U.S. pauses for pie on National Pie Day

CHICAGO, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- The American Pie Council says marking National Pie Day Thursday is a good way for folks to get back to one of the best simple pleasures of life.

Linda Hoskins, executive director of the Chicago association, said a good pie has long been a way for Americans to express their appreciation to friends, family members, neighbors and even members of the military serving their country.

"There's something touching about giving someone a gift as special as a pie," Hoskins said in a written statement. "If you were getting a gift, would you rather receive an ordinary tie, or an extraordinary pie?"

The council sees pies as a constant in American life with families passing recipes, pie plates and other utensils down through the generation. And what would Thanksgiving or Fourth of July be without fresh pie?

The council reminded everyone to pick up pie at their local bakery on the way home in the evening, or else bake one themselves, to commemorate National Pie Day in fitting fashion.