National Good Neighbor Day

Every year, on September 28th, ‘National Good Neighbor Day’ takes place. It is a day to take time to celebrate the friendship neighbors can bring. Whether they watch your home while you go out of town for you, call if they haven’t seen you in a couple days, or simply make friendly conversation as you guys stand in your front yards, life would not be the same without neighbors. National Good Neighbor Day began in 1978 with a woman named Becky Mattson from Montana. It became a national holiday with a proclamation by Jimmy Carter:

President Carter is the reason we have National Good Neighbor Day today.

“As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love and respect build cohesive families and communities. The same bonds cement our Nation and the nations of the world. For most of us, this sense of community is nurtured and expressed in our neighborhoods where we give each other an opportunity to share and feel part of a larger family…I call upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

So, on this National Neighbors Day, reach out to your neighbors. Invite them over for dinner or even make something to bring to their door. Let them know that you appreciate what they do for you and that you’re always here to return the favor.