Monthly:
Weekly Events:
Each Day in June:
funds during the Great Depression. The day was created to honor the work of World War I Salvation Army volunteers who prepared doughnuts and other foods for thousands of soldiers. National Doughnut Day honors the Salvation Army "Lassies" of W.W.I. It is also used as a fundraiser for needy causes of the Salvation Army. Salvation Army first served the original Salvation Army Doughnut in 1917. During W.W.I, Salvation Army "lassies" were sent to the front lines of Europe. These brave volunteers made home cooked foods, and provided a morale boost to the troops. Often, the doughnuts were cooked in oil inside the of the metal helmet of an American soldier. The American infantrymen were commonly called doughboys. Salvation Army lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed to visit the front lines. Lt. Colonel Helen Purviance is considered the Salvation Army's "first doughnut girl". On National Doughnut Day, look to see if your local doughnut shops, or other organizations, are offering free donuts to solicit donations for the Salvation Army or for another needy cause. If you find them, please be generous. Note: The word "Doughnut" is often shortened to "Donut. So, if you see the term National Donut Day, its the same day. The term "Doughboy" was popular in referring to U.S. Army infantryman during World War I. American foot soldiers were occasionally called doughboys during the Civil War. The earliest references to the term, comes from the U.S.-Mexican war. Click HERE to learn more about the Doughboy.
different or spontaneous. Today is not a day for procrastinators or hesitation but definitely a call to action as dares take all forms and shapes. The type of dares is almost limitless. Whether it is a prank, a challenge to accomplish something, or a personal action (like asking someone out on a date), this is the day to make the dare. We do suggest that dares be safe, and of course, legal. Daring to the max: To dare someone to do something risky or challenging is one thing. Declaring the "double dog dare" heightens the challenge. The highest degree of challenge is to "triple dog dare" someone, however it should not be used lightly, or frequently. We believe the most important dare is the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program. Dare County, England celebrates a Dare Day on the First Saturday in June. It is possible, that this is the origin of the day. However, we "double dog" dare you to find more information about this day!
Julius Caesar. Caesar would take a coin and flip it to make decisions where the right choice was unclear. The correct answer was "heads", which of course carried his image on the coin. If you have an idea for this day, just flip a coin and see what fun things you can do. Legend has it that the creator of this day flipped a coin to determine whether he (or she) was going to document this holiday. The coin came up "tails".
commemorates attainment of self-government in 1963. The first day of June is a red letter day for Kenya. This day is known as Madaraka Day in Kenya and is declared as a public holiday in the country. It is no ordinary day in Kenya. The same day in 1963 was a significant landmark in the struggle that led to the independence of Kenya. On July 1, 1895, Britain gained direct control of Kenya through the East African Protectorate. The beginning of the Uganda Railway allowed British settlers quick access to the fertile highlands of the region. Yet, the settlers found that power was not sufficiently in their hands, and they attempted to have Kenya formed into a Crown Colony in 1907. In 1920, the settlers gained their wish, though it excluded native Africans from the political and governmental process. Locals would not gain that right until 1944. Yet pressure on the British colonialists increased, and in 1952, the Mau Mau Uprising began. Urban Kenyans, mostly from the blue-collar class, gathered in great numbers to begin a fierce liberation movement. During the period of fighting that lasted until the end of 1959, Africans quickly gained part in the political process of the region. Multi-party elections were first introduced in 1961, and on June 1, 1963, Jomo Kenyatta became Prime Minister of the newly-formed autonomous Kenyan government, seeking final reconciliation with the former British settlers. The country officially gained its independence on December 12, 1963.
The Adur Festival has developed from a small arts and dance festival into an established and recognized annual arts event in Sussex. The Festival runs for a fortnight during the first two weeks of June every year and provides opportunities to see and participate in many varied art forms.
also known as the Snyder Act, was proposed by Representative Homer P. Snyder (R) of New York and granted full U.S. citizenship to America's indigenous peoples, called "Indians" in this Act. (The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees citizenship to persons born in the U.S., but only if "subject to the jurisdiction thereof"; this latter clause excludes certain indigenous peoples.) The act was signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge on June 2, 1924 The Act granted citizenship to about 125,000 of 300,000 indigenous people in the United States. Those indigenous people that were not included in citizenship numbers had already become citizens by other means; entering the armed forces, giving up tribal affiliations, and assimilating into mainstream American life were ways this was done (Peterson 121). Citizenship was granted in a piecemeal fashion before the Act, which was the first more inclusive method of granting Native American citizenship. The Act did not include citizens born before the effective date of the 1924 act, or outside of the United States as an indigenous person. However, it was not until the Nationality Act of 1940 that all born on U.S. soil were citizens.
National Bubba Day honors anyone named or called Bubba. To qualify to be honored today, your name can be formally, or informally "Bubba". You can even take on the name "Bubba" for just the day. That way everyone can celebrate this day.
Make your own Rocky Road Ice Cream by adding nuts (almonds and/or pecans), mini marshmallows, and chunks of semisweet chocolate to your favorite ice cream recipe. Today would be the perfect day to make and certainly eat, a batch of Rocky Road ice cream. If you are not into making ice cream, or just do not have the time, you can buy Rocky Road ice cream at any grocery store or ice cream parlor for a large come.
institutional referendum held by universal suffrage in 1946, in which the Italian people were called to the polls to decide on the form of government, following the Second World War and the fall of Fascism. With 12,717,923 votes for a republic and 10,719,284 for the monarchy, the male descendants of the House of Savoy were sent into exile. To commemorate it, a grand military parade is held in central Rome, presided over by the President of the Italian Republic in his role as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister, formally known as the President of the Council of Ministers and other high officers of state also attend. Before the foundation of the Republic, the Italian national day was the first Sunday in June, anniversary of the granting of the Statuto Albertino. In 1948, Via dei Fori Imperiali hosted the first military parade in honor of the new Republic. The following year, with Italy's entry into NATO, ten were held simultaneously across the country and in 1950, the parade was featured for the first time in the protocol of official celebrations. This provides for the ceremonial laying of a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Vittoriano. The ceremony continues in the afternoon with the opening of the gardens of the Quirinale Palace, seat of the President of the Republic and with musical performances by the band ensembles of the Italian Army, Italian Navy, Italian Air Force, the "Arma dei Carabinieri", State Police, the "Guardia di Finanza", the Penitentiary Police Corps and the State Forestry Corps.
United States Air Force officer and NASA astronaut. On June 3, 1965, he became the first American to "walk" in space. White died along with fellow astronauts Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee during a pre- launch test for the first manned Apollo mission at Cape Kennedy. He was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal for his Gemini 4 space flight and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. Click HERE for more information about Astronaut Edward White.
repeatedly. (HA HA!) Hopefully you will choose to repeat things you enjoy doing the most. Pick a wide array of foods, snacks, and activities, and repeat them today. In fact, it is perfectly okay to repeat them repeatedly today. It's also perfectly okay to avoid dong things you don't like as most likely, you will not enjoy distasteful things the second time around.
Iceland. The day before (Saturday), people gather at the harbor and enjoy boat racing, pillow fights, barrel run and many other amusements. On the Fishermen's Day, the day begins in church. In the afternoon, participants march down town to enjoy musical bands, plays, and several speeches. Some fishermen get prizes for good work and if anyone has saved another from a danger at sea, they get prizes. In the evenings, there are dances in all the pubs in town and fishermen have priority to be the first in attendance.
Charming. The year was 1946 (or thereabouts), W.W.II was over and millions of soldiers were returning home. There was a huge increase in marriages. Somewhere during this time, it was noted that there were plenty of Maidens waiting for the returning GI's and the ladies were not getting younger as they awaited the return of their GI. The long war had disrupted and put on hold many relationships and unfortunately, many GIs did not return home. Dances and socials were held to bring together returning soldiers and the many available, unmarried ladies. It is from this occurrence that Old Maid's Day emerged. If you still have not found your "Mr. Right" but the years are beginning to pile up, do not fret as this day is for you. Old Maid's Day brings awareness to those who have not yet found (and caught) their soul mate. Ladies, celebrate Old Maids Day by getting out and being noticed. Guys, open your eyes, as "Mrs. Right" may be right under your nose.
goodie. It does not take much to enjoy Applesauce Cake Day; just eat a piece of applesauce cake. The only problem is finding it. If you are lucky, a bakery or a restaurant will notice this day, and offer it as the special of the day or, you may have to make an applesauce cake from scratch.
Cat lovers can really get into this day. If you are a cat lover, you can really appreciate the warm, cozy feeling you get when you curl up on a couch or chair, and hug your cat. The only problem is, your cat will most likely only allow a brief hug before sauntering away. If your cat is a true hugger, count your blessings. Dog lovers? Sorry, but hugging your dog will not suffice. If you are going to be "into" this day, you simply must hug a cat...your cat. You don't have a cat, you can use this day to celebrate as the month of June is "Adopt a Cat Month".
“World Environment Day (WED) is an annual event that is aimed at being the biggest and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action.” World Environment Day focuses attention on important environmental issues. According to the United Nations, "World Environment Day” is commemorated each year on June 5th. It is one of the principal vehicles which the United Nations stimulates worldwide for awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. Celebrate World Environment Day by doing the following: Learn more about the environmental topic selected for this year. Participate in World Environment Day activities. Help to create awareness of the issues. Contribute to organizations supporting environmental issues. Click HERE to learn more about World Environment Day.
On June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end on June 6, the Allies gained a foot- hold in Normandy. The D-Day cost was high -more than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded -- but more than 100,000 Soldiers began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler. June 1944 was a major turning point of World War II, particularly in Europe. Although the initiative had been seized from the Germans some months before, so far the western Allies had been unable to mass sufficient men and material to risk an attack in northern Europe. By mid-1944 early mobilization of manpower and resources in America was beginning to pay off. Millions of American men had been trained, equipped, and welded into fighting and service units. American industrial production had reached its wartime peak late in 1943. While there were still critical shortages -- in landing craft, for instance -- production problems were largely solved, and the Battle of the Atlantic had been won. Ever increasing streams of supplies from the United States were reaching anti-Axis fighting forces throughout the world. By the beginning of June 1944, the United States and Great Britain had accumulated in the British Isles the largest number of men and the greatest amount of materiel ever assembled to launch and sustain an amphibious attack. Strategic bombing of Germany was reaching its peak. In May 1943, the Combined Chiefs of Staff had given high priority to a Combined Bomber Offensive to be waged by the Royal Air Force and the U.S. Army Air Forces. By late summer 1943, Allied bombers were conducting round-the-clock bombardment of German industry and communications. In general, British planes bombed by night and American planes bombed by day. Whereas an air raid by 200 planes had been considered large in June 1943, 1,000 heavy bombers undertook the average strike a year later. After considerable study strategists determined to make the cross-channel attack on the beaches of Normandy east of the Cherbourg Peninsula. Early objectives of the operation were the deep-water ports at Cherbourg and at Brest in Brittany. Three months before D-Day, a strategic air campaign was inaugurated to pave the way for invasion by restricting the enemy's ability to shift reserves. French and Belgian railways were crippled, bridges demolished in northwestern France, and enemy airfields within a 130-mile radius of the landing beaches put under heavy attack. Special attention was given to isolating the part of northwestern France bounded roughly by the Seine and Loire Rivers. The Allies also put into effect a deception plan to lead the Germans to believe that landings would take place farther north along the Pas de Calais. Opposed to the Allies was the so-called Army Group B of the German Army, consisting of the Seventh Army in Normandy and Brittany, the Fifteenth Army in the Pas de Calais and Flanders, and the LXXXVIII Corps in Holland -- all under command of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. Commander of all German forces in western Europe was Field Marshal von Rundstedt who, in addition to Group B, also had at his disposal Group G composed of the First and Nineteenth Armies. In all, Von Rundstedt commanded approximately fifty infantry and ten Panzer divisions in France and the Low Countries. Despite unfavorable weather forecasts, General Eisenhower made the decision to attack on June 6, 1944. At 0200 that morning one British and two American airborne divisions were dropped behind the beaches in order to secure routes of egress from the beaches for the sea-borne forces. After an intensive air and naval bombardment, assault waves of troops began landing at 0630. More than 5,000 ships and 4,000 ship-to-shore craft were employed in the landings. British forces on the left flank and U.S. forces on the right had comparatively easy going, but U.S. forces in the center (Omaha Beach) met determined opposition. Nevertheless, by nightfall of the first day, large contingents of three British, one Canadian, and three American infantry divisions, plus three airborne divisions, had a firm foothold on Hitler's "fortress Europe."
