Thank You Day – June 5, 2024

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Thank You Day is celebrated annually on June 5 in the United Kingdom. The holiday was celebrated for the first time in 2021 as a way to appreciate the unsung heroes in local communities who contributed their time and resources to making life better for people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The holiday is celebrated in local communities with barbeque parties, picnics, and tartan tea parties. Thank You Day has been recognized by the U.K. government and several notable individuals such as Lorraine Kelly and Gary Lineker.

History of Thank You Day

Thank You Day was created as an avenue to say thank you to all the National Health Service staff and other unsung heroes who served their local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. By ‘unsung heroes,’ we refer to volunteers, council staff, social workers, charities, refuse collectors, and faith leaders who allowed places of worship to be used as vaccination centers. The idea behind this day was to hold a grassroots campaign in local communities, not just as a means of appreciation, but also to build community spirit after many months of lockdown in the country. The credit for the campaign goes to a small, non-profit organization called the Together Coalition committed to bringing people together. The frontline individuals in this movement include May Parson (the nurse who administered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the U.K.) and Debbie Matthew (a stroke survivor).

The campaign was soon supported by the government, with the Prime Minister himself promising to host a barbecue ‘thank you party’ for N.H.S. workers and representatives from the Royal Voluntary Service. Notable individuals also promised to participate, including Gary Lineker, Lorraine Kelly, Michael Sheen, Dame Judi Dench, Raheem Sterling, and Tom Kitchin.

On Thank You Day, local communities host tartan tea parties, picnics, and barbecue parties.

The spirit of Thank You Day is best summed up in the words of Rt. Hon. Robert Jenrick, former U.K. Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government: “You are all our community heroes, and on behalf of the U.K. government I want to say thank you.”

Thank You Day timeline

450 –1100 A.D.

First Known Use of ‘Thank’

The Old English noun ‘thank,’ originally meaning ‘think,’ is used for the first time.

1970s

‘Cheers’ Develops a New Sense

‘Cheers’ becomes a synonym for ‘thanks’ in the U.K.

2012

An Important Vocabulary in Any Language

A poll conducted by Vanity Fair reveals that ‘thank you’ is the phrase most travelers felt the need to learn in the language of the place being visited.

2021

Thank You Day Is First Celebrated

Thank You Day is celebrated in the U.K. for the first time.

Thank You Day FAQs

What’s the best way to reply ‘thank you’?

You can respond to a ‘thank-you’ by saying ‘you’re welcome’, ‘no problem,’ or ‘my pleasure.’

Is it proper to say ‘thanks’ instead of ‘thank you’?

The word ‘thanks’ is a casual way of saying ‘thank you’ and can be used in more informal situations.

Which culture is the most polite?

Japan is considered to be one of the most polite countries in the world.

How to Observe Thank You Day

Say ‘thank you’
In your local community, there must be hard-working individuals who’ve contributed in some form or another to help locals. In words or gifts or actions, say thank you to them for their commitment and sacrifice.
Build community spirit
The long and hard months of the lockdown kept everyone in isolation. Celebrate by strengthening the bonds of oneness in your community — hosting local parties, visiting one another, and sharing love.
Promote the holiday on social
Feel free to celebrate by sharing important facts about this holiday on social media. Remember to use the hashtag #thankyouday.

5 Ways To Say ‘Thank You’

I appreciate
E.g.: “I really appreciate your taking the time to come.”
I’m grateful
E.g.: “I’m immensely grateful for your support.”
Accept my gratitude
E.g.: “Please accept my gratitude for your hard work and sacrifice.”
I’m indebted
E.G.: “I’m indebted to you for all you’ve done.”
I can’t thank you enough
E.g.: “I can’t thank you enough for all your kindness toward me.”

Why Thank You Day is Important

It’s an opportunity for appreciation
We often don’t get a chance to say thank you as a community to the individuals who have played vital roles in keeping us together. This holiday allows us to appreciate our unsung heroes, especially health workers.
Unsung heroes deserve spotlight
Not all heroes wear capes; not all heroes are on the frontline where they can be seen. Some heroes work silently, yet tirelessly, making things go smoothly from behind the scenes. This holiday allows them to be in the spotlight for a moment, as they deserve to be.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate
After all the long and gloomy months of separation in communities, people can finally gather and celebrate. It allows people to build community spirit once again.