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Pan American Day has a long history going back to 1823 and the Monroe Doctrine. This doctrine created bonds between the American countries as they worked through affairs relating to their European roots. There were several efforts to unify Inter-American relationships but it wasn't until 1889 when the first International Conference of American States met in Washington DC. This conference was purposed with the establishment of an American customs union. On April 14, 1890, at the end of this lengthy conference, a resolution was finally passed creating the International Bureau of American Republics, later called the Pan American Union.
In 1931, President Herbert Hoover issued a proclamation declaring April 14 as Pan American Day. Flags are flown over government buildings in all countries participating in the Pan American Union. Citizens are also encouraged to participate by displaying flags and celebrating bi-continental solidarity. On this day, school children often learn of other American cultures through skits, movies, foods, and other cultural exchange events.
Many unifying agreements have since occurred from this nationalistic tolerance. The Organization of American States (OAS), NATO, and Free Trade have all resulted from the earlier efforts. Most North and South American countries continue to participate in these Pan-American organizations. |
