National Nonprofit Day

NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY On August 17th, National Nonprofit Day (NND) recognizes the goals and positive impacts nonprofits have on communities and the world. Somewhere a volunteer reads to school children. At the same time, a patient receives steady medication. A lawye......More

NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY On August 17th, National Nonprofit Day (NND) recognizes the goals and positive impacts nonprofits have on communities and the world. Somewhere a volunteer reads to school children. At the same time, a patient receives steady medication. A lawyer provides legal services for low-income individuals. A lost soul’s life is remembered with dignity thanks to a nonprofit funeral home. A first-time homebuyer moves into his own home. NND reminds us that each of these scenes is possible because of the nonprofit sector and the work performed by capable men, women, and organizations. Through nonprofits, awareness, research, and aid reach the people who need it most. Nonprofits also produce tremendous benefits to their surrounding communities and the broader world. For example, following the recent U.S. recession in 2012, the nonprofit sector provided 5.4% of the nation’s entire GDP (gross domestic product), or $887.3 billion. Non-profits continuously employing nurses, web developers, lawyers, computer engineers, and more (sources: John Hopkins and Tactical Philanthropy Advisors reports). HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNonprofitDay Take some time to learn more about nonprofits. Understanding that the funding for these organizations often satisfies more than the mission statement will help us see the benefits of supporting nonprofit organizations. Visit www.kifoundation.org to find out more and use #NationalNonprofitDay to share on social media. NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY HISTORY Sherita J. Herring, a renowned speaker, best-selling author and business strategist, founded National Nonprofit Day to educate, enlighten and empower others to make a difference, while acknowledging those that are in the trenches, impacting lives every day – the Change-Makers of the World!  The Tariff Act of 1894 signed into law on August 17, imposed the first federal income tax on corporations, which included exemptions for nonprofit corporations and charitable institutions. With a few modifications, nonprofit exemptions remain a solid part of the law and have served significant benefits, both for communities and the economy. The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared National Nonprofit Day to be observed annually in 2017. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/days-2/national-nonprofit-day-august-17/  

National Maryland Day

NATIONAL MARYLAND DAY On August 24, we usher in the 7th state to join the Union with National Maryland Day.  Maryland’s coastal location brings with it a deeply rooted maritime heritage that includes an ocean battle defen......More

NATIONAL MARYLAND DAY On August 24, we usher in the 7th state to join the Union with National Maryland Day.  Maryland’s coastal location brings with it a deeply rooted maritime heritage that includes an ocean battle defending the city of Baltimore at Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812. One witness to the action became so inspired, Francis Scott Key penned the words that later became our National Anthem. Chesapeake Bay Just over 200 years before these traditions flourished, Captian John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay and the Nanticoke River. He kept a record of his travels, documenting the Native American people. Smith wrote about their cultures, the abundant animal, and plant life. Since this vast watershed is the largest estuary in the United States, the complex ecosystem thrives with diverse plant and wildlife. Boardwalk Spending a weekend or a vacation at Ocean City with friends or family is a highlight of any Maryland trip.  The boardwalk and beaches provide plenty of relaxation, adventure, and fun in the sun. The Eastern Shore offers scenic views, site seeing, peaceful accommodations, festivals and events for everyone. Civil War History Head west to Antitiem and Maryland will take you into another era.  Here, the battlefields and Antietam National Cemetery hold a solemn reminder of the bloodiest singled day battle of the Civil War that occurred on September 17, 1862. Five days later, President Lincoln issued a Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Although Maryland was a southern state as defined by the Mason-Dixon line, it never seceded from the Union. While many families throughout the war fought on opposing sides, for Maryland families, it was a reoccurring theme. Industry Being located close to Washington D.C. makes Maryland ideal for aerospace, defense, and federal cybersecurity jobs. The state’s fishing industry thrives and is the largest producer of blue crabs in the state. The Oldline State is also home to McCormick & Company, Perdue Farms, Lockheed Martin, Black & Decker and Underarmor. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMarylandDay This beautiful state spans mountains and oceans, countryside and metropolis.  Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate Maryland’s people and their history on August 24. Use #NationalMarylandDay to share on social media. NOTABLE PEOPLE Johns Hopkins - Philanthropist - (May 19, 1795 - December 24, 1873) Born to Quakers Samuel Hopkins and Hannah Janney, Johns Hopkins became a successful businessman and philanthropist. Hopkins’ forward-thinking provided for the development of Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine among others. As a result, these facilities contribute to the advanced research into disease and healthcare. Harriet Tubman - Activist - (1822 - March 10, 1913) Frederick Douglass - Journalist - Activist - ( unknown - February 20, 1895) Upton Sinclair - Author - (September 20, 1878 - November 25, 1968) Babe Ruth - Professional Athlete - (February 6, 1895 - August 16, 1948) Thurgood Marshall - Supreme Court Justice - (July 2, 1908 - January 24, 1993) Barbara Mikulski - U.S. Representative - (July 20, 1936 - ) Mike Roe - Television host - (March 18, 1962 - ) Maryland Flavor Hidden Treasures Marylanders know their crab. It’s a big deal. Crab cakes, crab dip, steamed crab or a good old fashioned crab boil. However, they serve it up, they serve it deliciously and with pride. They know their seafood, but they know their crab. Don’t forget the Old Bay, either. Follow that with Thrashers Fries and Fisher’s Popcorn from Ocean City’s boardwalk. It’s a required stop. Stuffed ham gains a favored place on the table in Maryland. Seasoned cabbage, kale, and onions are stuffed into a boneless ham, boiled and served cold. For dessert, Marylanders like peach pot pie and the official state dessert, Smith Island Cake. Peach pot pie is similar to a cobbler with a sweet biscuit crust. The eight layers of the Smith Island Cake features fudge and moist yellow cake. But, let’s remember crabs, in whole or part, are outstanding in Maryland. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-maryland-day-august-24/  

