave life to a fictional figure that served in the military. Different backgrounds or races were described as their story told, all of them referred to as Joe. It served as a way to encourage everyone to do what they could for the war effort.
Fast forward to ’64 when the first G.I. Joe action figure came out. The original 12 inch dolls were popular, but it was in 1982 when the smaller action figures became mainstream, complete with playsets and vehicles. Then came the G.I. Joe cartoon, which according to my husband, was not to be missed.
The phrase began to mean anyone in uniform, anyone that had served in the military forces. It was recognized by adults and children alike.
In 1996, Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, a self-named holiday maker, put this holiday into action. The joke that surfaced as she decided on the day is that this is not just a holiday, but an order. “MARCH FOURTH”.
So, on this Hug A G.I. Day, find a military service member and give them a handshake, a thank you, or if you’re so willing, a hug!
