August 20 is the 232nd day of the year (233rd in leap years), with 133 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on August 20th
August 20 National Days

This date blends together exciting food celebrations like baconchocolate pecan pie, and Hawaiian pizza with observances honoring radio broadcastingaccessible air travel, and the essential work of medical transport professionals.

Here’s a look at the 8 national and international days celebrated on August 20.


National and International Days on August 20

International Day of Medical Transporters honors the professionals who operate ambulances and other emergency vehicles to transport patients to medical care. The role traces its roots to the battlefield, where horse-drawn carriages carried injured soldiers during World War I. The introduction of motorized ambulances in the early 20th century revolutionized patient transport, enabling faster, safer transfers. Today, medical transporters work in high-pressure environments where speed, skill, and coordination can mean the difference between life and death.

International Hawaiian Pizza Day marks the 1962 creation of the now-famous pineapple-and-ham pizza by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant in Chatham, Ontario. Despite its name, the dish has no Hawaiian origins—the “Hawaiian” label came from the brand of canned pineapple Panopoulos used. The combination of sweet pineapple with savory toppings sparked global debate about flavor pairings and remains one of the most polarizing pizza styles in the world.

National Accessible Air Travel Day was founded in 2022 by All Wheels Up (AWU), a nonprofit dedicated to making commercial air travel safe and inclusive for passengers with disabilities. AWU, established in 2011, is the only organization to crash-test wheelchairs for in-flight use and advocates for legislation to improve accessibility. The date also highlights legal protections under the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 and the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, emphasizing equal rights for millions of travelers worldwide.

National Bacon Lovers Day was launched in 2015, gaining momentum through social media and viral content like the bacon-wrapped grilled cheese video that captured millions of views. Bacon’s origins date back to ancient China around 1500 B.C., where pork belly was first salted and cured. Today, its smoky, savory-salty flavor profile makes it a culinary favorite, appearing in breakfast staples, gourmet dishes, and even desserts.

National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day celebrates a twist on a classic American dessert. Pecans, native to the southern United States, were used by Native Americans for millennia before Spanish explorers introduced them to Europe. The addition of chocolate to the traditional pecan pie—made with eggs, butter, and sugar—creates a deeper flavor and a denser texture, making it a popular choice for special occasions and holiday tables.

National Finance Brokers Day(Third Wednesday in August) was founded in 2015 by Australian broker Dino Pacella to raise awareness of the broking profession and the advantages it offers consumers. The day emphasizes unity within the finance industry and educates the public about how brokers can help them navigate complex financial markets, secure competitive loan rates, and make informed decisions. It also highlights the importance of professional ethics, transparency, and tailored advice in an increasingly automated lending environment.

National Radio Day celebrates one of the oldest and most influential mass media technologies. While its exact origin is unclear, the day has been widely observed since the early 1990s, often linked to the anniversary of the first broadcast by station 8MK (now WWJ) in Detroit on August 20, 1920. Radio revolutionized communication by bringing real-time news, music, entertainment, and public service announcements into homes across the globe. The 2015 efforts of Sabrina Roach and non-commercial radio stations revitalized the observance, promoting the continued relevance of radio in the digital age.

World Mosquito Day commemorates the groundbreaking discovery made on August 20, 1897, by British physician Sir Ronald Ross, who identified female Anopheles mosquitoes as the transmitters of malaria between humans. This finding transformed public health efforts, leading to targeted mosquito control programs that have saved millions of lives. The day is now used to raise awareness about malaria prevention, ongoing research, and the importance of combating vector-borne diseases that still threaten millions worldwide.


💡

➡️  Have you already seen DigitalHyyge’s National Days Calendars 2025?

➡️  Complete list of August National Days

➡️  Complete list of September National Days

➡️  Curious to see more national and international celebrations? We have dozens of national days lists curated for you!

Categorized in:

Days,

Last Update: August 13, 2025