The UN introduces the world to the International Day of Friendship, encouraging communities around the world to observe and honor the day.
Paraguay was the first country to celebrate this day country-wide in July of 1958.
Greeting cards were introduced by Hallmark, and took center stage. To this day, many acknowledge their special relationships with a card or note.
Some suggest that there are roots to the United States’ official participation in an unofficial Friendship Day even before the UN’s official designation.