History of Pan American Day
Pan American Day is celebrated on April 14th each year. It commemorates the signing of the Pan American Union Treaty on April 14, 1890, which established the International Union of American Republics. The treaty was signed during the First International Conference of American States, held in Washington, D.C. This conference marked the first time that the countries of the Americas came together to discuss common interests and cooperation.
The Pan American Union was created to promote cooperation and solidarity among the countries of the Americas in various areas, including trade, security, health, education, and culture. Over time, the organization expanded its scope to include more member states and to address emerging issues facing the Americas.
Pan American Day is celebrated across the Americas with various events, ceremonies, and activities that highlight the importance of unity and cooperation among the countries of the region. It serves as a reminder of the shared history, values, and aspirations of the nations of the Americas and the importance of working together to address common challenges and achieve common goals.
Core values of the Organization of American States (OAS)
Unity. Respect. Collaboration. Solidarity.
Quotes from Franklin D. Roosevelt. Address on the Occasion of the Celebration of Pan-American Day, Washington. April 12, 1933.
“There is inspiration in the thought that on this day the attention of the citizens of the twenty-one Republics of America is focused on the common ties—historical, cultural, economic, and social—which bind them to one another. Common ideals and a community of interest, together with a spirit of cooperation, have led to the realization that the well-being of one Nation depends in large measure upon the well-being of its neighbors. It is upon these foundations that Pan Americanism has been built.”
“The essential qualities of a true Pan Americanism must be the same as those which constitute a good neighbor, namely, mutual understanding, and, through such understanding, a sympathetic appreciation of the other’s point of view. It is only in this manner that we can hope to build up a system of which confidence, friendship and good-will are the cornerstones.”
How to Celebrate Pan American Day:
- Write to your elected officials to let them know you support open and productive collaboration with North American and South American countries.
- There are 35 countries in the Organization of American States (OAS). Pick one and learn more about the following topics regarding that country:
History
Weather
Climate
Food
Language
Culture
Government
3. Discover how commerce between the different countries works and how it has changed over the years.
4. Use #NationalPanAmericanDay to post on social media.
Taking it a Step Further:
Do you want your child to learn about the Spanish language and culture? Cultural Bytes Virtual Language Camp (ViLaCa) teaches Spanish through the well-known and not-so-known wonders of Hispanic-American countries and cultures.