National Day of Service and Remembrance

http://www.911dayofservice.org/September 11th has now been officially designated as the National Day of Service and Remembrance under the 2009 Serve America Act.

CONSTITUTION DAY AND CITIZENSHIP DAY

CONSTITUTION DAY AND CITIZENSHIP DAY Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17th commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of the United States and those who have become United States citizens. On this day, members of the U.S. Constitutional Convention......More

CONSTITUTION DAY AND CITIZENSHIP DAY Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17th commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of the United States and those who have become United States citizens. On this day, members of the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787. Constitutional Convention  While many contributed to crafting the document known today as the U.S. Constitution, James Madison wrote the draft forming the basis for the Constitution. Those who participated in its development gathered in Independence Hall in Philadelphia that sultry summer of 1787. George Washington presided over the Convention. But many “Founding Fathers” attended to other diplomatic duties, unable to participate. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, served overseas on behalf of his country. John Adams also served abroad. However, Patrick Henry refused to attend due to principle and preferring the Articles of Confederation. Others eventually swayed Henry when convention leaders added a Bill of Rights. The convention lasted from May 25 to September 17, 1787. During that time, the 55 delegates debated the duties of the government, checks, and balances, and the rights and freedoms of the people. They divided the government into three branches: the legislative branch to make the laws; the executive to execute the laws, and the judicial to interpret the laws. The delegates suffered through rough weather, heat, and illness. Despite the conditions, the formed a Bill of Rights enumerating the rights and freedoms of the people. Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and George Washington all signed the Constitution. On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution. So the process began, obtaining each state’s approval. Rhode Island didn’t send any delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Their headstrong character did not appreciate a powerful government and held tight to their independence as long as they could. As a result, they were the last state to ratify the Constitution on May 29, 1790. Citizenship The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution defines citizenship as “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” On July 28, 1868, Secretary of State William Seward proclaimed the amendment ratified. While the 14th Amendment was the first step in a long line of amendments defining citizens and their rights, it took decades to enforce some of those rights. For example, one of a citizen’s most valued powers is the power to vote. The 15th and 19th Amendments define those rights for blacks and women. However, it wasn’t until 1924 that all Native Americans were granted citizenship. Through the Indian Citizenship Act, many Native Americans were allowed to vote for the first time. Still, this legislation did not stop some states from preventing some from voting. HOW TO OBSERVE #ConstitutionDay or #CitizenshipDay Learn more about the U.S. Constitution and the process of becoming a citizen in the United States. Explore the history of the Constitution. Study the people who brought the Constitution to life and the road to its ratification.  While you’re exploring, use #ConstitutionDay or #CitizenshipDay to post on social media.  Educators, families and students, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for more ways to Celebrate Every Day! CONSTITUTION DAY HISTORY This holiday dates all the way back to 1911 when schools in Iowa first recognized Constitution Day.  Then in 1917, the society known as the Sons of the American Revolution formed a committee to promote Constitution Day. Members of that committee included Calvin Coolidge, John D. Rockefeller, and General John Pershing. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared “I am an American Day,” and Congress designated the third Sunday in May to celebrate it.  By 1949, the governors of all 48 states had issued Constitution Day proclamations.  On February 29, 1952, Congress changed the name from “I am an American Day” to “Citizenship Day” and moved its observation to September 17.  In 2004, the day was renamed Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.

