PASH was conceived as a combination of insider fun and shameless self-promotion (what else would you expect from a P.R. guy?).

This excerpt from the January 1964 issue of Plus Profit Publicity describes the genesis of PASH:

The many special days, weeks, months celebrating everything from "national pickle month" to "imported ices week" exist and are made possible through the fertile minds and unflagging efforts of the American press agent. During these special times, no one gives a thought to the perspiring publicist.

It shall no longer be so; a time is now set aside for proper recognition of our craft(iness). Of course, press agents are too busy to enjoy a full day of recognition, so we will sneak but a single hour from the busiest month on "special events" calendars.

Therefore, Press Agents Shining Hour -- PASH -- was proclaimed to be observed annually on May 5th from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. This was noted to be the "slow time, after lunch, when the 'planting' of the next days' stories is done."

Read the press release announcing PASH.

See Advertising Age magazine's coverage of PASH.

Press clips on the PASH White House demonstration.

PASH honored "Baghdad Bob" in 2003.

PASH Home Page