The concept was developed by Richard Hollingshead Jr., who experimented with various projection and sound techniques in the driveway of his house. Using a 1928 Kodak projector mounted on the hood of his car and aimed at a screen pinned to some trees, Hollingshead worked out the spacing logistics to make sure that all cars had an unobstructed view of the screen. He received a patent for his idea in May 1933 and opened his first drive-in theater only three weeks later. They quickly fanned out across the country. Their popularity soared after World War II, when Americans started having kids in droves. (Can you say "Boom"?) The drive-in offered cheap family entertainment, a place where parents could take the kids without having to shell out for a baby sitter, or worry about them bothering other patrons. In fact, that was Hollingshead's original hook: "The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are." Drive-in theaters tended toward B movies -- Muscle Beach Party, Tarzan, Creature From the Black Lagoon and stuff like that -- and always included a snack-stand and a play area where the kids could go when they got bored. Another feature of the early drive-in theater was the tinny sound, delivered to the car through a single, monaural speaker. As the technology improved over time -- the car's FM radio became the receiver in some cases -- so did the sound. The drive-in's heyday lasted from the late 1950s until the mid-'60s, when nearly 5,000 theaters were operating in the United States. No cultural survey of the period would be complete without including the iconic drive-in movie theater. Since drive-ins offered a certain amount of privacy, making out in the back seat of the car was a rite of passage for Teenus americanus, circa 1963. You could get it on in the front seat, too, if you had a column shift or even a bench seat with four on the floor, but not bucket seats. The rising cost of real estate was one of the factors that led to the decline of the drive-in. Especially for those theaters located in urban areas or heavily populated suburbs, the cost of doing business was becoming prohibitive. The popularity of walk-in theaters and video rentals did not help either. Nevertheless, drive-ins endure. Although fewer than 500 remain today, the industry appears to have stabilized. Those that survive often rely on additional sources of income to pay the rent, hence the popularity of drive-in-theater parking lots as flea markets, swap meets, motorcycle schools and even outdoor churches.
exercise with your plants. Gardening is therapeutic. It is good for the mind, body, and soul. Gardening Exercise Day gives us an opportunity to go out, burn off calories, and have fun doing it. National Gardening Exercise Day is intended to recognize the important physical health benefits of gardening. Today is not only good for you, but something the entire family can participate and enjoy. Experts say the various activities and task of gardening ultimately use all of the major muscle groups. In addition, strenuous gardening activities such as raking, hoeing, and digging is both aerobic and muscle strengthening. Take time today to celebrate one of America's favorite longtime hobbies.
Duncan Sr. He manufactured the "Duncan Yo-Yo" in the early 1900's. Yo-Yo day is here...hooray! Not that you need an excuse to play with your Yo-Yo. Wherever you are today, get out your Yo-Yo and impress your friends, family, and co-workers with your Yo-Yo skills. You can even do it at work too; as long as you are not caught and reprimanded by your supervisor. However, if he or she does nto approve, remind them of the fact that three U.S. presidents (Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon) showed off their Yo-Yo expertise while in office! Several historians believe that the Yo-Yo originated in China as early as 500-1000 BC. However, there is some evidence that it was first used in Greece before this time. Over the centuries the Yo-Yo has had it's ups and downs; no pun intended. Celebrate the Yo-Yo today by "walking the dog" or "shooting the moon", the most popular of Yo-Yo tricks.
that the Flag of Sweden is flown on all public flagpoles and buildings. Hoisting of the Swedish flag on private flagpoles on these days is also strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. Flying of the flag is permissible from sunrise to sunset. In general, this means from 8 AM to 8 PM. During winter, the time from sunrise to sunset is often less than 12 hours in the whole of Sweden and during this time the actual daylight hours should be observed. In the parts of Sweden north of the polar circle, the sun does not rise at all for some weeks during December. One example of handling this is the practice of the Infantry Regiment in Kiruna, which during this period flies the flag for one hour each day starting at noon. 9 May is not an official Swedish Flag Day. It receives its status from being a European Union Flag Day, and the fact that Sweden is a member country of the European Union. In Sweden this is observed by flying the Swedish flag side by side with the European Union flag on public flag poles and buildings.
- lasting as long as desired. On June 7, 1979, President Jimmy Carter declared June would be the month of Black music. For the past 28 years, presidents have announced to Americans that we should celebrate Black Music Month. Related Links: Black Enterprise Black America Web Class Brain.com
field day for ice cream makers. However, we probably do not need any additional incentive to eat Chocolate Ice Cream with the with the arrival of warm, summer weather, cooling off with a little (or a lot) of chocolate ice cream is a natural. Celebrate National Chocolate Ice Cream Day by enjoying it a few times today. It is as simple as that. Just make sure to eat it quickly before it melts in the summer heat.
Celebrate Best Friend Day by: Spending time with your best friend Making efforts to find a best friend (if you don't currently have one) Giving a small gift or card to your best friend Calling an old best friend that you've lost touch with
suggest that you select among a number of options. This term has a negative connotation. The origin of this term is unknown, but at the time, it probably referred to some unhappy choice. It is commonly used when asking someone what type of alcoholic drink they want, but it is also used to refer to any choice of options, good or bad. For example, "Name Your Poison" may refer to selecting an ice cream flavor, a dessert choice, etc. Celebrate today by making a decision: Name Your Poison.
language, which was according to some sources, born on June 8, 1508. Primoz Trubar or Primoz Truber was the author of the first Slovene language printed book, the founder and the first superintendent of the Protestant Church of the Slovene Lands, notable for consolidating the Slovene language. Trubar is the key figure of Slovenian cultural history and in many aspects a major historical personality, preceding the Slovene ethnogenesis. Trubar was born in the village Rasical (now in the Velike Lasce municipality) in the Duchy of Carniola, then under the Habsburgs. In the years 1520– 1521 he attended school in Rijeka, in 1522–1524 he continued his education in Salzburg. From there he went to Trieste under the tutorship of the Roman Catholic bishop Pietro Bonomo, where he got in touch with the Humanist writers, in particular Erasmus of Rotterdam. In 1528 he enrolled at the University of Vienna, but did not complete his studies. In 1530 he returned to the Slovene Lands and became a preacher. He gradually leaned towards Protestantism and was in 1547 expelled from Ljubljana. Trubar was commemorated on the 10 tolar banknote in 1992, and on the Slovenian 1 euro coin in 2007. In 2008, the Government of Slovenia proclaimed the Year of Primoz Trubar and the 500th anniversary of Trubar's birth was celebrated throughout the country. A commemorative coin and a postage stamp were issued. An exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Primoz Trubar, and the achievements of the Slovenian Reformation Movement was on display at the National Museum of Slovenia from March 6 to December 31 2008. In 2009, the Trubar Forum Association printed Trubar's Catechism and Abecedarium in modern Slovene, in a scholarly edition that includes both the Trubar-era Slovene and the modern Slovene translation with scholarly notes. The "Sermon on Faith", a portion of the Catechism, is available in modern Slovene, English, German and Esperanto. Since June 8, 2010, Primoz Trubar is commemorated in Slovenia as the Primoz Trubar Day.
While Donald is over 70 years old, he doesn't act a day over 20. Donald is one of Disney's most famous and popular characters. Donald F. Duck's middle name is "Fauntleroy". We do know for sure "who" created it, but strongly suspect it was Daisy Duck. (smile) Happy Birthday, Donald. We hope that Daisy Duck bakes you your favorite cake! Enjoy Donald Duck Day in front of the television watching Donald, along with all of his family and friends.
ceremony performed by regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies. It has been a tradition of British infantry regiments since the 17th century, although the roots go back much earlier. On battlefields, a regiment's colours, or flags, were used as rallying points. Consequently, regiments would have their Ensigns slowly march with their colours between the soldiers' ranks to enable soldiers to recognize their regiments' colours. Since 1748, Trooping the Colour has also marked the official birthday of the British sovereign. It is held in London annually on a Saturday in June on Horse Guards Parade by St. James's Park, and coincides with the publication of the Birthday Honours List. Among the audience is the Royal Family, invited guests, ticket-holders and the general public. The colorful ceremony, also known as "The Queen's Birthday Parade", is broadcast live by the BBC.
Louis World Fair. It was a sizzler of a day, and fair visitors did not want anything hot. Rather, they needed something to quench their thirst - preferably something cold. He dumped some of his hot tea into ice and served it cold. It was an immediate hit and this was the first known use of iced tea. With the official start of summer just a few days away, the timing is perfect for National Iced Tea Day. Chances are, it is already hot in your area. Today may serve as a good reminder to make and enjoy your first (of many) Iced Tea drink of the season. Have it plain, add a little lemon, or sweeten it with sugar. Iced Tea is certainly a favorite summer cooler of millions of Americans and more importantly, tea is good for your health! Medicinal value: Since ancient times, people have believed that tea has a wide range of medicinal uses. Modern research has given credibility to many of these beliefs and identified more In some cases research is not conclusive. Regardless of the final determination as to it's value over time, drink and enjoy because there is no research to suggest that it can hurt you and it just tastes good. Here are some of the known or suspected medicinal applications: Avoidance of heart disease Cancer and tumors Stomach ailments Sore throats and colds (often flavored with honey) Soothing, relaxing It takes no imagination to decide how to enjoy this great day, Just grab an Iced Tea and head out to the hammock strung under a shady tree.
importance of preserving the heritage and health of Canada's rivers. It is an opportunity for all Canadians to honor and commemorate the important sustaining role of rivers in Canada and globally. Participating in rivers day helps to spread the message that rivers are vital to maintain a healthy ocean and a healthy earth. Canadian Rivers day helps raise awareness of the splendor of rivers and their value to our land. Each year, as more Canadians become aware of Rivers Day, participation increases across the country. From the Yukon to Prince Edward Island, events are organized to commemorate Rivers Day. Should there appear to be an absence of Rivers Day events in any given community, interested individuals can organize their own event or celebrate in various ways, with or without others. Some suggestions of ways to celebrate are to: Plan a picnic Plan a paddle-a-thon Try voyageur canoeing Share river stories Create some river artwork Take a nature walk or a bicycle ride along a river. There are, of course, many ways to celebrate; the only limit is one's creativity. If those planning an event want to register it to spread the word or to look for events happening in a specific area, visit the Canadian Heritage Rivers System website Rivers Day section Free Rivers Day. Posters can be ordered through the website to help promote events or just to help raise awareness about Canadian Rivers Day.
influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May. It complements Father's Day, the celebration honoring fathers. Celebrations of mothers and motherhood occur throughout the world; many of these can be traced back to ancient festivals, like the Greek cult to Cybele, the Roman festival of Hilaria or the Christian Mothering Sunday celebration.
Kamehameha Day is a public holiday in Hawaii. It honors Kamehameha the Great, the monarch who first established the unified Kingdom of Hawaii - comprising the Hawaiian Islands of Ni'ihau, Kauai, O'ahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kaho'olawe, Maui and Hawaii. While he was king, Hawaii was a center of the fur and sandalwood trade. Pineapples were brought to Hawaii from Spain in 1813 and coffee was first planted in 1818, a year before he died. In 1883, King David Kalakaua dedicated a statue of King Kamehameha in Honolulu, which was a duplicate, because the original statue was lost at sea. There is another duplicate of this statue in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. The holiday was first established by royal decree of the ruling great grandson Kamehameha V on 1871. The first observance of the holiday happened the following year. Late 19th century celebrations of Kamehameha Day featured carnivals and fairs, foot races, horse races and velocipede races. Kamehameha Day was one of the first holidays proclaimed by the Governor of Hawaii and the Hawaii State Legislature when Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959. Today, Kamehameha Day is treated with elaborate events harkening back to ancient Hawaii, respecting the cultural traditions that Kamehameha defended as his society was slowly shifting towards European trends. The King Kamehameha Hula Competition attracts hula groups from all over the world to the Neil S. Blaisdell Center for the two-day event. Prizes are awarded on the second night. The most important ritual dates back to 1901 after the Territory of Hawaii was established. It is the evening draping ceremony in which the Kamehameha Statue in front of Ali'iolani Hale and 'Iolani Palace on King Street in downtown Honolulu is draped in long strands of lei. The same is done at the Kamehameha Statue on the former monarch's home island, the Big Island of Hawaii. Outside of the state, a similar draping ceremony is held at the United States Capitol where the Kamehameha Statue there is also draped in lei in the company of federal officials. The celebration includes a traditional Pa‘u Parade and a Ho‘olaule‘a. The celebration is organized by the Kohala Hawaiian Civic Club.
signifies love. A June setting for Red Rose Day is very appropriate, as this is by far the most popular month for weddings and they are in bloom in the gardens across America this month. In addition to being the most popular cut flower, roses are also the most popular flowers in flowerbeds and around foundation of houses, garages and sheds. They are easy to grow, producing a bounty of sweet scented flowers from June up to the first frost. Each rose color sends a different meaning to the recipient: Red - Love, beauty, courage and respect White - Purity and innocence, silence or secrecy, also reverence and humility Pink - Appreciation, "Thank you", grace, perfect happiness, and admiration Dark Pink - Appreciation, gratitude Light Pink - admiration, sympathy Yellow - Joy, gladness, friendship, delight, the promise of a new beginning Orange - Desire, and enthusiasm Red & White - Given together, these signify unity Red Rosebud - A symbol of purity and loveliness White Rosebud - Symbolic of girlhood Thornless Rose - Signifies "Love at first sight". Celebrate Red Rose Day by: Buying red roses for someone special or for yourself Planting roses around your yard Learn how to grow and care for rose bushes The Origin of Red Rose Day may have been imported from Australia as the Cystic Fibrosis foundation in Australia holds a Red Rose Day and Week. (The day varies each year.)
