Happy Siblings Day — Not Official Yet, But You Can Still Cherish Your Siblings Today And Always [Video]

https://youtu.be/k-i8FktB4E8

CNN reported that today is National Siblings Day, but it has not been officially designated by the government as a holiday. Siblings Day has been recognized by by 49 states, several politicians, and celebrities over the past years, and two U.S. presidents — Bill Clinton in 2000, and George Bush in 2008, but an official presidential proclamation has not yet been signed, according to information on the Siblings Day Foundation’s website. Claudia Evart, the founder of Siblings Day, is asking for people to sign a petition to make the holiday a real, recognized holiday by the U.S. government. Ms. Evart started the holiday after the tragic loss of both her siblings early in her life, April 10, was the birthday of her sister, Lisette.

Time to hug your brother or sister, today is #NationalSiblingsDay https://t.co/M7xoZCy4Bv pic.twitter.com/5HmZKEaIJB

— CNN Social Desk (@CNNSocialDesk) April 10, 2016

The Siblings Day Foundation is based in New York and Massachusetts, the principal office is located in Manhattan. The foundation was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1997 and became a not-for-profit organization in January of 1999, according to the website. On their website, the foundation is asking for people to sign a petition to make today an official national holiday. The petition is asking the Obama administration to “sign a Presidential Proclamation to establish April 10 as National Siblings Day.” The petition makes the argument that we have Mother’s and Father’s day, but there is no holiday honoring our brothers and sisters.

Siblings have their own way of showing love. #NationalSiblingsDay #SurvivorsRemorse pic.twitter.com/YgQ0KCGfBu

— Survivor's Remorse (@SRemorse_STARZ) April 10, 2016

Facts About Siblings Day (Courtesy Of The Siblings Day Foundation)

• 1996 — Congress stripped itself of the authority to create commemoratives (holidays), leaving sole power to the president to approve and create holidays
• 2000 — Bill Clinton signed a “Presidential Message” recognizing April 10 as Siblings Day, but did not sign an official “Presidential Proclamation,” which is needed to officially establish a holiday.
• Since 1998, 85 governors have signed gubernatorial proclamations in 49 states, including former governors and White House cabinet members.
• Mother’s Day was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Anna Jarvis in 1907; Father’s Day was founded in Spokane, Washington, by Mrs. John Dodd in 1910. That’s almost 110 years of celebrating mothers and fathers, but siblings have not been honored.
• Siblings Day follows the spirit of Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Grandparent’s Day and is an uplifting celebration honoring people who have shaped our values, beliefs, and ideals. Sibling relationships are just as important as a parent’s relationship.
• Oprah Winfrey featured and celebrated Siblings Day on her show for three consecutive years. The holiday was also broadcasted worldwide on Voice of America for six years, and was covered on many news outlets.
• Siblings Day is already recognized (and has been for thousands of years) in Northern India, Guyana in South America, and several South Asian countries.

Siblings share not only a special bond, but have a blood relationship — we look alike, share traditions and family values, and enjoy feelings of closeness not shared by any other relationship. Siblings have a lifelong relationship, and it often outlasts the relationships with parents, due to the passing of parents. Siblings grow up together and share triumphs, celebrations, and sometimes tragedies and loss, but they are bonded together by their similar life experiences growing up. Siblings are lifelong friends and confidants, and understand each other like no one else can.

Regardless of whether Siblings Day is an official holiday or not, we can still appreciate, cherish, love and honor our siblings. Today and everyday we should tell our siblings (and other family members) how much they mean to us and celebrate our lives together. Siblings Day should be celebrated by everyone who has a brother or sister.

Do you have a brother or sister whom you love and cherish? Let them know today on Siblings Day, and if you don’t have a great relationship with your siblings, today is the day to overcome that and begin a new relationship with someone who shares not only your blood, but life as well. Happy Siblings Day!

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