PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE DAY

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE DAY Pledge of Allegiance Day on December 28th commemorates the date Congress adopted the “The Pledge” into the United States Flag Code.  Congress formally gave recognition for the Pledge of Allegiance on December 28, 1945. Francis Bellamy receive......More

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE DAY Pledge of Allegiance Day on December 28th commemorates the date Congress adopted the “The Pledge” into the United States Flag Code.  Congress formally gave recognition for the Pledge of Allegiance on December 28, 1945. Francis Bellamy receives credit for writing the Pledge of Allegiance. The Youth’s Companion, a magazine for young people, first published it anonymously on September 8, 1892, under the title “The Pledge.” It was written in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. In 1923 and 1924, the National Flag Conference inserted text of the pledge into legislation. Though modifications were made, the pledge remained nearly the same. At the same time, the conference didn’t designate it as the official pledge. In its original form, it read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” The small changes resulted in this version: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” On Flag Day in 1954, Congress added the words “under God” in response to the anti-Communist opinion sweeping the country during the Cold War. HOW TO OBSERVE #PledgeOfAllegianceDay Learn more about the Pledge of Allegiance, its history and what it means. Recite the pledge. Use #PledgeOfAllegianceDay to post on social media. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE DAY HISTORY Over the years, various attempts to create a national day honoring the Pledge of Allegiance have reached Congress. Others have failed. Around the country, Pledge Days, large and small, focused on the history of the pledge, the flag, and the Nation as a whole. We recount some of those efforts below. Interestingly, none of the exercises in patriotism point to a holiday taking place on December 28th.  Grade School Movement In the 1970s, a movement took root aimed to set Pledge of Allegiance Day on April 30th. The significance of the date points to President George Washington’s inauguration on April 30, 1789. The third-grade students and their teacher, Mrs. Priore from Cleveland Hill School in Cheektowaga, NY, launched the campaign. Their campaign gained some ground with editorials and articles published across the country. However, their efforts never resulted in any continuing observance. Congressional Designations In 1982, Congress received a submission for National Pledge of Allegiance Day, but they took no action. That same decade, the House reviewed a Joint Resolution to designate September 8, 1988, as Francis Bellamy Pledge of Allegiance Day. While they referred the document to the Post Office and Civil Service Committee for review, no further action resulted. The following year, National Pledge of Allegiance Day returned. The House passed H.J.Res. 253 designating September 8, 1989, as National Pledge of Allegiance Day in commemoration of the first day “The Pledge” appeared in print. The resolution also called for the Pledge of Allegiance to be included in the 500th anniversary commemorative activities celebrating the discovery of America. The anniversary took place in 1992. That year, a commemorative stamp was issued. In 2004, the Senate passed Resolution 378 designating June 14, 2004, as National Pledge of Allegiance as a way to reaffirm the United States flag as a unique symbol of the United States and its ideals.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY Across the country on January 9th each year, citizens take the lead to show support on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.  Law Enforcement Officers of every rank and file have chosen a profession that puts their life ......More

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY Across the country on January 9th each year, citizens take the lead to show support on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.  Law Enforcement Officers of every rank and file have chosen a profession that puts their life on the line every day for their communities.  They’ve answered a call to public service that is demanding and often unappreciated. From local, state and federal, their duties command dedication. The jobs are often thankless and take them away from their families for long hours. Rarely do they know what their days have in store for them. Often law enforcement are the only paid emergency resource a community has. More often they work in coordination with other local, state, and federal organizations to make communities safer. On National Law Enforcement Day, we have an opportunity to thank them for their service and offer a token of respect. HOW TO OBSERVE #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay There are several ways to show your support. Send a note of thanks to your local, county or state police agency. Wear blue, turn your social media channels blue or shine a blue porch light to show your support. Find more ideas at Concerns of Police Survivors and share your support using #NationalLawEnforcementAppreciationDay to share on social media.   NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY Several organizations came together to create National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in 2015 to thank officers across the country for all the daily sacrifices they make for their communities. Some of the organizations supporting the observance include: Concerns of Police Survivors FBI National Academy Associates Fraternal Order of Police International Association of Chief of Police Officer Down Memorial Page Law Enforcement United National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund International Conference of Police Chaplains National Troopers Coalition Since then the inaugural celebration, nationwide many more organizations have joined forces to support National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.) to spread encouragement and respect to these dedicated men and women.