on June 12, commemorating the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. It is the National Day of the Philippines. The declaration of Philippine independence from the colonial rule of Spain concluded the Philippine Revolution. Philippine independence, however, was not recognized either by the United States or by Spain. The Spanish government later ceded the Philippine archipelago to the United States in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, and the United States granted independence to the Republic of the Philippines on July 4, 1946 in the Treaty of Manila. July 4 was observed in the Philippines as Independence Day until 1962. On 12 May 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Presidential proclamation No. 28, which declared Tuesday, June 12, 1962 a special public holiday throughout the Philippines. “In commemoration of our people's declaration of their inherent and inalienable right to freedom and independence.” On August 4, 1964, Republic Act No. 4166 renamed the July 4 holiday as "Philippine Republic Day". It proclaimed the Twelfth Day of June is as the Philippine Independence Day, and enjoined all citizens of the Philippines to observe June 12th with rites befitting Independence Day. June 12 had previously been observed as Flag Day.
influence of fathers in society. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June but it is also celebrated widely on other days. Father's Day complements Mother's Day, a celebration honoring mothers. Most people around the world celebrate Father's Day, but the dates to honor dads are not the same everywhere. In many Countries, the customs and traditions may be very different from the ones you know. The earliest record of Father's Day was found in the ruins of Babylon. A young boy named Elmesu carved a Father's Day message on a card made out of clay nearly 4,000 years ago. He wished his Babylonian father good health and a long life. No one knows what happened to Elmesu or his father, but the tradition of having a special day honoring fathers has continued through the years in countries all around the world. In many countries, where the Catholic Church has had a important influence on the culture, Father's Day is celebrated on St. Joseph's Day (March 19). In recent times a secular celebration, not associated with any religion, has been celebrated in many of these countries to reflect the increased diversity of the people who live there. Some families choose one of the dates to celebrate Father's Day and ignore the other day, but some lucky dads actually get to celebrate Father's Day twice every year! (Father’s Day is celebrated in the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Venezuela, the Netherlands, Ireland and Canada on the third Sunday in June).
that he was born in a city yet reeking with the stench of slavery. Maryland was where Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and many other Black slaves were born. And forever it touched Thurgood deeply knowing that his grandfather was a former slave as well. He himself was born only a few years beyond Black bondage, and perhaps it was because of his anger against oppression that he became a warrior for truth and justice. Ambitious and highly intelligent, Thurgood Marshall worked hard for his education and when he looked back down the long road where it all began, he was wearing a sleek Black robe of a United States Supreme Court Justice. Thurgood Marshall attended Lincoln University in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was a fine college renown for being the nation's oldest historically Black college where Thurgood Marshall graduated from Lincoln University with high honors. Thurgood Marshall applied to The University of Maryland School of Law, yet this fine, intelligent young man was sadly rejected, simply because he wore a face of color. In Washington, D.C., Thurgood Marshall excelled in his law studies at Howard University Law School. There in the hard Great Depression year of 1933, Thurgood graduated first in his class. A fabulous NAACP civil rights lawyer from 1939 to 1961, Thurgood Marshall fought severely in the court of law against racial segregation. He dedicated his mind and soul to that cause throughout his brilliant career and did so humbly with grace and majestic style. Appointed to the Supreme Court by President Lyndon B. Johnson, in 1967, during tension of Black Power and racial unrest, Mr. Thurgood Marshall became the first Black justice sitting on the Supreme Court of the United States of America. While on the bench, Thurgood Marshall’s arguments became the greater influence in the Supreme Court's decision to outlaw racial segregation of schools in the United States. Thurgood Marshall has left our Black History a legacy that will ever remain.
machines were made in France in the 1830s. It was not until 1846, that they were patented in the U.S. What a great invention. Before its creation, clothes items were sewn together by hand; stitch by stitch. People who know how to use a sewing machine are dwindling in number. Most mothers and grandmothers had a sewing machine in the house and was regularly used. Today, however, the sewing machine is not as common. If you have a sewing machine, enjoy today making things with it. If not, consider picking up sewing as a hobby. Today's Thought Provoking Saying: "A stitch in time saves nine." There remains some mystery around the date for this day. Almost all documentation on the internet suggests that June 13th is the date for Sewing Machine Day, be we found no information why this date was selected. We did find an occasional reference to September 10th as the day for this holiday and this is the date that the sewing machine was patented. We also found a single reference to "New Sewing Machine Day" on March 1st. If you sew, you have two days to celebrate Sewing Machine Day.
received a good education, and, at the age of fifteen, joined the Canons Regular of St. Augustine which whom he studied Sacred Scripture and the writings of the Fathers. At around the age of 25, he became inspired by the Franciscans martyred in Morocco and decided to join their Order, taking the name "Anthony." Illness prevented his going to Morocco, so he spent some time in Sicily, in Assisi, and then in Montepaolo his public life began: during the ordination of a group of Franciscan and Dominican friars, it was discovered that no one had been appointed to preach. The superior turned to the Dominicans first because they are the "Order of Preachers," but all declined, saying they were not prepared. So St. Anthony stepped up -- and began to teach so beautifully that word of his talents reached the ears of St. Francis, who blessed his work. St. Anthony taught at Bologna, Montpellier, and Toulouse, but it was as a fearless orator (he became known as the "Hammer of the Heretics") and a miracle worker that he is most renowned. Among these miracles: In Rimini, a donkey, which had not eaten in three days refused the oats placed before him, till he had knelt down and adored the Blessed Sacrament held in St. Anthony's hands. Some Italian heretics offered him poisoned food, which he rendered harmless by the sign of the cross. On Holy Thursday, while preaching in the Church of St. Pierre du Queriox at Limoges, he remembered he had to sing the Divine Office in the choir. He bilocated, appearing among the friars to sing, and continued with his preaching. Again while preaching in Limoges (in the square des creux des Arenes), he miraculously kept his audience dry from the rain. During the sermon at St. Junien, he rightfully predicted that the devil would cause the pulpit to break, but that everyone would be safe. Either in the province of Limousin at the Castle of Chateauneuf-la-Foret, between Limoges and Eymoutiers or at Camposanpiero, near Padua, the Infant Jesus was seen by fellow friars visiting with St. Anthony in his room. On his way back to Italy after the death of St. Francis (October 3, 1226), he traveled through Provence where, tired from travel, he and his companions entered the house of a poor woman, who placed bread and wine before them. She had forgotten, though, to shut off the tap of the wine-barrel, and as the wine was running out, one of Anthony's companions broke his glass. Anthony prayed, and the wine barrel was filled up again and the glass was made whole. Among his last sermons were those preached during Lent of 1231. Huge crowds of people - 30,000 and more - gathered to hear him. His powerful oratory and the fact that Anthony would appear to many of the people in visions urging repentance -- caused so great a number of people to want to repent, that there weren't enough priests to deal with them. These visions, often taking place in dreams, occurred after his death, too. In Padua, a young man named Leonardo kicked his own mother in a fit of anger. He confessed his fault to St. Anthony who said to him: "The foot of him who kicks his mother deserves to be cut off." Leonardo ran home and cut off his foot. Learning of this, St. Anthony took the amputated foot and miraculously rejoined it. Near Padua took place the famous "sermon to the fishes" when, to impress heretics, he preached the word of God and the fishes poked their heads out of the water to listen. On the Feast of this most wonderful of Saints, your priest might bless lilies for you to keep (this is not a universal practice). The blessing of lilies, which remind us of St. Anthony's purity and have always been a symbol for him, stems from a miracle which took place in Revolutionary France. Many priests and religious were murdered, so many churches and convents destroyed, but the faithful still showed up at a surviving church on the Feast of St. Anthony. Months later, it was discovered that lilies that had adorned the church at that feast were still fresh. Let the lilies beautify your house, carry them with you, or press them in a book, etc. If your priest does not bless lilies, you can still use them non- sacramental to remind you of one of the greatest Saints.
and makers. The American flag represents independence and unity as a nation - one nation, under God, indivisible. Some Americans are very proud of their flags and its history. The American flag was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans, many have died protecting it, and it even stands proudly on the surface of the moon. If you feel the need and desire, celebrate today by raising your flag today. There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag: The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset. In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously. The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it. The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather. After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half-staff for 30 days. It is called "half staff" on land and "half mast" on a ship. When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house). The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your State flag and other flags fly below it. The union is always on top, and when displayed in print the stars and blue field is always on the left. Never let your flag touch the ground. Do not ever stuff your flag in a box or drawer, but should be folded neatly and stored properly. When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash. There is a very special ceremony for retiring the flag by burning it. Your local Boy Scout group knows the proper ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. If you have an old flag, give it to them and be sure to attend the ceremony as it is a must-see. Famous Flag People: Betsy Ross was a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington. In June 1776, Washington approached her to make the country's first flag and the rest is history. Inspired by the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to our national anthem as he witnessed the event as British rockets whizzed in the air while our American Flag flew in the breeze Useless fact: If you like to study flags, then you are a Vexillologist!
National Nursing Assistants Day honors Nursing Assistants. This day is set aside each year to recognize longevity of service, special contributions to care practices and accomplishments of the nursing assistants who have made caring their life career including members of the National Twenty Year Club. Celebrate this day by showing your appreciation for the skills and care provided by Nursing Assistants.
National Cemetery, 1864. Each Veterans Day the Nation's eyes turn to the solemn ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery. Now America's most hallowed ground it was once the burial site of last resort for fallen soldiers. Nestled in the lush rolling hills of northern Virginia, the cemetery covers 612 acres and serves as the final resting place for 250,000 American veterans and their families, including two presidents, numerous sports heroes, dozens of famous generals and a handful of astronauts, scientists and entertainers. However, during the Civil War, Arlington was a far more humble place with rows of unknown dead bodies in ram-shacked graves on a dirty field. "You would not have wanted to have a loved one buried here," says Thomas L. Sherlock, the cemetery's historian. "It had none of the esteem or the prestige it has today… We were burying two types of folks - soldiers who were unknown or soldiers whose families didn't have the money to return them to Pennsylvania or to North Carolina or to Ohio." The land now owned and operated by the U.S. Army once belonged to the scourge of the Union, Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Arlington, in fact, became U.S. property only after the federal government seized it when Lee's wife failed to appear in person to pay $92.07 in taxes. The history of Arlington Cemetery dates back to 1778. The Revolutionary War was underway. General George Washington led American forces in a battle for freedom against the British. John Parke Custis, son of Martha Washington by her first marriage, bought 1,000 acres of land on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. Three years later, during the siege of Yorktown in 1781, Custis died while serving as an aide to Washington. Washington then adopted two of Custis' children, Eleanor and George Washington Parke Custis, bringing them to live with him at Mount Vernon. The boy grew attached to his adoptive father, and when the Custis estate was passed on to him, he decided to build a mansion to honor and commemorate the first president. Later, the mansion was renamed "Arlington House" after the Custis family's original property on the banks of the Potomac, given as grant from the Earl of Arlington. George Washington Parke Custis and his wife had one child, Mary. In 1831, she married a promising West Point graduate named Robert E. Lee. The land now occupied by Arlington Cemetery might have passed peacefully to the children of Mary Custis and Robert E. Lee and might have remained a privately held estate with commanding vistas of the Washington skyline. However, the Civil War changed all that. Lee turned down an offer to command a new Union army being formed to fight the seceding southern states, refusing to abandon his native Virginia. The Lees left Arlington House for good on April 22, 1861, and Union forces quickly moved in, turning the house into a headquarters. Fort Myer soon was built on the land. The government officially took over the property in 1862 after Mary Lee attempted to pay federal tax on the land through intermediaries but not in person. On June 15, 1864, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton designated Arlington House and 200 surrounding acres a military cemetery under control of the Army's quartermaster general. Shortly before that decree, the first soldier -- Private William Christman of the 67th Pennsylvania Infantry -- was interred at Arlington. Soon afterward, burials began at Arlington of soldiers who died in Washington and Alexandria hospitals during the war. As the conflict continued, Union dead were gathered from the brutal battlefields of Bull Run, Bristol Station, Chantilly and elsewhere and placed in the new national cemetery, along with some Confederate dead. But the bulk of the 500 southern soldiers now buried at Arlington -- many gathered around a monument erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution -- died in the Washington area after the war ended. The Lee family would once more exercise its claim to the land, ultimately winning a battle in the Supreme Court, which issued a decision essentially charging the federal government with trespassing on private property. Would the dead have to be dug up and transferred to a new site? The possibility was there, but General Lee's son diffused the crisis in 1883 by accepting a payment of $150,000 from the government, and Arlington Cemetery as we know it now was established. It's Something to See When you visit Arlington, where should you go? Most people not there to visit a loved one's resting place head toward the Tomb of the Unknowns, formerly the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and John F. Kennedy's grave. Section One, a seven-acre plot, is the resting place of veterans from every war America has fought from the American Revolution to Desert Storm. A veteran of the Kosovo conflict is buried elsewhere. It is one of the cemetery's oldest sections, and several of the largest private monuments were financed by families and friends. Many tell fascinating stories. For example, look for Edward M. Heyl, an officer who appears to have fought valiantly in many major battles of the Civil War -- Antietam, Unionsville, Harpers Ferry and Gettysburg. He survived them all. Not all funerals at Arlington look the same. Ceremonies with full military honors typically include a caisson, or wooden, horse-drawn wagon. Caissons were built during the Civil War to carry ammunition. But ambulances were not available at the time, and caissons were used to remove the dead from the battlefield. Now they are pulled seven or eight times a day through the cemetery, mainly for officer's funerals but also for those of a few high-ranking enlisted personnel from some branches of the military. Space is increasingly limited, though the military is trying to buy more land. Some veterans and their families now choose the columbarium, a quiet marble area housing the ashes of veterans and their spouses.
