May 25: Universal Day of the Jedi

About me:

After over 30 years of being part of and witnessing the rise and fall of Sith Lords and Jedi Knights, it is time for Star Wars fans to rise to the occasion; and celebrate May 25 as the Universal Day of the Jedi - a celebration of Star Wars by fans for fans.

The first Universal Day of the Jedi was celebrated on May 25, 2007, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of when George Lucas released Star Wars in 1977. The choice of this date made sense for fans across the world to celebrate the saga Lucas had delivered.

Hardcore Star Wars fans already look back and reflect on May 25 as a day of significance. Some people might criticize the concept by stating that Lucas doesn't intend to make any more Star Wars films.

The Star Wars galaxy is an ongoing and ever-changing place. With Lucas always making constant changes to subsequent DVD releases of the movies, there is also the Expanded Universe: a world of Star Wars that literally expands upon what Lucas has created - a whole line of books and comics that stretch the continuity even further than before; to which there appears to be no end point for their upcoming publications.

Not to mention the fact that in the very near future, we are also going to see the launch of two new Star Wars television series. The first, The Clone Wars, begins in 2008; and starts with a movie feature to be released in theaters. The second is the live-action television show, said to be hitting the screens sometime in 2009.

There is also the ongoing hunger of the Star Wars collector: action figures, merchandise, you name it, it's out there - and it won't stop coming out. And games... there's always the gaming community as well. Star Wars is with us to stay. It has for 30 years, and will continue to be with us just like the Force. So, why shouldn't fans find an official day to celebrate how much of an impact Star Wars has had on us?

With many fans expressing their appreciation via fan films, fan fiction, custom designed figures, models, and costumes, this is another means by which we can salute George Lucas.

I believe I would not be alone in the Star Wars fan world by stating that the films had an immense impact on me as a child. Who would have foreseen that the love for the movies would continue into adulthood? It is the genius of Lucas that interwove elements of myth and legend, spiritual questioning, and morals forming life lessons, into the plot of Star Wars.

Many of us, like me, have children now ourselves, and share and enjoy the Star Wars galaxy with our kids.

So, how exactly does a Star Wars fan celebrate Universal Day of the Jedi? Simple ways could be watching the entire saga with friends and families... for those of us who are geekier and extreme, dress as a Jedi and attack your co-workers with your Force FX Lightsabers! Better yet, film it happening!

Join us in celebrating Universal Day of the Jedi on May 25. May the Force be with you!