VIDEO ARCADES GET A DAY IN THEIR HONOR

VIDEO ARCADES GET A DAY IN THEIR HONOR

FAIRFIELD, Iowa (Wireless Flash) -- First, secretaries got a day named in their honor, now video arcades are getting their own holiday. A group of video arcade owners has declared this Saturday (July 10) as "National Family Fun Day" to celebrate American arcades and their contribution to 20th century culture. National Family Fun Day spokesman Walter Day says video arcades deserve the timely tribute because video games like "Pac- Man, Galaga" and "Space Invaders" helped kids become computer literate. In fact, many of today's top computer programmers were video game champions back in the '70s and '80s, and are now utilizing skills picked up at video arcades. In honor of National Family Fun Day, arcades in 28 states will be holding video and pinball championships. Day hopes Congress will give the day official recognition for the year 2000.