about it. Benjamin Franklin's interest in electricity was not just limited to lightning. One day, he received an electricity tube from his friend Peter Collinson and began to play around with it, performing experiments, however it is Franklin's interest in lightning that we best remember. Franklin suspected that lightning was an electrical current in nature, and he wanted to see if he was right. One way to test his idea would be to see if the lightning would pass through metal. He decided to use a metal key and looked around for a way to get the key up near the lightning. As you probably already know, he used a child's toy, a kite, to prove that lightning is really a stream of electrified air, known today as plasma. His famous stormy kite flight in June of 1752 led him to develop many of the terms that we still use today when we talk about electricity: battery, conductor, condenser, charge, discharge, uncharged, negative, minus, plus, electric shock, and electrician. Franklin understood that lightning was very powerful, and he knew that it was dangerous. That's why he also figured out a way to protect people, buildings, and ships from it, the lightning rod. Although electricity was just a hobby for Franklin, he made many important contributions. Later scientists, like Michael Faraday and Thomas A. Edison, continued to study electricity using many of Franklin's ideas. Even today, scientists are still studying electricity and learning more about it. They have learned that all citizens need to practice good safety habits, since electricity can be very dangerous. Franklin would have been amazed at how important his stormy kite flight really was! Franklin was always looking for new ideas about electricity, since it was one of his favorite pastimes. Moreover, Franklin also developed another device to help him understand electricity. Called "lightning bells," the bells would jingle when lightning was in the air. Following are two descriptions. In September 1752, Franklin erected an iron rod to draw the lightning down into his house in order to make some experiments on it. With two Bells to give notice when the rod should be electrified. (A contrivance obvious to every Electrician.) Franklin found the Bells rang sometimes when there was no lightning or thunder, but only a dark cloud over the rod; that sometimes after a flash of lightning they would suddenly stop. At other times, when they had not rang before, they would after a flash, suddenly begin to ring; that the electricity was sometimes very faint. So that when a small spark was obtained, another could not be got for sometime after. At other times, the sparks would follow extremely quick, and once Franklin had a continual stream from bell to bell, the size of a crow-quill. Even during the same gust, there were considerable variations. What quantity of lightning a high, pointed rod, well communicating with the earth, may be expected to discharge from the clouds silently in a short time, is yet unknown. However, Franklin reasoned from a particular fact to think it may at some point, be very great. In Philadelphia, Franklin had such a rod fixed to the top of his chimney, and extending about nine feet above it. From the foot of this rod, a wire (the thickness of a goose-quill) came through a covered glass tube in the roof, and down through the well of the staircase. The lower end connected with the iron spear of a pump. On the staircase opposite to his chamber door, the wire was divided; the ends separated about six inches, a little bell on each end; and between the bells a little brass ball, suspended by a silk thread. To play between and strike the bells when clouds passed with electricity in them. After having frequently drawn sparks and charged bottles from the bell of the upper wire, one night, Franklin was awakened by loud cracks on the staircase. Starting up and opening the door, he perceived that the brass ball, instead of vibrating as usual between the bells, was repelled and kept at a distance from both; while the fire passed, sometimes in very large, quick cracks from bell to bell. Sometimes, in a continued, dense, white stream, seemingly as large as my finger, whereby the whole staircase was enlightened as with sunshine, so that one might see to pick up a pin. From the apparent quantity discharged, he could only conceive that a number of such conductors must considerably lessen that of any approaching cloud, before it comes so near as to deliver its contents in a general stroke. In an effect that was not to be expected from bars un-pointed, if the above experiment with the blunt end of the wire is deemed pertinent to the case.
warm smile just might turn someone's day right around for the good! Love may make the world go round, but a smile makes the world a happy place. A smile is a powerful thing. Best of all, it is contagious. However, we do note that in order to be effective, a smile must be sincere, as people can see right through phony or forced smiles. Spend the whole day with a big, bright smile on your face and try flashing a toothy smile to everyone you encounter. A smile is so powerful, that it can: Add years to your life Make you a happier person Make someone else a happier person It's a mood change for the giver and the receiver Improves relationships In business, it sends a great customer service message It is easier to smile than to frown A smile uses fewer muscles. There is some controversy over the smiley's creation. Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts created the smiley face in 1963. The State Mutual Life Assurance Company hired Harvey as a freelance artist to create a smiley face for use in improving company morale. From there, the bright and cheerful smiley grew in popularity. Its popularity grew slowly at first, then exploded in the 1970's. Ultimately, the smiley became wildly popular. French entrepreneur named Franklin Loufrani claimed to have invented it in 1968. In 1971, he patented it in 80 countries.
operations. The Danish soldiers' squads parade from Danish Royal Guard barracks and march through the main walking street. Anniversary of the "Battle of Valdemar" in 1219 at Lyndanisse, Estonia, when according to legend, the flag ("Dannebrog") fell from the sky. In addition, the anniversary of the return of North Slesvig in 1920 to Denmark following the post-World War I plebiscite.
refers to specific European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice. Usually, it takes place on a day between June 21 and June 24, and the preceding evening. The exact dates vary between different cultures. Midsummer is especially important in the cultures of Scandinavia and Latvia where it is the most celebrated holiday apart from Christmas. Many Finns leave the cities for Midsummer and spend time in the countryside. Nowadays many spent a few days there, and some Finns (who do not travel abroad) take their whole vacation in a cottage. Rituals include bonfires, cookouts, a sauna and spending time together. Heavy drinking is also associated with the Finnish midsummer. Many music festivals of all sizes are organized on the Midsummer weekend. It is also common to start summer holidays on Midsummer day. For many families the Midsummer is the time when they move to the countryside to their summer cottage by the sea or lake. Midsummer Day is also the Day of the Finnish Flag. The flag is hoisted at 6 PM on Midsummer eve and flown all night till 9 PM the following evening. Finnish Americans in the New Finland district, Saskatchewan, Canada celebrate Juhannus. In Sweden and parts of Finland, the tradition of bonfires is not part of Midsummer but rather of the "Valborg's" evening festivities, when winter leaves are burned for summer. An old Swedish tradition is that unmarried girls should before bedtime midsummer's eve pick seven kinds of flowers and jump over seven round-pole fences and then sleep with the flowers under the pillow. During the night, they dream about the boys they will marry.
Kwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is the world's largest and oldest ultra-marathon race. The direction of the race alternates each year between the "up" run (87km) starting from Durban and the "down" run (89km) starting from Pietermaritzburg. The Comrades was run for the first time on May 24, 1921 (Empire Day), and with the exception of a break during World War II, has been run every year since. The 2010 event was the 85th race. To date, over 300,000 runners have completed the race. The race was the idea of World War I veteran Vic Clapham, to commemorate the South African soldiers killed during the war. Clapham, who had endured a 2,700-kilometre route march through sweltering German East Africa, wanted the memorial to be a unique test of the physical endurance of the entrants. The constitution of the race states that one of its primary aims is to "celebrate mankind's spirit over adversity". From 1962 to 1994, the race was run on Republic Day, May 31. After this public holiday was scrapped in 1995 by the post-apartheid South African government, the race date was changed to Youth Day on 16 June. In 2007, the race organizers (controversially) bowed to political pressure from the ANC Youth League, who felt that the race diverted attention from the significance of Youth Day, and changed the race date to Sunday June 17, for 2007 and June 15 for 2008. In 2009 and 2010 the date was changed (to May 24th and May 30th respectively) to accommodate football's Confederations Cup (2009) and World Cup (2010) in South Africa.
sparked by a government edict that all instruction in Black schools would be held in Afrikaans. The iconic picture of Hector Pieterson, a Black schoolchild shot by the police, brought home to many people within and outside South Africa the brutalities of the Apartheid regime. The mascot for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Zakumi, has his birthday on that day in 1994. The Soweto Uprising, also known as June 16, was a series of high school student-led protests in South Africa that began on the morning of June 16, 1976. In response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local schools, students from numerous Sowetan schools began to protest in the streets of Soweto. An estimated 20 000 students took part in the protests, and roughly 176 people were killed. The 16th of June is now a public holiday, Youth Day, in South Africa, in remembrance of the events in 1976. Student organizations directed the energy and anger of the youth toward political resistance. Students in Thembisa organized a successful and non-violent solidarity march, but a similar protest held in Kagiso led to police stopping a group of participants and forcing them to retreat, before killing at least five people while waiting for reinforcements. The violence only died down on June 18. The University of Zululand's records and administration buildings were set ablaze, and 33 people died in incidents in Port Elizabeth in August. In Cape Town 92 people died between August and September. Most of the bloodshed had abated by the close of 1976, but by that time the death toll stood at more than 600. The continued clashes in Soweto caused economic instability. The South African rand devalued fast and the government was plunged into a crisis. The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 392 strongly condemned the incident and the apartheid regime. Henry Kissinger, United States United States Secretary of State at the time, was about to visit South Africa at the time of the riot, and said that the uprisings cast a negative light on the entire country. African National Congress (ANC) exiles called for international action and more economic sanctions against South Africa.
documentation confirming this to be a "National" day. We found no congressional records or presidential proclamation. However, there does appear to be some national recognition of this event. National Hollerin' Contest Day is the perfect opportunity to yell and scream at the top of your lungs. Spivey’s Corner, North Carolina has a population of about 50 people. However, on National Hollerin' Contest Day, an estimated 5,000-10,000 people come to enjoy the annual National Hollerin’ Contest. Can you imagine the honor of winning this contest!? It's definitely something to yell about. Now, rev up the decibels on your vocal chords, and spend today hollerin'. There are different types of "hollers".
people who can juggle many balls and objects at a time. Common objects include balls, clubs, swords, plates, rings, and flaming sticks. The best jugglers can juggle up to ten balls at a time. Juggling is a skill and form of entertainment that has been around for thousands and thousands of years. Some of the earliest recorded history supplies proof that juggling was around during the early days of civilized Man. Juggling is primarily entertainment. It is most well documented in Medieval times in Europe. It remains popular today and can be most frequently seen when the circus comes to town. Some might suggest that office workers are juggles, as they multi- task and keep several "balls" (projects) going at the same time. Celebrate Juggling Day by watching a juggler at work. Better still, get several balls and give juggling a try. 'Ya never know, you just might be a talented juggler! According to Juggler James Reid: "World Juggling Day was originally established in the mid 1980's as "National Juggling Day" by the International Jugglers' Association (IJA)." Due to the lack of documentation, we are uncertain why there is both an International Juggler's Day and a World Juggler's Day.
Fresh vegetables are tasty, far better tasting than canned or frozen vegetables. They are also healthy and highly nutritious. This makes it easy to add fresh vegetables to the menu at every meal and for snacking. This time of year, there are plenty of fresh vegetables at your local grocery store, or in your backyard vegetable garden. To celebrate this day, make sure to eat fresh veggies with every meal, including snacks too. In addition to celebrate this day, you can be a vegetarian just for a day; your body will like it. So relish Fresh Veggies Day with a bountiful supply of fresh picked veggies.
Bloomsday is a commemoration and celebration of the life of Irish writer James Joyce during which the events of his novel Ulysses (which is set on June 16, 1904) are relived. It is observed annually on June 16, in Dublin and elsewhere. Joyce chose the date as it was the date of his first outing with his wife- to-be, Nora Barnacle; they walked to the Dublin suburb of Ringsend. The name derives from Leopold Bloom, the protagonist of Ulysses. The English portmanteau word Bloomsday is usually used in Irish as well, though some purist publications.
ruthlessly attacked the people of China and had openly expressed their belief that because of our genetic "impurity". The people of the United States would not be able to endure the kind of war that the United States would see from the Japanese military. Although Japan's attempts to attack the mainland USA were effectively defeated, Japanese leaders did succeed in one incident of killing U.S. children by putting bombs on small weather balloons. After the U.S. and their allies had defeated Japanese troops on all of the other Pacific Islands, the Japanese imperial leadership insisted on maintaining complete control over the government. The USA and their allies decided that the only way to avoid such further unprovoked attacks was to force Japan into surrender. Japan had prepared every citizen to fight back an invasion of Japan using conventional forces. Bombing was the only way to stop the aggression of Japanese leaders. Japanese nobility felt that they were divinely appointed to the position and that their God would not only help them in their endeavor but that it was their responsibility to take over all of the Pacific Islands. The Bombing of Yawata on the night of June 15th/16th, was the first air raid on the Japanese home islands conducted by United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) strategic bombers during World War II. The raid was undertaken by 75 B-29 Super-fortress heavy bombers staging from bases in China. Only 47 of these aircraft bombed the primary target of the raid, the Imperial Iron and Steel Works at Yawata in northern Kyishu, and little damage was caused. Five B-29s were lost in accidents during the operation and Japanese aircraft destroyed two.
