Flipping through the calendar pages, we are annually reminded of the defining moments in American history, from the 4^th of July commemorating our nation’s birth and independence from England, spanning all the way back to Columbus Day, in recognition of the New World’s first discovery by Europeans. Even the more obscure holidays like Victory Over Japan Day, mildly celebrated every August 15^th, get some mention. As the paper shredding timeline is still a relatively short one, no one is expecting any sort of parade-filled nationwide tribute. Still, were we to make recommendations to Congress for an official “Shred Paper Day,” these would be the most likely submissionsFebruary 2, 1909 Move over Groundhog’s Day, February 2^nd marks the anniversary of the first patent for a paper shredder being filed by inventor Abbot Augustus Low. After all, if a glorified chipmunk can have its own special day, why can’t a revolutionary piece of machinery follow suit?Sometime in 1935 Though the specific date is unknown, perhaps paper shredding appreciation could take place in every year that ends in 5, something like February 29^th. For critics who say paper shredding has no place in history, did you know that the first paper shredder was manufactured in 1935 by Adolf Ehinger, an active participant in Nazi resistance? Ehinger used the original hand-cranked device to cover up his anti-Nazi propaganda before the Third Reich caught on to his heroic publication exploits.June 17, 1972 History buffs might recognize this as the date of the infamous Watergate break-in, arguably the biggest scandal on record. The high profile incident helped for paper shredders to enter mainstream vernacular as they were used prominently in cover-up efforts by President Nixon’s officials.November 28, 2001 Not only would a November 28^th Shred Paper Day help to hide the laundry list of receipts resulting from Christmas present purchases on Black Friday, the date also signifies the full financial collapse of Enron. The now closed accounting firm Arthur Anderson, who handled Enron’s audit, put shredders to good use disposing of thousands of documents, along with deleting emails and company files, that would’ve further revealed their mismanagement of the Enron account.

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