National Freedom Day

NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY National Freedom Day, always observed on February 1st, celebrates freedom from slavery. It also recognizes that America is a symbol of liberty. The day honors the signing by Abraham Lincoln of a joint House and Senate resolution that later became......More

NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY National Freedom Day, always observed on February 1st, celebrates freedom from slavery. It also recognizes that America is a symbol of liberty. The day honors the signing by Abraham Lincoln of a joint House and Senate resolution that later became the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. President Lincoln signed the Amendment outlawing slavery on February 1, 1865. It was not ratified by the states, however, until later on December 18, 1865. HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONALFREEDOMDAY On this day many towns host festivals and celebrations. Others reflect on the freedoms that the United States honors as well as reflect on and appreciate the goodwill of the United States. For many years, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Liberty Bell traditionally marked the day. LET FREEDOM RING. Other ways to participate include: Read about or watch a documentary about the 13th Amendment. Visit an art gallery or museum displaying pieces inspired by the 13th Amendment. Attend a forum or lecture to discuss the 13th Amendment and its impact, then and now. Read the 13th Amendment in its entirety. Use #NationalFreedomDay to post on social media. NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY HISTORY  A former slave by the name of Major Richard Robert Wright, Sr. created National Freedom Day. Major Wright was looked upon as a great leader in the community. It was believed by Major Wright, that this day needed to be celebrated. February 1st holds significance because that was the date Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery in 1865. On June 30, 1948, President Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming February 1st as the first official National Freedom Day in the United States. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-freedom-day-february-1/

National Boy Scouts Day

NATIONAL BOY SCOUTS DAY February 8th annually recognizes National Boys Scouts Day. Since 1910, boys across America have been doing good deeds, learning survival skills, and developing moral foundations through the Boy Scout of America.  The Boy Scouts of America has ......More

NATIONAL BOY SCOUTS DAY February 8th annually recognizes National Boys Scouts Day. Since 1910, boys across America have been doing good deeds, learning survival skills, and developing moral foundations through the Boy Scout of America.  The Boy Scouts of America has roots in the British Boy Scouts organization which was created in 1908 after the success of the book Scouting for Boys by Robert Baden-Powell. On a foggy day in London an American newspaperman, William Dickson Boyce, became lost when a Boy Scout came to his assistance. With the boy’s guidance, Boyce arrived at his destination. When Boyce offered payment for the assistance, the Boy Scout refused explaining it was a good deed. Boyce was inspired to organize similar youth groups into one organization. On February 8, 1910, Boyce filed papers of incorporation, and the Boy Scouts of America was born. Boy Scouts have had a profound impact on the United States.  Many presidents and other dignitaries have been Boy Scouts.  A total of 181 Astronauts have also been a part of the Boy Scout program. Boy Scouting Facts Timeline  Boy Scouts of America incorporated in 1910 First Boy Scout Handbook published in 1911 Boys’ Life premiered in 1911 First Eagle Scout, Arthur R. Eldred in 1912 Scouting magazine premiered in 1913 Registration of Scouts began, 25¢ annual fee was 1913 Order of the Arrow began in 1915 Federal charter granted by Congress in 1916 The first season at what would become Northern Tier High Adventure Base started in 1923 Boy Scout membership tops 1 million in 1925 Cub Scout program began in 1930 Philmont donated to the BSA in 1938 First BSA Wood Badge course taught in 1948 First Pinewood Derby® held in 1953 Webelos program added to Cub Scouting in 1954 Exploring program began in 1959 Florida National High Adventure Sea Base officially opened in 1980 Tiger Cubs program added to Cub Scouting in 1982 Alexander M Holsinger became the 1 millionth Eagle Scout in 1982 Learning for Life program began in 1991 Venturing program began in 1998 100 millionth member registered in 2000 Anthony Thomas became the 2 millionth Eagle Scout in 2009 HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBoyScoutsDay With so many Boy Scouts across the nation, celebrate the day. Share your experiences and skills. Learn more about the Boy Scouts and what they have to offer. Share the benefits of Boy Scouts and use #NationalBoyScoutsDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BOY SCOUTS DAY HISTORY February 8th recognizes the anniversary of the date William Dickson Boyce filed the letters of incorporation. February is also Boy Scout Month. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-boy-scouts-day-february-8/

Valentine's Day

National Vet Girls RISE Day

NATIONAL VET GIRLS RISE DAY On February 19, National Vet Girls RISE Day recognizes the immense dedication of the nearly 2 million U.S. veteran women. On National Vet Girls RISE Day, not only is it a day to recognize women veterans, but it’s a day for women veterans t......More