you. What Dad really wants are healthy, happy and successful kids. And, he wants you to spend a few moments with him on Father's Day. Today's life style is busy for both dads and kids. So, a little time with Dad on Father's day is just what he wants. A Father is more than the biological paternal source of our being. A Father is the person who cares and provides for us. He is the man who helps to set the standards, the family values and the example. So, add to this group, stepfathers and other men who willingly and eagerly accept and cherish the role. Whether biological, adopted or informally, if they are the father figure to you, give him some recognition today and don't hesitate to call him "Dad". The first Father's Day celebration was in Spokane, WA on May 18, 1910. June 17th - Amelia Earhart, first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, from Newfoundland to Wales, 1928 The project coordinators (including book publisher and publicist George P. Putnam) interviewed Earhart and asked her to accompany pilot Wilmer Stultz and co-pilot/mechanic Louis Gordon on the flight, nominally as a passenger, but with the added duty of keeping the flight log. The team departed Trepassey Harbor, Newfoundland in a Fokker F.VIIb/3m on June 17, 1928, landing at Burry Port (near Llanelli), Wales, United Kingdom, exactly 20 hours and 40 minutes later. Since most of the flight was on "instruments" and Earhart had no training for this type of flying, she did not pilot the aircraft. When interviewed after landing, she said, "Stultz did all the flying—had to. I was just baggage, like a sack of potatoes." She added, "...maybe someday I'll try it alone." While in England, Earhart is reported as receiving a rousing welcome on June 19, 1928, when landing at Woolston in Southampton, England. She flew the Avro Avian 594 Avian III, SN: R3/AV/101 owned by Lady Mary Heath and later purchased the aircraft and had it shipped back to the United States (where it was assigned “unlicensed aircraft identification mark” 7083). When the Stultz, Gordon and Earhart flight crew returned to the United States, they were greeted with a ticker-tape parade in New York followed by a reception with President Calvin Coolidge at the White House. Amelia Mary Earhart, (July 24, 1897 – disappeared 1937) was a noted American aviation pioneer and author. Earhart was the first woman to receive the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She set many other records, wrote best selling books about her flying experiences and was instrumental in the formation of The Ninety- Nines, an organization for female pilots. Earhart joined the faculty of the Purdue University aviation department in 1935 as a visiting faculty member to counsel women on careers and help inspire others with her love for aviation. She was also a member of the National Woman's Party, and an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. During an attempt to make a circumnavigation flight of the globe in 1937 in a Purdue-funded Lockheed Model 10 Electra, Earhart disappeared over the central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island. Fascination with her life, career and disappearance continues to this day. June 17th - Eat Your Vegetables Day Strategically created in the middle of National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, this day is the perfect opportunity to reintroduce a healthy portion of vegetables into your diet. No doubt, about it, Eat Your Vegetables Day was created to promote a more healthy diet…for life! On this day, you are encouraged to eat vegetables for every meal including during snack time. Any additional vegetables at mealtime today will honor the event, as well as make you a little healthier. We encourage parents to let the kids help with dinner - preparing the salad and vegetables. Along the way, you tell your kids a little about the importance of vegetables for a long and healthy life. June 17th - Watergate break-in Scandal, 1972 The Watergate scandal was a political scandal that occurred in the United States in the 1970s as a result of the June 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., and the Nixon administration's attempted cover-up of its involvement. The scandal eventually led to the resignation of Richard Nixon, the President of the United States, on August 9, 1974, the only resignation of a U.S. President. The scandal also resulted in the indictment, trial, conviction and incarceration of 43 people, including dozens of top Nixon administration officials. The affair began with the arrest of five men for breaking and entering into the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate complex on June 17, 1972. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) connected cash found on the burglars to a slush fund used by the Committee for the Re-Election of the President, a fundraising group for the Nixon campaign. In July 1973, as evidence mounted against the president's staff, including testimony provided by former staff members in an investigation conducted by the Senate Watergate Committee, it was revealed that President Nixon had a tape-recording system in his offices and he had recorded many conversations. Recordings from these tapes implicated the president, revealing he had attempted to cover up the break-in. After a protracted series of bitter court battles, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the president had to hand over the tapes to government investigators; he ultimately complied. Facing near-certain impeachment in the House of Representatives and a strong possibility of a conviction in the Senate, Nixon resigned the presidency on August 9, 1974. His successor, Gerald Ford, then issued a pardon to Nixon. June 17th - Battle of Bunker Hill (Revolutionary War) The Revolutionary War Battle of Bunker Hill took place near Boston, 1775 The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775, mostly on and around Breed's Hill, during the Siege of Boston early in the American Revolutionary War. The battle is named after the adjacent Bunker Hill, which was peripherally involved in the battle and was the original objective of both colonial and British troops, and is occasionally referred to as the "Battle of Breed's Hill." On June 13, 1775, the leaders of the colonial forces besieging Boston learned that the British generals were planning to send troops out from the city to occupy the unoccupied hills surrounding the city. In response to this intelligence, 1,200 colonial troops under the command of William Prescott stealthily occupied Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill, constructed an earthen redoubt on Breed's Hill, and built lightly fortified lines across most of the Charlestown Peninsula. When the British were alerted to the presence of the new position the next day, they mounted an attack against them. After two assaults on the colonial lines were repulsed with significant British casualties, the British finally captured the positions on the third assault, after the defenders in the redoubt ran out of ammunition. The colonial forces retreated to Cambridge over Bunker Hill, suffering their most significant losses on Bunker Hill. While the result was a victory for the British, they suffered heavy losses: over 800 wounded and 226 killed, including a notably large number of officers. The battle is seen as an example of a Pyrrhic victory, because the immediate gain (the capture of Bunker Hill) was modest and did not significantly change the state of the siege, while the cost (the loss of nearly a third of the deployed forces) was high. Meanwhile, colonial forces were able to retreat and regroup in good order having suffered few casualties. Furthermore, the battle demonstrated that relatively inexperienced colonial forces were willing and able to stand up to regular army troops in a pitched battle. June 17th - Independence day in Iceland Icelandic National Day (Icelandic: the day of the nation's celebration), is a holiday in Iceland and celebrates the day in 1944 that The Republic of Iceland (Lyoveldio Island) was formed. The date of June 17 was chosen because it is the birthday of Jon Sigurosson, a major figure of Icelandic culture and the leader of the 19th century Icelandic independence movement. Today, Icelanders celebrate this holiday on a national scale. The celebration traditionally takes the form of a parade through each urban area with a brass band at the fore. Riders on Icelandic horses often precede the brass band and flag-bearers from the Icelandic scout movement traditionally follow the brass band. After the parade several speeches are held out in the open, including one from Fjallkonan (the woman of the mountain), clad in Skautbuningur, recites a poem. She represents the fierce spirit of the Icelandic nation and of Icelandic nature; this is in many ways an inheritance from the period of romanticism that reigned when the first steps toward independence were taken. After speeches and other officialities are over, a less formal celebration takes place with musicians entertaining the crowd, candy being devoured by children in huge quantities, and gas-filled balloons escaping their owners and flying to the sky. It is also somewhat traditional to expect rain on this day, particularly in the Southwest of Iceland. June 18th - Astronaut Sally K. Ride, became America's first woman in space, 1983 Sally Kristen Ride (born May 26, 1951) is an American physicist and a former NASA astronaut. Ride joined NASA in 1978, and in 1983 became the first American woman—and then-youngest American, at 32—to enter space. In 1987, she left NASA to work at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Arms Control. Ride was one of 8,000 people to answer an advertisement in a newspaper seeking applicants for the space program. Consequently, she joined NASA in 1978. During her career, Ride served as the ground- based Capsule Communicator (CapCom) for the second and third Space Shuttle flights (STS-2 and STS- 3) and helped develop the Space Shuttle's robot arm. On June 18, 1983, she became the first American woman in space as a crew member on Space Shuttle Challenger for STS-7. Two Soviet women, Valentina Tereshkova in 1963 and Svetlana Savitskaya in 1982 preceded her On STS-7, during which the five-person crew deployed two communications satellites and conducted pharmaceutical experiments. Ride was the first woman to use the robot arm in space and the first to use the arm to retrieve a satellite. Her second space flight was in 1984, also on board the Challenger. She has spent more than a total of 343 hours in space. Ride, who had completed eight months of training for her third flight when the Space Shuttle Challenger accident occurred, was named to the Presidential Commission investigating the accident, and headed its subcommittee on Operations. Following the investigation, Ride was assigned to NASA headquarters in Washington, DC, where she led NASA's first strategic planning effort; authored a report entitled "Leadership and America's Future in Space" and founded NASA's Office of Exploration. June 18th - Go Fishing Day Today is Go Fishing Day. Go Fishing Day is a day to go out and bring home a healthy, tasty meal for the family. Fishing is hard work. The pressure to bring home a "mess of fish" to feed the family is almost unbearable. After all, as the "Hunter-gatherer" of the family, men were expected to bring home the meal, as the family might starve. The women did not always appreciate the difficult task of fishing for long hours - under all sorts of weather conditions - and then preparing the meal too. Celebrate today, on the shore or in a boat, with a fishing pole in one hand, and your favorite beverage in the other. However, do not go home until you have caught your limit! It has been noted that "the first American fly-casting tournament was held in Utica, NY. On this day in 1861." Perhaps this was the beginning of Go Fishing Day. Our research did not find the creator, or the origin of this day. We were hot on the trail of the creator. We discovered his address. We traveled to his home. As we came up to his door to ask about his creation of this day, we saw a sign on the door. It reads "Sorry, I'm not home. I've gone Fishing!" June 18th - International Panic Day Today is International Panic Day, a day for everyone to be worried and concerned. We are not sure what is so big, and so widespread, to create an international incident of this magnitude. But, here it is on the calendar folks......an international day of panic. This is not the only day to be panicked. The month of March also has a Panic Day. http://keeba.org/March.html June 18th - National Splurge Day It is National Splurge Day, oh Yeah! There are certain dates on the calendar that you might look forward to celebrating and National Splurge Day is one of those days - with great excitement! National Splurge Day is a day to treat yourself excessively, to anything you want - with excess if you desire. Perhaps you are on a diet, and that special dessert is too many calories. Maybe you want to buy a steak, and the budget is a little tight. Toss out the reservations, and go for it today. Celebrate this day to the fullest degree. Treat yourself to whatever you want and to excess. For, this is a day to splurge. Do so without worry or concern...until tomorrow. June 18th – Flag Day in Argentina The Day of the National Flag (in Spanish, Dia de la Bandera Nacional) is the holiday dedicated to the Argentine flag and to the commemoration of its creator, Manuel Belgrano. It is celebrated on June 20, the anniversary of Belgrano's death in 1820. This date was designated in 1938. The main seat of the Flag Day commemorations is the National Flag Memorial, in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, where the flag was first hoisted on two artillery batteries in opposite banks of the Parana River.(The flag was created February 27, 1812, but that date is not officially marked in any way.) The celebration consists of a public meeting, speeches by the municipal and provincial authorities, the attendance of the President, and a parade including members of the military, veterans of the Falklands War, the police force, and a number of civilian organizations and associations. The Flag Day was created by the law N- 12.361, on June 8, 1938. Initially, it was a celebration held in a fixed day, but the law N-24.445 modified it to be celebrated on the third Monday of the month. This law also modified in a similar manner the August 17 celebration, which commemorates the death of Jose de San Martin. This design creates long weekends and boost tourism. Within the jurisdiction of Rosario, however, June 20 is always a non-working day for employees of the municipal and provincial administrations, and for all public and private schools. Hermes Binner made a project of law in 2006 to derogate this modification and restore both celebrations in fixed days, but the proposal expired because of not being treated by the Congress in a whole year. Nevertheless, Binner (governor of Santa Fe by then) and the major of Rosario, Miguel Lifschitz, insisted in the 2010 Flag Day that the Congress should derogate the article and restore the celebrations as fixed days. June 19th - Juneteenth, (aka Freedom Day or Emancipation Day) primarily in Texas. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self- improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society. June 19th - Slavery was outlawed in United States Territories, 1862 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that from and after the passage of this act there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in any of the Territories of the United States now existing, or which may at any time hereafter be formed or acquired by the United States, otherwise than in punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted. APPROVED, June 19, 1862. Between 1776 and 1804, slavery was outlawed in every state north of the Ohio River and the Mason- Dixon Line. (Some states did it gradually by converting slaves into indentured servants.) by 1810, 75 percent of all blacks in the North were free. By 1840, virtually all blacks in the North were free. In Massachusetts, Quock Walker successfully challenged slavery in court before 1800 in a freedom suit as being in contradiction to the state's new constitution providing for equality of men. Free blacks were subject to racial segregation in the North and it took decades for some states to extend the franchise to them. Some free states passed legislation for gradual abolition. Consequently, both New York and Pennsylvania still listed slaves in their 1840 census returns, although they had abolished the institution decades before. Sixteen slaves were still listed in New Jersey in the 1860 census. The principal organized bodies to advocate these reforms in the north were the Pennsylvania Abolition Society and the New York Manumission Society. The emancipation of slaves in the North led to the growth in the population of northern free blacks, from several hundreds in the 1770s to nearly 50,000 by 1810. One additional demand factor loomed large in determining slave prices: the expectation of continued legal slavery. As the American Civil War progressed, prices dropped dramatically because people could not be sure that slavery would survive. In New Orleans, prime male slaves sold on average for $1381 in 1861 and for $1116 in 1862. Burgeoning inflation meant that real prices fell considerably more. By war's end, slaves sold for a small fraction of their 1860 price. The following is the last of three stanzas of the hymn former slaves alluded: Arise! arise ! shake off your chains! Your cause is just, so Heaven ordains; To you shall freedom be proclaimed! Raise your arms and bare your breasts, Almighty God will do the rest. Blow the clarion's warlike blast; Call every Negro from his task; Wrest the scourge from Buckra's hand, And drive each tyrant from the land! Chorus. " Firm, united let us be. Resolved on death or liberty! As a band of patriots joined, Peace and plenty we shall find." June 19th - The first Father's Day Celebration The very first Father's Day celebration took place in Spokane, Washington in 1910. A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd came up with the idea while listening to a Mother's Day sermon. Having lost her mother at an early age, Sonora was raised primarily by her father and thought he deserved a day of appreciation. Because her father was born in June, she chose June 19, 1910 to hold the first Father's Day celebration. