6. National Engineers Day (February 22nd)
Without Engineers, we literally (literally, not figuratively) could not have the world we live in now. An engineer has touched everything piece of technology and building we utilize in our daily lives at some point, and this is why we take a whole week in February to celebrate engineers. Officially, the week is determined by George Washington’s actual Birthday (February 22nd, as that will be the week designated. This practice was started in 1951 by a group known as the National Society of Professional Engineers. It encompasses Washington’s birthday as he is considered the nation’s first engineer as he was a trained surveyor.
They initially celebrated during this week at the University of Missouri College of Engineering back in 1903. They had used St. Patrick as their emissary as he is the patron saint of engineers. The National Society uses this week to bring attention to and honors people within the profession who have demonstrated technical skills, provided leadership, community service, or have publications. Over 50 world governments and corporations and over 70 educational and cultural societies, the week is currently observed.