NATIONAL VET GIRLS RISE DAY On February 19, National Vet Girls RISE Day recognizes the immense dedication of the nearly 2 million U.S. veteran women. On National Vet Girls RISE Day, not only is it a day to recognize women veterans, but it’s a day for women veterans to support one another and to share resources, build relationships and spread awareness concerning the needs of women veterans The willingness of America’s [Women] veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. ~Jeff Miller Since the Revolutionary War, women have served in the armed forces, and many have not been recognized for their service. Today, the contributions of nearly 2 million women veterans deserve acknowledgment. The day celebrates the bonds they formed and their experiences through military service. While we can never truly repay the debt we owe our heroes, the least we should do for our brave veterans is to ensure that the government takes a proactive approach to delivering the services and benefits they have earned, so they can access the care they need and so richly deserve. ~Kirsten Gillibrand Like thousands of military personnel, support transitioning from military to civilian life develops both their professional and personal success. Honoring their accomplishments, skills, and essential contributions both in the military and civilian fields elevate the place of the woman veteran to her proper position. From the world wars of Europe to the jungles of the Far East, from the deserts of the Middle East to the African continent, and even here in our own hemisphere, our “women” veterans have made the world a better place and America the great country we are today. ~ John Hoeven HOW TO OBSERVE #VetGirlsRISEDay Connect with other women veterans for camaraderie and support on National Vet Girls RISE Day. Join a VGR meetup at various designated restaurant locations throughout the United States and affirm your support of women veterans. Tell us about your favorite woman veteran and use #VetGirlsRISEDay to share on social media. Follow AVWA and VGR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for upcoming AVWA and VGR events. (@avwaorg and @VetGirlsRock1) NATIONAL VET GIRLS RISE DAY HISTORY Vet Girls RISE founded National Vet Girls RISE Day on February 19, 2019, to bring awareness to the contributions of women veterans to the United States military and to provide an opportunity for women veterans to celebrate the bonds they formed during their service. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed the day to be observed annually on February 19. About Vet Girls Rise Vet Girls RISE, an initiative under Active Veterans With Answers, founded in 2017, Vet Girls RISE serves as a resource and knowledge stream for women veterans. With the struggles of transitioning from military to civilian life; Vet Girls RISE was created to educate, enlighten, and support women veterans through professional and personal growth that improves the awareness, potential, and identify talents. Women veterans who miss that camaraderie can find it in Vet Girls RISE.

National Anthem Day

NATIONAL ANTHEM DAY National Anthem Day commemorates the day the United States adopted “The Star Spangled Banner” as its National Anthem. Written by Francis Scott Key, the “Star Spangled Banner” became the National Anthem in 1931.  Oh Say Can You See Fort McHenry Th......More

NATIONAL ANTHEM DAY National Anthem Day commemorates the day the United States adopted “The Star Spangled Banner” as its National Anthem. Written by Francis Scott Key, the “Star Spangled Banner” became the National Anthem in 1931.  Oh Say Can You See Fort McHenry The story behind “The Star Spangled Banner” is as moving as the anthem itself. While an attorney, Key was serving in the Georgetown Light Field Artillery during the War of 1812. In 1814, his negotiation skills as a lawyer were called upon to release Dr. William Beane, a prisoner on the British naval ship, Tonnant. Early in September, Key traveled to Baltimore in the company of Colonel John Skinner to begin negotiations. While Key and Skinner secured Beane’s release, the British navy had begun attacking Baltimore. The trio waited at sea to return to Georgetown. Fort McHenry is built on a peninsula of the Patapsco River. Just across the Northwest Branch is the city of Baltimore. In 1814, the population of Baltimore was roughly 50,000 people, hardly the metropolis it is today. The country itself was still young, and often families of soldiers lived nearby, providing support to their soldiers. The Rocket’s Red Glare The British navy abandoned Baltimore and turned their full attention to Fort McHenry on September 13th. As the 190-pound shells began to shake the fort, mother nature brought a storm of her own. Thunder and rain pelted the shore along with the bombs and shells. Throughout the night, parents, wives, and children in their homes could hear and feel the bomb blasts across the way. There were reports of the explosions being felt as far away as Philadelphia. It was a long night of fear, worry, and providing comfort to one another. At sea, Key had a similar night. Being a religious man, one who believed the war could have been avoided, he watched the bombs bursting in air over the water and steadily pummeling Fort McHenry. It was undoubtedly a sight to behold. For 25 hours, the star-shaped fort manned by approximately 1,000 American soldiers endured over 1,500 cannon shots. The Fort answered with their own with almost no effect. Does that Star-Spangled Banner Yet Wave In the early morning of September 14th, after Major George Armistead’s troops stopped the British landing party in a blaze of gunfire, the major ordered the oversized American flag raised in all its glory over Fort McHenry. Sewn a few months before by Mary Pickersgill and her daughter, the enormous banner replaced the storm flag, which had flown during battle. As Key waited at sea for dawn to break and smoke to clear, imagine the inspiring sight in the silence of the morning to see his country’s flag fully unfurled against the breaking of the day and the fort standing firm.  Key was so moved by the experience he immediately began penning the lyrics to a song which were later published by his brother-in-law as a poem titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAnthemDay Sing the Star Spangled Banner.  Did you know there are three more verses to the original song? As a challenge, try learning them all. Use #NationalAnthemDay to post on social media. NATIONAL ANTHEM DAY HISTORY Nearly 117 years passed after Key penned “Defence of Fort M’Henry” before it became the national anthem of the United States of America. “Hail Columbia” and “My Country’ Tis of Thee” held honorary places as patriotic songs. But, the United States didn’t have an officially declared anthem until a congressional resolution, signed by President Herbert Hoover, until “The Star Spangled Banner” became the national anthem of the United States of America on March 3rd, 1931. *Historical note: The spelling of “defence” in the original title of Key’s song is correct for the period.  The Star Spangled Banner Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming; Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there: Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream: 'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution! No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the war's desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust": And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