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made it official, proclaiming the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. June 19th - World Sauntering Day W. T. Rabe at Mackinac Island created this day in the 1970's while he was the Public Relations Director for a hotel on the island. Rabe was well known for his publicity stunts. World Sauntering Day is a day to saunter here and there; wherever you go. You can spend your life walking through life, jogging through life, or being dragged through life. However, life is far more enjoyable if you saunter through it. It is doubly true if you saunter with a friend or loved one. Sauntering is not a walk, jog, trot or run, but a form of strolling. Sauntering is a very casual, yet stylish form of movement from point A to Point B. The dictionary defines sauntering as walking along slowly, happily and aimlessly. On World Sauntering Day, practice your sauntering technique. Saunter everywhere you go. June 20th - "Martyrs Day" (in Eritrea) June 20 is Martyrs Day in Eritrea. Ever since Eritrea re-claimed its rightful national independence in 1991, the day June 20 has been set and declared national holiday and its sole purpose of respecting and paying tribute to all those who paid the ultimate price, their life. Martyrs Day, is noted to be the great 30-year war to reclaim national independence and liberation of the country. The people of Eritrea including those who lost their lives in yet another heroic war against Abyssinia's (Ethiopia) renewed attempt to re-invade, re-conquer, and reverse the attained national independence under the lame pretext of 'border dispute' (1998-2000). Like all other African countries as we see them today, Eritrea was first established in the geopolitical form and shape that we see it today during the 19th Century colonial Scramble for Africa [Colonialism]. In 1890 as Italy's Colonial territory in the form of a Nation State with distinct territorial sovereignty secured by distinct colonial treaties. The Martyrs rendered the republic that they so proudly call home today, Eritrea. It is now up to all of us and we are all indebted to our Martyrs to keep it in addition, the only way they wished it to be: An Eritrea of all, by all, and for all. Today Our Martyrs would be moving in their tombs if they knew that Eritrea has become a private estate of one-party. And that the people of Eritrea have been subjected to one-man, one-party dictatorial rule by the barrel of the gun in betrayal of the precious sacrifice they paid by their life to the contrary. June 20th - Finally Summer Day(Summer Solstice) When: June 20, 2012; June 21, 2013; June 21, 2014 Summer Solstice is sometimes referred to as "Midsummer" Litha". It's the longest day of the year. The amount of daylight only goes down from here for the next six months. Summer Solstice is the meteorological start of summer. It's time to enjoy vacations, great weather, pools, baseballs, and everything else that goes along with the favorite season of kids and most adults. Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the season, because for many of us it is all too short. The sun does not set at the North Pole today. There is 24 hours of sunlight. June 20th - Ice Cream Soda Day Ice Cream Soda Day is a great summer cooler. When its and muggy, an Ice Cream Soda is a perfect and flavorful way to cool off. The flavor of Ice Cream Soda is your choice. Any will do. Chocolate and vanilla are the most popular, but do not shy away from being creative with the flavor of ice cream or soda. BTW: If you happened to notice, there is numerous "Ice Cream " days this month. We think you will agree that the ice cream manufacturers have done a splendid great job of promoting their product. June 20th - The Beatles US album, Yesterday and Today, was released, 1966 Yesterday and Today (rendered as "Yesterday" ...and Today on the record label and in most published discographies) is the ninth Capitol release by The Beatles and the eleventh overall American release. It was issued only in the United States and Canada. The album is remembered primarily for the controversy surrounding its original cover image, the "butcher cover" featuring the band dressed in white smocks and covered with decapitated baby dolls and pieces of meat. The album's title is based on the song "Yesterday". Early album cover proofs show the word "Yesterday" in quotes. Released in June 1966, the controversial cover of the Yesterday and Today album marked the first time the Beatles' judgement was criticized by the media and distributors. After advance copies were sent to disc jockeys and record reviewers, negative reaction to the cover photo was so strong Capitol recalled 750,000 copies from distributors to replace the cover. The total cost to Capitol to replace the cover and promotional materials was $250,000, wiping out their initial profit. Nevertheless, the album reached #1 on the US Billboard charts by 30 July 1966 and certified gold soon after. It stayed at number one for five weeks. June 21st - Go Skate Day The International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) to promote skateboarding created this day. Go Skate Day (GSD) is a nationally recognized day for skateboarding. It is a day to hop on your skateboard and have some fun. Many skateboard groups hold events on this day to promote the hobby. June 22nd – Twenty-sixth Amendment signed to the United States Constitution President Nixon signed a measure lowering the voting age to eighteen, 1970. The Twenty-sixth Amendment (Amendment XXVI) to the United States Constitution limited the minimum voting age to 18. It was adopted in response to student activism against the Vietnam War and to partially overrule the Supreme Court's decision in Oregon v. Mitchell. It was adopted on July 1, 1971. In his 1954 State of the Union address, President Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first president to publicly state his support for prohibiting age-based denials of suffrage for those 18 and older. On June 22, 1970, President Richard Nixon signed a law (not a constitutional amendment) which required the voting age to be 18 in all federal, state and local elections. In his statement on signing the extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Nixon stated: "Despite my misgivings about the constitutionality of this one provision, I have signed the bill. I have directed the Attorney General to cooperate fully in expediting a swift court test of the constitutionality of the 18-year-old provision." The Twenty-sixth Amendment reads as follows: Section 1: The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age. Section 2: The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. June 22nd - National Chocolate Eclair Day National Chocolate Eclair Day is a sugary, sweet way to start your day. Additionally, it is a sweet, tasty way to end your day, too. Eclairs are a light, crisp pastry filled with a pastry cream. They are most often eaten as a dessert, but can be eaten at every meal, or as a snack. We hope that you are not on a diet, or watching calories, carb or sugar, as participating in this day, means consumption of high calorie, high carb, high sugar eclairs. Eclairs originated in France. June 23rd - National Columnists Day National Columnists Day recognizes the importance and value of newspaper columnists! The National Society of Newspaper Columnists created National Columnists Day. It was established on April 18th, in memory of the day columnist Ernie Pyle who was killed in World War II. We did not find any documentation confirming this to be a "National" day. June 23rd - Take Your Dog to Work Day (date varies) Pet Sitters International created this very special day for you and your dog in 1996. They say every dog has its day and that day has arrived. Today, your dog gets to join you at work today. Of course, this assumes that your (wonderful) boss will allow it. Once he arrives at work, your dog can tag along, following you on all of your work chores. He'll be at your side all day long. He'll frown at those dog eared papers on your desk and he will end the day happy, but dog-tired. Take Your Dog To Work Day is a serious holiday for "Man's Best Friend" and is sponsored by Pet Sitters International. The objective is to recognize the importance of dogs in our lives as both companions and protectors. The organization also encourages you to help homeless dogs. One way to do so, is to adopt a dog today! http://www.takeyourdog.com/?tp=VE1HUj0xLHRpZD0zMTc2NzYs June 23rd - National Pink Day It is National Pink Day; a day where everything should be basking in pink splendor! It is especially a day for the ladies, as pink is a girl's favorite color. Guys, you can participate in National Pink Day, too by just getting in touch with your feminine side, and display a dash of pink. Note: the girls will love you for it! It is easy to enjoy and to participate in National Pink Day. Bring your pink elephant out of hiding, wear pink, and flaunt everything you have that's pink, from clothing to shoes and any other possession. Be creative. Use food coloring to make pink meals. Pink frosting on a cake or cookies will be a big hit today. The Origin of Pink: Our research did not find the creator, or the origin of this day. We did not find any documentation confirming this to be a "National" day. Reader Comments about this day: ".......... I don’t know the origins (of Pink Day), but two years back the receptionist of our company put Pink Day on our monthly calendar. At the time, we had several coworkers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, so Amy Cumpston (former employee) and I decided to make Pink Day a celebration and awareness day for cancer at our work. We have continued the tradition each year and really do it big; we have been told by many how our interpretation has made a great impact on them. Please include this in your description of Pink Day so we can spread the love and awareness!!" Deah L. Stinson June 24th - The National Minimum Wage law was enacted, 1938 On this day in 1938, a federal minimum wage went into effect under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Congress initially set the wage at 25 cents an hour, which amounted to about $3.80 in current dollars. Since then, lawmakers have continued to raise the minimum wage. Most recently, Congress increased it in a series of 70-cent increments — to $5.85 an hour in July 2007, $6.55 in July 2008 and $7.25 in July 2009. The first bid to create a national minimum wage came during the Great Depression, when, in 1933, a 25-cent floor was set under the National Industrial Recovery Act, or NRA. In 1935, however, the U. S. Supreme Court declared the NRA to be unconstitutional. Earlier, the high court had repeatedly invalidated state minimum wage laws. Such statutes, the court said, were unconstitutional because they interfered with employers’ ability to freely negotiate wage contracts with employees. When adjusted for inflation, the federal minimum wage reached a peak of $10.04 an hour, in 1968. That year, the minimum wage was at its all-time high of 90 percent of federal poverty level guidelines. Since 1959, when the guidelines were established, the minimum wage has averaged about two-thirds of the poverty level. A low point was reached in 2006, just before Congress raised it for the first time in a decade. This also marks the longest period during which the minimum wage remained unadjusted. In 2007, Congress gave states the power to set their minimum wages above the federal level. As a result, Washington currently has the nation’s highest minimum wage, which advanced to $8.67 an hour on Jan. 1, 2011. Oregon’s minimum wage is $8.50; in Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois and Nevada, it is $8.25; in Vermont, it’s $8.15; and California and Massachusetts currently have minimum wages of $8. SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR June 24th - Swim a Lap Day Swim a Lap Day is good for your health, as well as a fun day too! Summer has arrived, and its time to enjoy all that summer has to offer, including plenty of time in and around the pool. What better way to enjoy the early days of summer than by taking a lap or two (or three) around the pool. In addition to the fun, it is great exercise to help keep you fit. It is likely to be sunny and hot today, so be sure to find a few friends and swim a couple laps in the pool, and let the fun begin! June 24th - Feast of the Birth of St. John the Baptist (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in Quebec) The Nativity of St. John the Baptist (or Birth of John the Baptist, or Nativity of the Forerunner) is a Christian feast day celebrating the birth of John the Baptist, a prophet who foretold the coming of the Messiah in the person of Jesus and who baptized Jesus. The Nativity of St John the Baptist, though not a widespread public holiday outside of Quebec, is a high-ranking liturgical feast, kept in the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran Churches. Since in the Roman Rite it is celebrated since 1970 as a Solemnity. In the 1962 form of that liturgical rite as a feast of the first class and in still earlier forms as a Double of the First Class with common Octave. It takes precedence over a Sunday on which it happens to fall. The Reformed and free churches give this celebration less prominence. The day of a Saint's death is usually celebrated as his or her feast day, but Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist, while not being exceptions to this rule, also have feast days that celebrate their earthly birth. The reason is that St. John (Luke 1:15), like the Blessed Virgin, was purified from original sin before his very birth (in Catholic doctrine), though not in the instant of conception as in the latter case. The feast of the Baptism of the Lord commemorates John's baptism of Jesus. The question would naturally arise as to why the celebration falls on June 24 rather than June 25 if the date is to be precisely six months before Christmas. It has often been claimed that the Church authorities wanted to Christianize the pagan solstice celebrations and for this reason advanced Saint John's feast as a substitute. This explanation is questionable because in the Middle Ages the solstice took place around the middle of June due to the inaccuracy of the Julian calendar. It was only in 1582, through the Gregorian calendar reform, that the solstice returned to June 21 as it had been in the fourth century. (However, the 24th may have been observed as the solstice since in ancient times the solstice did fall about then.) Therefore, a more likely reason why the festival falls on June 24 lies in the Roman way of counting, which proceeded backward from the Kalends (first day) of the succeeding month. Christmas was "the eighth day before the Kalends of January" (Octavo Kalendas Januarii). Consequently, Saint John's Nativity was put on the "eighth day before the Kalends of July." However, since June has only thirty days, in our present (Germanic) way of counting, the feast falls on June 24. June 25th - Philippines Arbor Day (Philippines) Arbor Day in the Philippines has been institutionalized to be observed every June 25th throughout the nation by planting trees and ornamental plants and other forms of relevant activities. The necessity to promote a healthier ecosystem for the people through the rehabilitation and re-greening of the environment was stressed in Proclamation No. 643 that amended Proclamation No. 396 of June 2, 2003. Proclamation No. 396 enjoined the "active