National Hug & High 5 Day | September 12
Tue Sep 12th

National Hug & High 5 Day

Two things that make us feel valued and loved are free. We're celebrating National Hug & High 5 Day on September 12th, which is why we celebrate National Hug & High 5 Day on September 12th.

#hugandhigh5day

When we celebrate a job well done, an achievement, or meeting a target, high fives from our colleagues and peers make the occasion even sweeter. And the hug – well, the hug is that little bit more, the human contact that says more than words ever could.

Hugs and high fives also help us on our journeys. We're trying to achieve our goals and understand our purpose. Life throws obstacles in our way, and we can't always see what is on the other side of the mountain. However, families and even strangers continue to help us along the way. It comes in many forms, but it is most often found in a slew of hugs and high fives.

When tragedy strikes, hugs are what hold us up when we think it's impossible, and high fives reaffirm our hope in each other, reminding us of a higher power and returning smiles to our faces.

National Hug & High 5 Day connects us and encourages us to share a hug and high five with a friend, a neighbor, a stranger, or anyone else who needs one.

How to celebrate hug & high 5 day in a day

On September 12th, take a look around the world and give a hug and high five. It could be your co-worker or a family friend. You will never know who needs it and you may never know how it affects the person you give it to, but you can be assured that it will lift their spirits, inspire them, or help heal their heart. Your hug may spark a discussion or change someone's viewpoint. A high five can inspire a child or open a veteran's eyes to opportunity. Hugs and high fives can even change your life. So whose life will you have on #HugAndHigh5Day?

There's so much potential. You don't have to believe like David Sylvester does. In every US state and 37 countries (and growing), he has hugged and high 5'd over half a million people, spreading love and joy everywhere he goes. On his journey, he has met people with missions and obtained missions of his own. @thehumanhigh5 Follow David's journey on Instagram @thehumanhigh5.

In his book Traveling at the Speed of Life, you can also read about "Big Dave" (a term many recognize him by) (a term many recognize him by). He has another on the way. If you've been hugged by the Human High 5 (another name Big Dave goes by) be sure to share your story and photos!

What will you find on National Hug & High 5 Day?

Let the world know by using #HugAndHigh5Day on social media. Now go and hug and high five people!

The national hug & high 5 day salutes have a long history in the United States

David Sylvester founded National Hug & High 5 Day in 2021 to share his dream of touring the world, spreading smiles, smiles, and joy around the country and the world. But his mission didn't begin in 2021 – it began the day after his friend was killed in the World Trade Center in 2001.

Since then, he has cycled through North America from various points three times. He's also bicycled parts of Australia, Asia, and Africa. To name a few, he made a point to visit places touched by violence, including San Bernardino, Oklahoma City, Chicago, Cleveland, Orlando, Orlando. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive after each hug and high five. If even for a moment, human warmth and kindness lifted people out of poverty and compassion.

When Big Dave couldn't walk anymore, he took to the highway by bike and eventually partnered with Duke Cannon and Advantage Rental Car. He continued his tour through 2020 and beyond. You may have even received a hug from David Sylvester and didn't know it, but we doubt you would have guessed it. He's big smile and a big sign that says "Big Dave" give him away. However, each hug and high 5 he receives inspires him on his quest to lift the human spirit.

National Hug & High 5 Day is held on September 12th annually in honor of David Sylvester's 20th birthday of 2021's mission in 2021.