News Release

Hats Off for Dr. Seuss!

NEA's Read Across America urges YOU
to wear the Hat of the Cat on March 2

Washington, D.C. -- Whatever hat you usually wear -– or even if you’ve never worn one –- the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America has plans for you on March 2, 2004. The day will mark what would have been the 100th birthday of Theodor Geisel, better known to millions as Dr. Seuss, and the plan is to bring the entire nation under one hat -– the familiar red and white stovepipe chapeau made famous by the good doctor himself.

Park rangers at Mt. Rushmore, coal miners in West Virginia, showgirls in Las Vegas, and sailors in Virginia -– all will be swapping their usual headgear -– for The Hat that shows their love of reading.  On March 2, they will be joining teachers, librarians, education support professionals, kids, and parents and wearing The Hat that illustrates the importance of reading -– and honoring the author whose books have taught millions just how much fun it is to read.

NEA President Reg Weaver says: "For the seventh year, NEA is the proud sponsor of the nation’s biggest reading party.  And it’s a party with a purpose -– to show young and old alike not only the importance of the written word, but the joy of reading as well. No one better illustrates the pleasure and the power of learning to read than Dr. Seuss."

Among events planned for NEA's Read Across America '04: a reading rodeo in Kansas; a parkrangers' read-in at Mt. Rushmore; and a salute to the Cat (and his Hat) by West Virginia coal miners. For a sampling of other happenings, keep an eye on NEA's Read Across America section of the NEA Web site.

Since the first celebration of Read Across America in 1998, the event has become a national tradition that annually attracts young and old alike in communities across the nation.  Last year more than 45 million adults and children participated in reading events that ranged from green eggs 'n ham breakfasts and pajama parties to reading extravaganzas featuring politicians, pundits, sports celebrities, and stars of television and movies.

December 10, 2003

For More Information:
NEA Communications: 202-822-7200

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.