participation of all government agencies, including government- owned and controlled corporations, private sector, schools, civil society groups and the citizenry in tree planting activity and declaring June 25, 2003 as Philippines Arbor Day. June 25th - Log Cabin Day The Log Cabin Society, founded by Virginia Handy, and the Bad Axe Historical Society, in Michigan created the annual Log Cabin Day on June 25, 1986. Their objectives included promoting the preservation of Log Cabins, and awareness and education of life during the era in America when log cabins were common. Log Cabin Day brings you back to a quieter, simpler, more rugged era. A couple hundred years ago, life was far more rugged. Americans moving West (west at the time may have been Ohio, or Tennessee) found an untouched wilderness, filled with pristine forests. They built their homes out of logs. These log cabins were solid, long lasting, and served them well. Life was rustic and simple. An open fireplace provided heat, where they also cooked their meals. Need air conditioning in the summer? Just open the window (there was not any glass or screening). There was no electricity (no television, stereos or boom boxes blasting, or computers). And, plumbing? Just look back towards the woods to the outhouse. The path to it is well worn. Log Cabin Day celebrates what was then the "Modern" home in America and all of the lifestyle that accompanied it. Today is a day to appreciate the history and significance of log cabins. Visit them at historical museums today, or sometime this summer. June 25th - National Catfish Day Yes, today is truly a National day! On June 25, 1987, President Ronald Reagan began a presidential proclamation with the words "More and more Americans are discovering a uniquely American food delicacy — farm-raised catfish." Proclamation 5672 -- National Catfish Day, 1987 http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1987/062587e.htm It is National Catfish Day, a day to enjoy some tasty, fried catfish, or enjoys catfish cooked to your favorite recipe! You should have no doubt what to do today. Enjoy a plateful of catfish cooked any way you want. Chances are, you will eat farm-raised catfish, which supplies the vast majority of catfish to the U.S. market. However, I think it would be even more fun if you fished in the morning and catch all the fish you know you will eat. June 25th - Statehood Day (Slovenia) Statehood was declared a national holiday in memory of June 25, 1991, when Slovenia declared its independence and separated from Yugoslavia. This holiday is also referred to as the Day of Slovenian Sovereignty, and Slovenian citizens consider it their most important national holiday. Following the favorable outcome of the plebiscite for independence, the Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the constitutional act implementing the basic constitutional charter on the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Slovenia on June 25, 1991. This was closely followed by the declaration of Independence, and sovereignty was proclaimed on June 26th in Trg Republike, Republic Square, in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. One day after this, the so- called Ten-Day War began. The crisis was solved thanks to diplomatic efforts which lead to the signing of the Brioni agreement (July 7, 1991), and the Yugoslav People’s Army entirely left the country by October 1991. At the end of the moratorium stipulated by the Brioni agreement Slovenia introduced its own currency, established border controls, and passed the constitution on December 23, 1991. Slovenia became a full member of the United Nations on May 22, 1992, and in May 2004, the country joined the European Union. June 26th - Forgiveness Day Forgiveness Day is a time to forgive and to be forgiven. The world will be a better place for this day. Global Forgiveness Day began in 1994. It was created and is sponsored by the Christian Embassy for Christ's Ambassadors. It originated in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The World Forgiveness Alliance, a non-denominational, educational foundation, created international Forgiveness Day. According to their website: " International Forgiveness Day dedicated to evoking the healing power of forgiveness worldwide." The founder is Robert W. Plath, from Mill Valley, California. In religions: The Jewish celebration of Yom Kippur is a Day of Atonement or forgiving. In Christian religions, the first Sunday before Lent is called "Forgiveness Sunday". Quote of the Day: To err is human, to forgive is divine. June 26th - Beautician's Day Beautician's Day is your chance to show your appreciation to those who make you look beautifully stunning. Beauticians include your hair stylist, as well as manicurists. Their talents and training transforms the "everyday you" into the beautiful person you always knew was inside. Beauticians make you glow and feel great about yourself, and the guys appreciate your Beautician, too. Proof positive, is when they turn to watch as you go by. It is fair and fitting that you show your appreciation to your Beautician today, but we also found some reference to suggest that Beauticians consider this a day for them to show their appreciation to their patrons. Now, that is a novel and admirable concept. One of the best Beauticians I have ever meet is found HERE! http://keeba.org/Rhonda.html June 26th – Flag Day (in Romania) The three colors of the Romanian flag represent the blood of the people, the golden crops of the land, and the blue sky above…according to the Communists who ruled Romania from 1947 to 1989. However, much has changed since the fall of the Iron Curtain, including the country’s national anthem, which was “Three Colors” from 1977 to 1989. Like the flag itself, the country is an amalgamation of three nations: Dacia, Wallachia, and their all- too-famous cousin Transylvania. Though Transylvania is the most notorious, Romania was actually formed by the merging of the other two, Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859. Transylvania did not join the club until 1918. June 27th - Sun Glasses Day Sunglasses Day is a shady day for your eyes. Summer is in full swing, the sun is high in the sky, it is blinding-bright, and nothing will help more than a pair of UV protection sunglasses. People where sunglasses for numerous reasons including: You want to be a movie star and we know that all stars wear sunglasses. You are looking to hide behind a big, dark pair of sunglasses, and travel unseen through the streets. A little espionage, eh!? You want to make a fashion statement. Oh and yes, a few of us wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Your Optician will tell you that sunglasses with UV protection will help to avoid cataracts. They also report that UV rays can be stronger in the winter, as the sun's rays reflect back up from the snow. Enjoy Sunglasses Day with a shady, mysterious and fashionable pair of sunglasses. June 28th - Labor Day First Established Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year, four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers. Moreover, on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations", followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the civil significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement. The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parties. Speeches or political demonstrations are more low-key than May 1 Labor Day celebrations in most countries, although events held by labor organizations often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office, especially in election years. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer recess. Similarly, some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school, although school starting times now vary. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Workers%27_Day Click HERE for the origin of International Workers Day http://www.neatorama.com/2012/05/01/the-origin-of-international-workers-day/ June 28th - Insurance Awareness Day Insurance Awareness Day has got to be one of your top holidays, right!? Now, at this point, one must be asking, Why Insurance Awareness Day? Good question. Insurance, be it home, auto or life insurance, offers you peace of mind that if something happens, you will be financially protected. Of course, when it comes to life insurance, if something happens, you will not be around to worry about the outcome. Insurance is a gamble. If you buy it, you are gambling that something will go wrong. If you do not buy it, you are gambling that something will not happen. We are not sure what you should do to enjoy and appreciate this day, but we are certain what the insurance companies would like you to do today… June 28th - Paul Bunyan Day French Canadians were believed to have originated Paul Bunyan during the Papineau rebellion of 1837. While he may have been created in Canada, Paul Bunyan quickly became a huge American legend. Many of the tales of Paul Bunyan originated in lumberjack industry and logging communities. Like all good folklore, it was passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. Over campfires, his legend grew, and tales were created. Written tales emerged in the early 1900's. We are not certain why Paul Bunyan Day is celebrated on June 27th. Paul Bunyan Day is a giant of a day. Paul Bunyan was a gigantic lumberjack of American Folklore. Paul Bunyan and his blue ox "Babe" lived and traveled around country. He is best known for his logging feats. Paul Bunyan is "credited" with many deeds. Among his more legendary feats: He created logging in the U.S. He scooped out the Great Lakes to water Babe, his ox. He cleared the entire states of North and South Dakota for farming. He trained ants to do logging work. They were, of course, Carpenter Ants. Babe's large footprints created Minnesota's 10,000 lakes. Celebrate Paul Bunyan Day in a giant way. Learn more about Paul and his tales. Spread the tales around. They are best told by word of mouth around a campfire. Note: The correct spelling of his name is "Paul Bunyan". Some references have him spelled as Paul Bunyon". June 29th - Camera Day Camera Day is best celebrated with pictures. Pictures are invaluable memories of our lives and of the world. They tell stories. A camera captures our memories and stories. With digital technology, using a camera has never been easier. Cameras are now built into cell phones, so you always have a camera with you; ready to record the moments of life. To many people, a camera is a vital tool to record important events in the family and in the world, capturing precious moments forever. It creates the memories that we share and look back on. From the birth of a baby, to high school graduations, people take pictures at a fast click. Year after year, the camera records family vacations, holidays and Christmas. The camera takes pictures of good times, and occasionally bad time. George Eastman is the "Father of Photography". He did not invent photography, but made many photographic inventions, and created the mass production that brought cameras into everyday use by millions, if not billions of people. His most famous slogan "You take the picture, we do the rest." Celebrate Camera Day today in a memorable way. Use your digital camera and click the day away! Make Your Own Camera: You can make a camera that costs nothing. It is a great project for school, as a scout project, or just for fun. It's the "Pinhole Camera". You may not be able to construct a digital camera at home, but you can make a basic pinhole camera. Pinhole cameras do not require a lens. All you need is a light-proof box with a small aperture (hole). The discovery of the principles behind these types of cameras dates back as far as the fifth century B.C. The basic technique of making a pinhole camera has not changed much since then. Things You Will Need: Cylindrical Quaker oatmeal box with lid Masking tape Utility knife Black paint (matte) Pin Thick black construction paper Aluminum foil Black and white photographic paper Instructions: 1. Paint the inside of the plastic box lid black so that no light can get through. 2. Cut a ½-inch hole 3 inches up from the bottom of the box using the utility knife. 3. Tape a piece of foil to the inside of the box to cover the hole you have just cut. 4. Paint the inside of the box black. Spray paint works best, but you can use any type of matte black paint. 5. Wait for the paint to dry completely. 6. Poke a tiny hole in the aluminum foil using the pin--the smaller the hole, the better the focus. 7. Cut a 3-by-5-inch rectangle out of the black construction paper and tape it next to the hole, so you can use it to cover and uncover the hole (aperture). You will use the paper to control the exposure time. 8. Cover the hole. 9. Go into a totally dark room. If you have a pure red light, you can use it in the dark. All other light colors will expose the photographic paper and ruin your print. 10. Place a piece of photographic paper inside the box. The reactive surface should face the pinhole. Close the lid and tape the edges using masking tape so no light gets through. 11. Take the photo by pointing the pinhole toward the subject and opening the aperture by un-taping the piece of black construction paper. This will expose the photographic paper. Later, you can develop the image as you would normally develop photographs. Tips & Warnings: Pinhole cameras work best in bright sunlight. This method creates a paper negative. Pinhole cameras do not work well when photographing moving objects, such as people. Stick to architecture and landscapes. You can use film in a pinhole camera, but it is much more fiddly, and the results are not as clear as with photographic paper. June 29th - Hug Holiday Hug Holiday Day encourages us to give hugs to those who need them. On this day, people go out and give hugs at senior citizen centers, hospitals, and other places. The focus is upon elderly, sick and invalid, lonely people and anyone who needs the warmth, cheer, and love that a hug provides. This very special day was created by the "Hugs for Health Foundation". According to the Foundation: " Hug Holiday is founded on the premise that hugs, friendship and volunteer support are vital components to the overall senior care plan." Celebrate Hug Holiday Day today by: Giving hugs to those who need one Joining Hugs for Heath Making a donation to this or another group For more information, see the Hugs for Health Foundation website June 29th - Waffle Iron Day The waffle dates back to the 1300s in Greece. Greeks cooked flat cakes between two metal pans. At the time, they topped it with cheeses and herbs. Pancake syrup was not around back then. Waffle Iron Day celebrates the great kitchen gadget that makes tasty waffles. Waffles are cooked between two metal plates. A waffle iron is powered by electricity to heat the plates and create, light waffles ready for you to top with syrup, and/or your favorite fruits. Waffles are not just for breakfast. They are good for lunch or dinner, too. To celebrate this day, all you have to do is make waffles. Alternatively, if you do not own a waffle iron, the best way to celebrate is to purchase one. If you are too busy to make waffles, then buy some frozen in your grocery store, or order them out at a your favorite restaurant. Waffle Day is celebrated in March. http://keeba.org/March.html June 29th - Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (principal patrons of the Roman Catholic Church) The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, or the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, is a liturgical feast in honor of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which is observed on June 29th. The celebration is of ancient origin, the date selected being the anniversary either of their death or of the translation of their relics. In recent decades, this feast, along with that of Saint Andrew, has been of importance to the modern ecumenical movement as an occasion on which the pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople have officiated at services designed to bring their two churches closer to intercommunion. This was especially the case during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, as reflected in his encyclical Ut Unum Sint. June 30th - Meteor Day We sure hope that the weather in your area calls for clear skies tonight. Today is Meteor Watch Day, a time to look to the skies for meteor showers. Will you be lucky enough to see meteors streaking across the night sky? We sure hope so. Meteors are space dust and ice that enter the atmosphere of the earth. Meteors can be as small as specks of dust. As they enter the atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up, producing light as they streak across the night sky. Sometimes, you see them streak across the sky and disappear at the horizon. Other times, they end suddenly, burning out right before your eyes. With a little luck, you can see a meteor just about any night of the year. However, the best times to see meteors are during a meteor shower. There are several of them each year. The best annual show is the Perseid Meteor shower each August. Enjoy Meteor Watch day as you scan the night skies in search of meteors. We sure hope you see some tonight! |
