Why Celebrate Engineer's Week with Cherry Pie?

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ohwilleke
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It is Engineer's Week in the U.S. from February 18-24, 2024.

I'm a little weird, and my family always celebrated it (presumably because my dad was a civil engineer).

One thing we did was eat cherry pie, because the event presumes President George Washington, a surveyor, soldier and politician, as sort of the founding father of engineers and popular legend recalls him cutting down a cherry tree as a child and then admitting to it to his father because he was honest.

The date is also set based upon George Washington's birthday (Feb. 22 in the Georgian calendar in effect from around the time he turned twenty-year old, Feb. 11 under the Julian calendar in effect when he was born), even though George Washington is not known to have ever celebrated his own birthday.

We also admired the things that engineers did and sometimes did projects.

What are you doing for Engineer's Week?
 
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ohwilleke said:
What are you doing for Engineer's Week?
Keeping up with things here on Physics Forums. :smile:
 
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FAQ: Why Celebrate Engineer's Week with Cherry Pie?

Why is cherry pie associated with Engineer's Week?

Cherry pie is associated with Engineer's Week due to the celebration of George Washington's birthday, who is a symbol of honesty and integrity. The story of young George Washington and the cherry tree has become a popular anecdote, and cherry pie serves as a delicious and symbolic treat during the festivities.

What is the significance of Engineer's Week?

Engineer's Week, also known as EWeek, is a dedicated time to celebrate the contributions of engineers to society, promote engineering as a career, and engage students in engineering activities. It aims to raise public awareness about the importance of engineering and inspire the next generation of engineers.

How did the tradition of celebrating with cherry pie start?

The tradition of celebrating Engineer's Week with cherry pie likely started as a nod to George Washington's birthday, which falls on February 22nd, during Engineer's Week. The story of Washington and the cherry tree made cherry pie a fitting and memorable treat to honor his legacy and the values he represents.

Are there other foods commonly associated with Engineer's Week?

While cherry pie is a popular choice, other foods and treats may also be enjoyed during Engineer's Week celebrations. These can include themed cakes, cookies, and snacks that reflect engineering concepts or symbols, such as gears, bridges, and blueprints.

How can schools and organizations incorporate cherry pie into Engineer's Week activities?

Schools and organizations can incorporate cherry pie into Engineer's Week activities by hosting pie-baking contests, pie-eating competitions, or simply serving cherry pie at events and gatherings. Additionally, they can use the cherry pie theme to create engaging educational activities that tie in the story of George Washington and the principles of engineering.

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