DaytonDailyNews.com

The mayor of Fairborn named Dec. 17 Carl Day 'Day' in Fairborn.

It's not easy to say, but the surprise honor was appreciated by Day, the veteran news anchor for WDTN-TV, Channel 2.

Day, 69, spent his childhood in Fairborn, and graduated from Fairborn High School in 1955.

This past week Mayor Gary L. Woodward invited Day to a council meeting and surprised the newsman by honoring him for his positive contributions to life in the Miami Valley.

"We felt it was time for Carl's hometown to recognize him for his contributions to Fairborn and the community," Woodward said. "He has had an incredible career, has overcome an ongoing battle with cancer, and has been a faithful servant to his friends, fans and neighbors in Fairborn and the Miami Valley."

Day was the first Dayton broadcaster enshrined in the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1989.

He later was honored by the Ohio Radio and Television Hall of Fame, and the Dayton Area Broadcaster's Hall of fame.

At the home he has seven Emmys on display. He was the first Dayton anchor to be awarded a best anchor Emmy, and is the only one to win four best anchor Emmys.

Day has other interests and is a world record holding race car driver with one of his cars on display at the Drag Racing Hall of Fame in Ocala, Fla.

In 1995, Day was co-pilot of a jet flight from Kitty Hawk to Dayton which set a new national and international speed record.

Each year when The Associated Press gives its top award, it is called the Carl Day Award, named after the Channel 2 anchor.

Over his 50 years of radio and television broadcasting Day has used his high profile position to support numerous charity events.

He spent many days in the hospital in the 1990s fighting the blood disease leukemia. Day fought back, from a critical diagnosis on three occasions and is now in remission.

Day has been presented a lifetime achievement award by the American Cancer Society, and has been honored by the Dayton Area Heart and Cancer Society.

Day said he considers it a great honor to be given this special award by Fairborn.

Day said, "God has a reason, I think, for everything that happens to you along the way, in this world when you are fighting for your life.

"It makes you want to work harder, and give more. I know that with my medical history, each day that I live is a blessing. And I will be around for quite a while. I am a fighter, and I've got a strong team on my side."

Dale Huffman wants your story ideas. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.