| "The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April day. When the sun is out and the wind is still, You're one month on in the middle of May. But if you so much as dare to speak, a cloud come over the sunlit arch, And wind comes off a frozen peak, And you're two months back in the middle of March." - Robert Frost, Two Tramps in Mud Time, 1926 |
| | Home | TLC | TLC Calendar | TLC Notices | TLC News | Job Postings | Mr. Davis | Keeba | | Rhonda | Bible Study | Bath & Body Products | Helen's Unique Designs | Site Map | |
| June |
| June is the sixth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and one of the four months with a length of 30 days. Ovid provides two etymologies for June's name in his poem concerning the months entitled The Fasti. The first is that the month is named after the Roman goddess Juno, wife of Jupiter and equivalent to the Greek goddess Hera, whilst the second is that the name comes from the Latin word iuniores, meaning "younger ones," as opposed to maiores ("elders") for which the preceding month May is named. June is also called the season of the unicorn. June is the month with the longest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere. June in the Northern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent to December in the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa. In the Northern Hemisphere, the beginning of the meteorological summer is June 1st. In the Southern Hemisphere, the beginning of the meteorological winter is June 1st. June is known for the large number of marriages that occur over the course of the month. According to one etymology, June is named after Juno (Hera). Juno was the goddess of marriage and a married couple's household, so some consider it good luck to be married in this month. In Iceland, folklore says that if you bathe naked in the morning dew on the morning of June 24, you are supposed to keep aging at bay for longer. In both common and leap years, no other month begins on the same day of the week as June. This month and May are the only two months that have this property. June ends on the same day of the week as March every year. At the start of June, the sun rises in the constellation of Taurus; at the end of June, the sun rises in the constellation of Gemini. However, due to the precession of the equinoxes, June begins with the sun in the astrological sign of Gemini, and ends with the sun in the astrological sign of Cancer. Juno was the Queen of the Gods. She gave her name to the month of June. She was the goddess of marriage, which partly explains why June weddings are so auspicious. The Greeks knew her as Hera. June began with thirty days. Numa Pompilius reduced it to 29 in about 700 B.C. However, the Julian reform in 46 B.C. returned the lost day. It has held 30 days ever since. There is a rhyme commonly used to remember the number of days in each month. The first two lines of this poem are, "Thirty Days hath September, April, June, and November." June has the dubious distinction of loaning its name to a beetle, the June Bug. The scientific name for this insect is Phyllophaga crinita. It gets its name because it goes from a larval to adult state in June and emerges from the ground to mate. The June Bug is very much attracted to light and will swarm about a light on warm summer nights. |
| Pearl Pearl is the Modern June birthstone. It is also the birthstone for the Star Signs of Gemini and Cancer. Traditional, Contemporary, Mystical, Ancient, Zodiac and Star signs. Fresh water pearls are given on the 1st wedding anniversary. Pearls are also given on the 3rd, 12th and 30th anniversaries. There are many types of pearls including:
mollusk. Layers of nacre build up around the intruding article to protect it's soft interior. This process may take as long as eight years to create a pearl. Ultrasonic cleaners are great for cleaning some jewelry but are not recommended for pearls. Moonstone Moonstone is one of the modern June birthstones and an accepted gem for the 13th wedding anniversary. Moonstone belongs to the large mineral family of feldspars. It is an opalescent stone which can range from colorless to blue, peach, green, pink, yellow, brown or gray with a silvery sheen. This iridescence is known as schiller but in moonstone it is called adularescence. Clarity ranges from transparent to translucent. Rainbow moonstone is milky white with a rainbow colored sheen. Moonstone is the most valuable form of feldspar and is composed of albite, which gives it the bluish sheen, and orthoclase feldspar. Moonstone is found in Brazil, Germany, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United States. The Romans who believed that the stone was formed from the light of the moon used moonstone in jewelry. Moonstone is considered a sacred stone in India. It is believed to bring good fortune, to enhance passion, and balance the yin and yang and is said to protect women and children. In early times, it was believed that one could see the future if the stone was held in the mouth during a full moon. According to legend, moonstone will ensure abundant crops Moonstone's healing properties are said to promote digestion, to protect against epilepsy, to calm emotions, cure headaches and nose bleeds, and protect against sun stroke. Alexandrite This rare gemstone is named after the Russian tsar Alexander II (1818 -1881), the very first crystals having been discovered in April 1834 in the emerald mines near the Tokovaya River in the Urals. The discovery was made on the day the future tsar came of age. Although alexandrite is a relatively young gemstone, it certainly has a noble history. Since it shows both red and green, the principal colors of old Imperial Russia, it inevitably became the national stone of tsarist Russia. Beautiful alexandrite in top quality, however, is very rare indeed and hardly ever used in modern jewelry. In antique Russian jewelry you may come across it with a little luck, since Russian master jewelers loved this stone. Tiffany’s master gemmologist George Frederick Kunz (1856-1932) was also fascinated by alexandrite, and the jeweler's firm produced some beautiful series of rings and platinum ensembles at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Smaller alexandrites were occasionally also used in Victorian jewelry from England. The magic of changing colors The most sensational feature about this stone, however, is its surprising ability to change its color. Green or bluish- green in daylight, alexandrite turns a soft shade of red, purplish-red or raspberry red in incandescent light. This unique optical characteristic makes it one of the most valuable gemstones of all, especially in fine qualities. Alexandrite is very scarce: this is due to its chemical composition. It is basically a chrysoberyl, a mineral consisting of colorless or yellow transparent chrysoberyl, chrysoberyl cat’s eye and color-changing alexandrite (also in cat’s eye varieties). It differs from other chrysoberyls in that it not only contains iron and titanium, but also chromium as a major impurity. And it is this very element which accounts for the spectacular color change. Rarely, vanadium may also play a part. According to CIBJO nomenclature, only chrysoberyls displaying a distinct change of colour may be termed alexandrite. Like many other gemstones, alexandrite emerged millions of years ago in a metamorphic environment. But unlike many others, its formation required specific geological conditions. The chemical elements beryllium (a major constituent in chrysoberyl) and chromium (the coloring agent in alexandrite) have contrasting chemical characteristics and do not as a rule occur together, usually being found in contrasting rock types. Not only has Nature brought these contrasting rock types into contact with each other, but a lack of the chemical element silica (the second most common element in the Earth's crust) is also required to prevent the growth of emerald. This geological scenario has occurred only rarely in the Earth's history and, as a result, alexandrite crystals are very scarce indeed. A gemstone for experts and gemstone lovers With its good hardness of 8.5, alexandrite is an uncomplicated stone to wear. The more distinct the change of color, the more valuable the stone. A fine alexandrite should show a vivid bluish-green in daylight and a purplish-red in artificial light, without any trace of undesirable brown or gray. If the origin of the stone is known beyond dispute to be Russia, we are talking about a real rarity of enormous value. Finely faceted alexandrites above one carat are thus among the most expensive gemstones in the world, rarer than fine ruby, sapphire or emerald. Alexandrite is a stone for experts, enthusiasts and connoisseurs, a true understatement stone. Its uniqueness and high value are not evident at first sight. The mysterious cooler change will only occur on exposure to different light sources. But if you really get involved in alexandrite, you will be utterly fascinated by this gem. Maybe you will also feel some of the mysterious magic and lore ascribed to it. It is considered a stone of very good omen. In critical situations, it is supposed to strengthen the wearer’s intuition, and thus help him or her locate new ways forward in situations where logic will not provide an answer. Alexandrite is also reputed to aid creativity and inspire the imagination. |
| The festivities of Black History Month are no longer reduced to just the shortest month of the year, but is now a historical event that will be celebrated every single day for the next 365 days. Happy Black History Day!!! |
| Click Play & Double-click video to enlarge |
| Click Play & Double-click video to enlarge |
| "As a man, I've been representative of the values I hold dear. And the values I hold dear are carryovers from the lives of my parents." Sidney Poitier (DOB: February 20, 1927) While working at the American Negro Theater, Poitier was given the role of understudying Harry Belefonte in the play “Days of our Youth.” Filling in for Belefonte one night, Poitier made his public debut. This led to a small role in the Greek comedy “Lysistrata.” Though nervous and unsure of his lines, Poitier was a big hit. He continued to perform in plays until 1950, when he made his film debut in “No Way Our.” “No Way Out” was a violent tale of racial hatred and made him a hero back home in the Bahamas. The colonial government deemed it too explosive and censored it. The subsequent protest that erupted gave birth to the political party that would eventually overturn British rule. Throughout the fifties, Poitier made some of the most important and controversial movies of the time. Addressing issues of racial equality abroad, he made “Cry, The Beloved Country” about apartheid in South Africa. He later took on problems closer to home in “Blackboard Jungle” and especially “The Defiant Ones”, about two escaped prisoners who must overcome issues of race in their struggle for freedom. For his role in “The Defiant Ones”, Poitier was nominated for an Academy Award. In 1959, Poitier returned to the stage with a stirring performance of Walter Lee in Lorraine Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun,” the first play by a Black playwright to show on Broadway. It was an insightful and moving reflection of Black family life, and it had great popular appeal. Poitier would reprise his role for the Hollywood adaptation in 1961. It was not, however, until 1963, for his role in “Lillies Of The Field”, that the movie industry saluted Poitier with its greatest award. In an era where Martin Luther King, Jr. won the Nobel Prize and Thurgood Marshall was appointed to the Supreme Court, Sidney Poitier was the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Actor. |
| Black Historical Quotation |
| It hit us by surprise when we elected a Black African American with a Muslim name as the leader of the free world. The fruit of the Civil Rights Movement has hit a new high. The Black vote (98% for Obama) clearly made the difference 43 years after the passing of the Voting Rights. |
| Click Play & Double-click video to enlarge |
| June's Characteristics |
| Additional June Holiday Celebrations |
| According to Connie Schultz, all Americans – Black, white, red, green and yellow - should revisit “Roots.” Click HERE for Connie Schultz’s “Watching Roots in 2010.” |
| The Month of June |
| Rose Roses are ancient symbols of love and beauty. Roses are so important that the word means pink or red in a variety of languages (such as Romance languages, Greek, and Polish). Roses the June birth flower come in a variety of hues, each with a different symbolic meaning:
The rose is the national flower of England, the provincial flower of Alberta (the wild rose), and the state flower of four US states: Iowa and North Dakota , Georgia , and New York. Portland, Oregon counts "City of Roses" among its nicknames, and holds an annual Rose Festival. Rose the June birth flower. Honeysuckle Bloom The honeysuckle is a flower that made its way to the United States from Asia; it's not native to North America. This flower grows in the form of a bush and can be found in the eastern part of the country. Usually white or yellow in color, the sweet-smelling honeysuckle plant is coveted by many for its healing qualities --- but also considered a nuisance to others. Stem and Vines - The Size and Growth of a Honeysuckle: Honeysuckle plants, which grow on evergreen bushes and sometimes smooth vines, can grow up to 30 feet tall. Other varieties have stalks that stop growing at about 7 feet. While the bushes blossom into colorful flowers and the plants produce a sweet fragrance, honeysuckles are considered a pest plant. This plant especially likes to grow along fences and forest edges. Honeysuckle Flowers The flower of the honeysuckle is a tubular-shaped blossom, usually yellow or whitish, and forms at the end of the stalk. A long tube inside the flower is filled with honey-like nectar. This is how the plant gets its name. The flowers bloom in May and will eventually turn into round, red or orange berries. Honeysuckle Nectar Like many children, you probably pulled out the stem and sucked the honey from the honeysuckle flower. Like many wild flowers and plants, some often ask if the honeysuckle nectar is safe to eat. This practice is completely safe; honeysuckles, including their sweet nectar and berries, are not poisonous. Honeysuckle Parts and Medicine Three parts of the honeysuckle --- the flower, the buds and the stem --- are used in herbal medicine to treat numerous ailments. For example, the flower is said to clear coughs and aid in asthma. Honeysuckle is also known to be a natural antibiotic and can help treat staph infections or strep throat. Additionally, the healing qualities of the parts of a honeysuckle can reduce rashes caused by other plants, such as poison oak. |
June is Black History Month
|
| June's Black History Events |
| | Home | TLC | TLC Calendar | TLC Notices | TLC News | Job Postings | Colorado Community | | Mr. Davis | Keeba | Bath & Body Products | Rhonda | Bible Study | Helen's Unique Designs | Site Map | |
| April's Poem |
June Facts:
|
| Recently, I was asked why I allowed others to post and/or took so much time in directing people to Black History links. Well, my answer is simple: Out here, there is a lot – too many – Black youngsters who do not know their history – mainly Black History. I want them to know. It is important to me that they know. Yes, it is important to me that everyone embraces God and I appreciate most – but not all – biblical postings. When or if I said ‘all biblical postings,’ I would set myself up for a controversial religious dialogue and I don’t want that, so I leave that up to those who actually study the Word. Anyway, when it comes to Black History, I find that my generation and those that follow have not taken time to teach our children about Black African american History. When juveniles join gangs because they are searching for a family and/or say ‘they’ve never had anything, so why should they be about anything.’ Well, I want – need – them to know that it is not true. There are plenty of Black African americans who struggled and made something out of nothing, and these youngsters can do the same. If Barack Obama can be president of these divided states, then all Black African americans can achieve the unthinkable and climb to immeasurable heights. I need us and all Americans to know the history of Black African Americans, their plight, their fight and their victorious accomplishments. I am proud to be a Black African american and I hope, want and need our young Black Brothers and Sisters to be just as creditable; embracing their Blackness. To quote the late James Brown, “Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud!” |
TML>
SIteTest1