Pan America Day

Pan American Day is celebrated annually as a "commemorative symbol of the American nations and the voluntary union of all in one continental community" marking the anniversary of the day in 1890 when this union was established.This observance commemorates the First International Conference of American States in 1889-90, which concluded on April 14, 1890, creating the International Union of American Republics, the forerunner to the Organization of American States (OAS). Pan American Day and Week also commemorates the diplomatic ties and relations of the United States with the other countries of the Western Hemisphere, including Latin America.

Each year Pan American Day and Pan American Week are designated by official proclamations throughout the Western Hemisphere as the occasion on which Americans of all ages and nationalities can strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding that unite the peoples of the 24 American nations. Americans as widely separated as those of Alaska and Punta Arenas, Chile, come to know each other better through special observances, classroom projects, club programs, plays and pageants, parades and social events.

Today, Pan American Day has become one of the significant anniversaries of the Continent. It is the only day set apart by the Government of an entire continent to symbolize their common bonds and their common hopes for a system of international relations based on mutual respect and cooperation. The observance of Pan American Day by government leaders, as well as by educational institutions, clubs, commercial associations and other groups, and its recognition by the press and radio, convey its message of solidarity to young and old throughout the Continent. It has become a powerful agent in bringing about a closer understanding among the nations of the Western Hemisphere. It is a national day in Honduras and a ceremonial day in Florida.

Information from:

http://www.oas.org/columbus/PanAmericanDay.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_American_Day

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