National Supreme Sacrifice Day, observed every year on March 18, is a day of commemoration. On this day, we honor those who sacrificed their lives for a good cause, no matter how small the cause might have been.
While not all of them have monuments built in their names, this day serves as a continuous reminder or metaphorical monument erected in their name. Any group or person can be celebrated on this day whether they are living or dead.
Their positive contributions to society or good deeds do not need to be recognized by a formal organization to be celebrated on this holiday.
History of National Supreme Sacrifice Day
There is no greater acclamation of love better than that of sacrifice. Men who served in wars are often widely respected and thanked by their countrymen, peers, friends, and family. The celebration of such people in the community started in the early 1900s with Alfred Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt, a rich successor, known for his extravagant lifestyle and womanizing, boarded a ship with several other passengers.
The ship was wrecked at sea, leaving thousands in the ocean waiting for an untimely death. Vanderbilt decided to change the fate of the women and children of the wreck by leading them to lifeboats. In the end, he died saving these lives, becoming a hero in folk tales, being celebrated for his bravery.
This was the start of hero celebrations, however, the day was only officially named and dated in 2004. This holiday celebrates not only life-saving deeds but also plant and animal rescues. Nikolay Vavilov, a scientist from the Institute of Plant Industry, hungered during a 900-day raid siege of Leningrad in Russia. He and his counterparts refused to consume or harm endangered plants they were in charge of.
This eventually caused their death. This sacrifice did not go in vain as farmers worldwide reaped the benefits as species were allowed to multiply. This sacrifice also contributed greatly to developing more plants that withstand temperature and pests. The celebration of these individuals set in motion the day we now call National Supreme Sacrifice Day. This day also celebrates large groups of people throughout history.
One of them was the Eyam village in England that was the first to experience the effects of a plague. The people in the village voluntarily quarantined themselves to protect others in the country. Although the dated version of this holiday officially started on American soil, it is now celebrated by certain people and organizations in other parts of the world as well.
National Supreme Sacrifice Day timeline
The Eyam village in England self-quarantines to avoid the spread of a plague.
Alfred Vanderbilt saves women and children from drowning.
Three men ignore their safety and drain a pool containing radioactive material.
National Supreme Sacrifice Day is now official in the year 2004.
National Supreme Sacrifice Day FAQs
Which other holidays are celebrated on March 18?
National Awkward Moments Day, National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day, National Sloppy Joe Day, National Kickbutt Day are holidays celebrated on March 18.
Is the holiday celebrated only in the United States?
National Supreme Sacrifice Day is only known to be celebrated in the United States. You can establish it in your country if it is not official there.
How can I celebrate the holiday in my community?
You can read up on the history of your community and check if there are any acts of supreme sacrifice mentioned. If there are, celebrate them by creating awareness and visiting their families.
How to Observe National Supreme Sacrifice Day
Create awareness
Let everyone know about the holiday, so we can all come together and celebrate the lives of all the heroes we know. You can post it on social media with hashtags and share the story of a hero you know.
Do something good
You may not have to lay down your life, but doing good is what the supreme sacrifice is about. Do good for someone, not only on this day but every day.
Share a story
Keep them alive in your mind by sharing a story of someone who paid a supreme sacrifice. Tell these stories to your kids so they never forget to do good, and honor these sacrifices.
5 Facts About People Who Paid The Supreme Sacrifice
There are more of them
To save time for other U.S. forces to regroup, Lieutenant John Robert Fox requested that a village he was in come under artillery fire.
Died in the cold
Lawrence Oakes sacrificed his life in the cold in order to not slow his group down in the South Pole.
For 22 men
To save the lives of 22 men condemned to death if a mastermind of sabotage was not found, Italian soldier Salvo d'Acquisto confessed to being the mastermind.
Blown-up patriot
Rather than surrender to Belgian soldiers, Jan Van Speyk blew up his ship by lighting a cigar in a barrel of gunpowder, killing himself, his men, and the soldiers.
The four chaplains
Four chaplains helped to rescue people from their drowning ship and died.
Why National Supreme Sacrifice Day is Important
We are indebted
We will forever owe these heroes for their selfless service and actions. As we observe this day, we show that we have not forgotten, nor will we forget, their great acts of service. We also prove that their sacrifices are not in vain.
We remember them
As we celebrate this holiday, the memories remain with us, and they never die in our minds. We preserve their memories.
We celebrate courage
We are in awe of their bravery, and we celebrate their courage. We are inspired to do better and live fighting for good in our world.
National Supreme Sacrifice Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 18 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 18 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 18 | Thursday |
| 2028 | March 18 | Saturday |
| 2029 | March 18 | Sunday |
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