There are very few events which secure a global position in the calendar. Christmas, Valentines Day, Halloween.... but Star Wars may perhaps be the only one based on a film, a fictional film not even set in our Galaxy.
We have to ask what it was about this seemingly low budget film with only a handful of recognised faces (Peter Cushing & Alec Guinness) that elevated it to near religion status. It wasn't the script (Harrison Ford himself was once quoted "George, you can write this shit but you can't say it.") and it wasn't even the special effects, as ground breaking as they were at the time there have been plenty of films since which have moved the yardstick for special effects (Aliens, Avatar, Independence Day) yet none of them have a global remembrance day.
It was the story, sweet and simple. A young man sets out on a quest to save a young princess and overthrow a domineering empire. Along the way, he will meet memorable characters; the lovable rogue, his bear-like but loyal side-kick and a wizard who is knowingly on his final quest. Against him is the Empire led by a crazed but calculating overlord and his lead henchmen, a man closely linked with the young man's own past.
Simple and effective, it gets too complicated and that's it, the audience is lost. I hope JJ Abrams takes this into account when developing the next three Star Wars films. My friends will know that I have been critical on his first Star Trek film, and I stand by my comments, but I have to admit that Star Trek into Darkness was a fantastic addition to the Star Trek franchise.
Please Mr Abrams, keep Star Wars 7 onwards simple and involving. Don't overload us with CG, even George Lucas pointed out back in the 70's that special effects were a tool to tell a story, not the story.
Anyway, here's a mate of mine celebrating Star Wars Day in suitable style, you're a legend Dave! PS, Darth Vader is in the driving seat.