U.S. Air Force Birthday

NATIONAL VFW DAY

NATIONAL VFW DAY On September 29th, National VFW Day honors the men and women devoted to this valuable organization and those members who have served our nation.  Members of the VFW today hold a long-standing history of volunteerism in their communities. Not only hav......More

NATIONAL VFW DAY On September 29th, National VFW Day honors the men and women devoted to this valuable organization and those members who have served our nation.  Members of the VFW today hold a long-standing history of volunteerism in their communities. Not only have they served their country, but they continue to serve their fellow veterans, families, and communities by sponsoring scholarships, career fairs, mental wellness campaigns, and so many more excellent services. VFW membership since its inception has been instrumental in the establishment of the Veterans Administration, the creation of the national cemetery system and passage of the GI Bill. Through the VFW, veterans honor veterans and serve their communities.  On National VFW Day, take a moment to recognize all the VFW does in your community. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalVFWDay Honor the VFW members and veterans in your community. Let them know that you appreciate the sacrifices they have made for all of us. We truly are the land of the free because of the brave. Use #NationalVFWDay to post on social media. NATIONAL VFW DAY HISTORY The VFW was established on September 29, 1899, by a group of veterans from the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection. It has since grown to be the nation’s largest group of combat veterans. They continue “to honor the dead by helping the living.” The VFW promote patriotism, goodwill and youth scholarships. They also provide military assistance and community service programs, promote youth activities and volunteer many hours in their local communities.

Remember the USS Cole

At 1118 on the morning of 12 October 2000, as USS Cole (DDG-67) was refueling in Aden Harbor, Yemen, suicide bombers detonated an explosive-laden boat directly against the port side of the ship. The resulting blast killed 17 Sailors, wounded 37 others, and tore a hold f......More

At 1118 on the morning of 12 October 2000, as USS Cole (DDG-67) was refueling in Aden Harbor, Yemen, suicide bombers detonated an explosive-laden boat directly against the port side of the ship. The resulting blast killed 17 Sailors, wounded 37 others, and tore a hold forty by sixty feet in the ship’s hull. In the aftermath of the explosion, the crew of USS Cole fought tirelessly to free shipmates trapped by the twisted wreckage and limit flooding that threatened to sink the ship. The crew’s prompt actions to isolate damaged electrical systems and contain fuel oil ruptures prevented catastrophic fires that could have engulfed the ship and cost the lives of countless men and women. Skillful first aid and advanced medical treatment applied by the crew prevented additional death and eased the suffering of many others. Drawing upon their Navy training and discipline, the crew heroically conducted more than 96 hours of sustained damage control in conditions of extreme heat and stress. Deprived of sleep, food, and shelter, they vigilantly battled to preserve a secure perimeter and restore stability to engineering systems that were vital to the ship’s survival. By their sacrifice and bravery in the fact of daunting adversity, the crew of USS Cole personified Honor, Courage, and Commitment.   https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/ships/modern-ships/uss-cole.html

U.S. Navy Birthday

Remember the Beirut Barracks Bombings

On October 23, 1983, two truck bombs struck buildings in Beirut, Lebanon, housing American and French service members of the ......More

On October 23, 1983, two truck bombs struck buildings in Beirut, Lebanon, housing American and French service members of the Multinational Force in Lebanon (MNF), a military peacekeeping operation during the Lebanese Civil War. The attack killed 307 people: 241 U.S. and 58 French military personnel, six civilians, and two attackers.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_Beirut_barracks_bombings 

National Day of the Deployed

NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED On October 26th, National Day of the Deployed annually honors the United States military personnel deployed around the globe.  The designation recognizes all of the brave military personnel who have been deployed, are sacrificing, or have......More

NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED On October 26th, National Day of the Deployed annually honors the United States military personnel deployed around the globe.  The designation recognizes all of the brave military personnel who have been deployed, are sacrificing, or have sacrificed their lives to defend our country. It also acknowledges their families who are separated from them during deployment and the sacrifices they make in order for their family members to serve our country. HOW TO OBSERVE #DayOfTheDeployed Many deployed troops leave their families behind to serve their country. They make the greatest sacrifices to keep their country secure. A few ways to recognize their services include: Donate to a military organization like the USO. They support troops in the U.S. and overseas. The USO also provides support to the families before, during and after service. Send care packages. Visit Support Our Troops to find out what and where to send care packages worldwide. Locally, attend ceremonies honoring the military. Volunteer your time and services to local military organizations.  If you know a military family, ask what support they need. Needs vary by family. Some just need to hear from home and know they are in your thoughts. Offer to support military personnel who have no family. They deploy with no one back home to send care packages or other support. Use #DayOfTheDeployed to post on social media. NATIONAL DAY OF DEPLOYED HISTORY Shelle Michaels Aberle founded National Day of the Deployed in 2006. Ms. Aberle approached then North Dakota Governor John Hoeven for support of a North Dakota Proclamation for the day. Governor Hoeven was the first governor in the United States to recognize deployed troops in a formal proclamation. Aberle’s cousin, Bottineau, ND native LTC David Hosna, chose October 26th to recognize troops. Hosna, who was deployed to Iraq from Kaiserslautern, Germany, was born on October 26th.  Grand Forks, North Dakota hosted the first event honored the NDARNG 1-188th ADA SECFOR and JLENS deployed to Afghanistan.  In 2011, Senator John Hoeven led the efforts and co-sponsored S.RES.295 for a national day of honor.  On October 18, 2011, the resolution passed unanimously for the first national day honoring deployed troops and their families. As of 2012, all 50 states observed National Day of the Deployed. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day-of-the-deployed-october-26/