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The Great American Smokeout is an annual event in the United States to encourage Americans (of whom 45.8 million smoke) to quit tobacco smoking. It was first held in 1977, and is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Its spokesman is Smokey Robinson. The event challenges people not to smoke cigarettes for 24 hours, hoping it will last forever.
It is held on the third Thursday in November, one week before Thanksgiving. In 2006 the 30th Great American Smokeout will be held on November 16.
The event evolved from a series of events.
- In 1971, in Randolph, Massachusetts, Arthur P. Mullaney suggested people give up cigarettes for a day and donate the money to a local high school.
- In 1974, a "Don't Smoke Day" (or "D-Day") was promoted by Lynn R. Smith of the Monticello Times in Monticello, Minnesota.
See also
External links
"Great American Smokeout"