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National Hug a G.I. Day 2025 – March 4, 2025

March 4 is the only day on the calendar that’s also a military command — march forth! — so it’s only appropriate that this be the day that we celebrate the servicemen and servicewomen in our lives with National G.I. Day. Soldiers in the U.S. military — including members of the Army, Air Forces, and Marines — have been referred to as G.I.s since 1940, and today is the day that we celebrate everything they do for us with a big hug, either literal or metaphorical.

National Hug a G.I. Day timeline

June 17, 1942
G.I. Joe is Born

Former army sergeant turned comic strip artist Dave Breger begins his G.I. Joe series in “Yank” magazine.

1944
G.I. Becomes Official

President Franklin Roosevelt signs what will later become known as the G.I. Bill.

1964
Hottest Toy of the Season

Toy company Hasbro trademarks G.I. Joe as an action figure.

20th century
Double Meaning

G.I. becomes an abbreviation used in supply records for galvanized iron.

How to Observe National Hug a G.I. Day

  1. Hug a G.I.  (Or offer a handshake)

    If there is a G.I. in your life, show them your appreciation by giving them a squeeze! If you don’t have a close friend or family member who is serving, offer a friendly handshake to servicemen and servicewomen you see out in the world, and ask to give them a hug if you feel so inclined!

  2. Send a care package

    A gift can feel like a hug, so send a box of goodies to the G.I.s in your life as the ultimate way to say thanks! Often-requested items include playing cards, snacks, toiletries, and of course, handwritten letters! If you don’t know any G.I.s, there are several non-profit organizations can help you send a package to a soldier in need!

  3. Send your virtual thanks 

    The internet is a great way to connect with G.I.s! Send an email thanking a G.I. you know and love, explore the #NationalHugaGIDay hashtag on Twitter or Facebook to find out about events and celebrations in your area, or make and share a post of your own!

Why National Hug a G.I. Day is Important

  1. They willingly serve

    There are 1.4 million active-duty U.S. military personnel who have devoted their lives to the service of our country, and we love each and every one of them! These G.I.s have chosen to spend their lives serving in the military, and we couldn’t be more thankful.

  2. They make sacrifices

    Some G.I.s make the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country, and to the G.I.s who have given their lives, we are so grateful. But every G.I. makes sacrifices, whether it’s being away from their family while deployed, moving around the country and world every few years as they are transferred where they are most needed, or facing stress and danger as they put themselves in dangerous and complicated situations.

  3. They represent us around the world

    While the primary job of G.I.s is to defend the United States, G.I.s do a lot more than fight. They also provide aid and assistance during natural disasters, perform rescue operations, and provide humanitarian relief. They serve as ambassadors of the United States around the world, and we are so proud to have them represent us!

National Hug a G.I. Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 March 4 Saturday
2024 March 4 Monday
2025 March 4 Tuesday
2026 March 4 Wednesday
2027 March 4 Thursday