National Hug a G.I. Day

NATIONAL HUG A  G.I.  DAY  As the only day on the calendar that is mnemonically a military command, March 4th recognizes National Hug a G.I. Day. Gather around your servicemen and women to give them a hug.  It’s simply a way to show your support. With either a pat o......More

NATIONAL HUG A  G.I.  DAY  As the only day on the calendar that is mnemonically a military command, March 4th recognizes National Hug a G.I. Day. Gather around your servicemen and women to give them a hug.  It’s simply a way to show your support. With either a pat on the back or hearty handshake, be sure to give both past and present G.I.s your appreciation. While G.I.s refer to Army personnel, the day encompasses all those who have served in the military.  So, hug those Jarheads, Wingnuts, Squids and Coasties, too! Today the term G.I. is fairly commonly known to refer to those serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. How that came to be is a little less military protocol and more the American story. It seems at the turn of the 20th century, G.I. was a notation used in supply records for galvanized iron. It was later used during World War I for German artillery shells made from galvanized iron. Sometime during the war soldiers started interpreting the initials as “Government Issue” or “General Issue”. By the time World War II came around it was starting to gain meaning as the generic enlisted man. Not surprisingly, sarcastic usage among many servicemen was common, feeling they were just like any other Government Issued supply being mass-produced for Uncle Sam. About that time G.I. Joe was born. His creator, comic strip artist and former Army Sergeant David Breger, issued his first G.I. Joe cartoon series in Yank magazine on June 17, 1942. The term G.I. became more permanently etched in the American language when in 1944 President Franklin Roosevelt signed the bill that became known as the G.I. Bill; Servicemen’s Readjustment Act. And then there was no going back when Hasbro trademarked their G.I. Joe as an action figure in 1964. HOW TO OBSERVE #HugAGIDay Find a G.I. you know and give them a hug. Is your G.I. too far away to give a hug? Send him or her a virtual one via text, e-mail, phone or even snail mail. Use #HugAGIDay to post on social media. NATIONAL HUG A G.I. DAY HISTORY In 1996, Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith created Hug A G.I. Day. She selected the only day on the calendar that was also a military command to salute and celebrate the men and women who risk their lives for our country and freedoms. We have included the link to the original page for you.  http://adriennesiouxkoopersmith.blogspot.com/2013/02/hug-gi-day-1996-ask-style-celebrating.html

American Legion Birthday

St. Patrick's Day

National Supreme Sacrifice Day

NATIONAL SUPREME SACRIFICE DAY On March 18th, National Supreme Sacrifice Day honors those who have made tremendous sacrifices for the sake and the good of others as well as those who sacrifice their lives every day for us. We may most readily call to mind the men and......More

NATIONAL SUPREME SACRIFICE DAY On March 18th, National Supreme Sacrifice Day honors those who have made tremendous sacrifices for the sake and the good of others as well as those who sacrifice their lives every day for us. We may most readily call to mind the men and women in uniform who have laid down their lives protecting their country and communities. This day also honors those who may have stepped forward during times of crisis to rescue a stranger or a neighbor and gave the supreme sacrifice that day.  These sacrifices come in many forms. We don’t always recognize them when we see them, nor do we always expect them. Like in the case of one young Miner who saved the lives of 11-year-old Emmet and 8-year-old Myrdith when the sleigh they were in overturned during a blizzard so fierce they couldn’t see their house, though they were only 200 yards away. Wind howling so loudly, they couldn’t hear their father’s voice calling to them. On March 15, 1920, they’d set home from school in rural North Dakota and been caught up in the blizzard. Their 16-year-old sister, Hazel Miner protected her siblings with her body, keeping the blankets in place over her siblings through the night. Hazel Miner died that night, but her actions saved the lives of her siblings. These sacrifices don’t always come in uniform and are often unsung. Often, these heroes step up when we least expect it and when we need it most.  HOW TO OBSERVE #SupremeSacrificeDay Honor someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Visit with their families, support them and the people in uniform who place their lives on the line, daily. Visit a local memorial and learn the names of local heroes. Participate in events around your state that support the military and first responders. Use #SupremeSacrificeDay to post on social media. NATIONAL SUPREME SACRIFICE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this day. However, the day has been observed since at least 2004. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/