Photo by Jacqueline Bennett  Dr. Suess National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield, MA.

Commentary by: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com #read across america

Members of the United States Armed Forces have taken part in a must see video for Read Across America Day which is Monday, March 2, 2015. Created by Travis Sauls, I discovered the video available in the public domain posted on the National Education Association website this morning. I tweeted it out and then inserted that into this post.

Sponsored by the NEA annually, the theme of Read Across America Day this year is “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” based upon a book of the same name written by renown American children’s books author Dr. Seuss.

How inspirational to know that while they are doing the very important work of keeping our nation safe, American military members also took time to spotlight the value of literacy. And, it was done in such a fun way – with a Dr. Seuss book in hand. The video runs about 5 minutes and is worth listening to every one of them – I hope you will enjoy watching it as much as I did.

Dr. Seuss is the pen name of Theodor Seuss Geisel who was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904. He passed away in California in 1991. I had the great joy of meeting and interviewing one of his cousins who lived in Windsor, Connecticut, when I covered that town as a reporter for the local newspaper. He too has since passed away.

In recognition of Theodor Geisel’s birthday, tomorrow is also Dr. Seuss Day. Events are planned in schools and other places, such as local libraries, from coast to coast.

For anyone who has not yet visited the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden built in honor of Dr. Seuss in Springfield, MA, put it on your list of ‘places you’ll go!’ It is a real treat.

The NEA is asking readers everywhere to share their plans for Read Across America Day on social media using the hashtag #read across america. I plan to visit a Barnes & Noble bookstore today and find a new novel or biography to begin reading tomorrow.

What do you have planned? Whatever it is, “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So … get on your way!”