The First Response Coalition plans to celebrate National First Responder Appreciation Day -- even if it's not yet fully recognized by lawmakers on Capital Hill.
The coalition says pigs, catfish and ice cream all have days of recognition -- why not the people who keep this nation safe?
They will gather in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 25 to celebrate the first ever National First Responder Appreciation Day. They will also use the occasion to urge lawmakers in the House of Representations to pass a resolution making the day official.
The Senate approved such a resolution in June.
The First Response Coalition says over 6,000 people have signed their online petition calling for a day to honor emergency personnel. They also have the support of numerous organizations -- including American Red Cross, Points of Light Foundation, Salvation Army, United Way of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars.