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Why is Read Across America Day held on March 2?
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Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss and some of his characters, from a commemorative U.S. postage stamp, 2004.
Read Across America Day is held on March 2 because that date marks the birthday of Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel), who was born on March 2, 1904.1
The National Education Association (NEA) launched the Read Across America initiative in 1997 in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and the first event was held on his birthday the following year. While the NEA and other organizations have since distanced themselves from highlighting his work due to the presence of racist stereotypes in some of his books, the annual event continues to be observed on March 2.1