Observed every year on May 24th, Brother’s Day honors the brothers in our lives. Whether we have one or many, our brothers hold a special place in our hearts. Even if for those who don’t have brothers, someone in their life is usually like a brother to them. Brothers from other mothers are found in a best friend, a brother-in-law, or a cousin. They are the men in our lives we count on even when we don’t talk very often. We share memories, challenges that frequently began with the phrase, “Watch this!” soon followed by a few stitches.
While minding their own business, they are also prepared to step in when necessary. That’s what brothers do.
Of course, they’ve been known to put toads on your head or gum in your hair. They may have been too cool for you once, too. Brothers come in many shapes and sizes and so do their relationships. Whatever yours is, take the time to celebrate your brother on Brother’s Day.
Brother’s Day History
C. Daniel Rhodes of Alabama founded Brother’s Day.
NATIONAL BROTHERS DAY STATS
33% – the percentage of free time siblings have spent together by the time they reach the age of 11 years old.
10 – the number of hours children spend with their siblings per week.
17 – the number of hours children from large families spend with their siblings per week.
½ – the portion of all siblings who go on to share the same level of educational- and economic success.
51% – the percentage of all newborns in the U.S. who are boys
65% – the percentage of mothers who claim to have a favorite child — typically the oldest one.
70% – the percentage of fathers who claim to have a favorite child.
3½ – the number of times in an hour that siblings aged between 3 and 7 years old get involved in fights.
390 – the number of families who participated in a research study that found younger siblings are more rebellious and aggressive than older siblings.
8 – the average age at which children start being bullied by their siblings.
5 MOST POWERFUL BROTHER BONDS IN HISTORY
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Henry and William James
Henry James was one of America’s most acclaimed novelists in the late 1800s and early 1900s, penning books such as “The Portrait of a Lady” and “The Turn of the Screw.” His older brother, William James, was a renowned American philosopher and psychologist, and considered by many to be the father of American psychology.
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The Bee Gees
Famous pop group, the Bee Gees, was made up of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. They have sold more than 120 million records worldwide making them one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and were presented the award by Brian Wilson, the frontman of another famous family act, The Beach Boys.
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The Sullivan Brothers
George, Francis, Joseph, Madison, and Albert Sullivan enlisted in the US Navy and were serving onboard the USS Juneau during World War II when it sank in a 1942 naval battle. When three uniformed men called on their parents’ house, their father — bracing for the bad news — asked, ‘Which one?’, to which the lieutenant commander replied, ‘I’m sorry. All five.’ Because of them, the U.S. War Department established the Sole Survivor Policy to protect those who lost family members in military service from combat duty.
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Wilbur and Orville Wright
The Wright brothers were a duo of self-taught engineers from Ohio who revolutionized transport when they created the world’s first powered, controlled flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their 12 seconds flight was a soaring success and propelled them into aeronautical history.
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John, Robert and Ted Kennedy
The Kennedy brothers set a new precedent in politics. John F. Kennedy became president of the United States in 1961, his younger brother Robert was made the attorney general, followed by their youngest brother Ted being elected to a seat in the Senate in Massachusetts a year later.
NATIONAL BROTHER’S DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | May 24 | Monday |
| 2022 | May 24 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | May 24 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | May 24 | Friday |
| 2025 | May 24 | Saturday |
