Category: April

• STOP FOOD WASTE DAY – Last Wednesday in April

  STOP FOOD WASTE DAY

  Food waste worldwide is an alarming issue. That is why on the last Wednesday in April, Stop Food Waste Day raises awareness of the growing concern of food waste.

  According to the USDA, Americans waste between 30-40 percent of the food supply. That is near or more than the worldwide estimate of 1/3 of the world’s consumable waste. Additionally, food waste occurs for many reasons all along the food chain.

  • Lack of workers to harvest
  • Quality expectations
  • Weather
  • Overproduction
  • Faulty equipment
  • Poor planning
  • Overbuying
  • Over preparing

  These are only a few reasons that add up to millions of tons of food waste. Stop Food Waste Day addresses all the factors and brings increased awareness to the world. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly half of food waste happens before it even reaches the consumer. So, everyone along the food chain has a responsibility to help reduce it. That means, from farm to table and everywhere in between, we have work to do. Some of the solutions include:

  • Improved weather forecasts, so farmers know what to grow and when.
  • Improved storage facilities so that distributers and markets can preserve food longer.
  • Reduced production where possible.
  • An improved understanding of food quality and a loosening of those standards.
  • Preparing smaller meals.
  • Teaching consumers how to use leftovers in soups, casseroles, and stir-fries.
  • Learning how to preserve meals at home.
  • Begin composting the incidental waste to improve home production and commercial production.

  Food waste is everyone’s problem, whether we realize it or not. Join the movement to reduce food waste. Follow these tips for reducing food waste:

  At home:

  • Purchase and prepare only the amount of food you need to feed your family.
  • Discover new recipes that allow you to makeover leftovers.
  • Learn how to preserve food.
  • If you buy in bulk, consider donating excess to local shelters.
  • Understand the use by and best by dates.

  In your community or business:

  • Speak to your local grocers about changing their damaged fruit and vegetable policies. Those pristine-looking bins full of blemish-free fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be the standard anymore.
  • Shop farmer’s markets, local food stands, and food co-ops.
  • Create or participate in a donation program.
  • Promote neighborhood composting.
  • Educate your employees about best food practices.
  • Develop a partnership with area farmers and feed the animals.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #StopFoodWasteDay

  • Share your tips and tricks to avoid food waste.
  • Try a new recipe that repurposes leftovers.
  • Give a shout-out to restaurants and businesses that use smart food practices.
  • Learn more about food waste, the causes, and how to prevent it.
  • Watch documentaries about food waste such as:
    • Just Eat It, directed by Grant Baldwin
    • Wasted! The Story of Food Waste, directed by Nari Kye and Anna Chai
    • Expired! Food Waste in America, directed by Rebecca Richman Cohen
  • Read about food waste in books like:
    • The Waste Not, Want Not Cookbook by Cinda Chavich
    • In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan
  • Join the conversation and use #StopFoodWasteDay on social media.

  STOP FOOD WASTE DAY HISTORY

  The Compass Group launched Stop Food Waste Day in 2017 to raise awareness about the growing worldwide food waste crisis. They promote the day of action while addressing some of the world community’s challenges regarding food production, hunger, and climate change.

  Food Waste FAQ

  Q. Can anyone participate in this day?
  A. Yes. Food waste is everywhere and taking steps to reduce and stop it falls on all our shoulders.

  Q. How can I stop food waste at home?
  A. Stopping food waste at home is easier than one might think. Try these steps to get started:

  • Shop for only what you need.
  • Plan meals around sales so you don’t overstock foods you won’t use.
  • Shop your pantry for meal planning.
  • Plan meals that freeze well. Leftovers can be used weeks later.
  • Begin composting and use the results in your garden and flower pots. You can also donate extra to local community gardens.
  February 14, 2022

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  Michele

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  April 26, National Day

• CELEBRATE TRAILS DAY – Fourth Saturday in April

  CELEBRATE TRAILS DAY

  Celebrate Trails Day on the fourth Saturday in April encourages the nation to get out and enjoy the country’s outstanding trail systems.

  As the weather warms up, so does the trail season. While many people use them all year long, America’s trail system gets its real workout between April and October when the weather is ripe for outdoor activity. The number of established trails grows every year. Some take the form of well-defined foot or bike routes while others take us onto a beaten path. No matter what kind of path you choose to take, the day encourages you to appreciate the thousands of miles of trails and to bring a friend with you, too!

  While it’s true trails offer us access to the great outdoors, they also offer so much more! Trails are historic places that tell the stories of our ancestors and our country. They offer a glimpse of what life was like 100, 200, and sometimes thousands of years ago. They retrace the footsteps of Indigenous people and European explorers. Trails offer the opportunity for discovery while also encouraging us to slow down.

  From coast to coast and border to border, a vast trail system awaits! Take a look around. You never know what you might find.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #CelebrateTrailsDay

  • Take a hike on your favorite trail.
  • Volunteer to help maintain local trails.
  • Discover new trails.
  • Create a trail bucket list.
  • Introduce friends and families to trails near you.
  • Take a photo while you’re out and post it on social media.
  • Commit to visiting your local trails more often.
  • Use #CelebrateTrailsDay to join the conversation.

  CELEBRATE TRAILS DAY HISTORY

  Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) founded Opening Day for Trails in 2013 to celebrate the nation’s trail systems and to encourage everyone to get out and use them. The name was later changed to Celebrate Trails Day.

  Trails FAQ

  Q. What is the oldest trail in the United States?
  A. According to the USDA and Forest Service, the oldest continuously used and maintained trail in the United States is the Crawford Path in New Hampshire.

  Q. What is the longest trail in the United States?
  A. The longest trail in the United States is actually two trails. American Discovery Trail begins in Delaware and ends in California. Great Western Loop in the western U.S. crosses 9 states. Both trails tally 6,800 miles.

  February 11, 2022

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  Michele

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  April 22, Education & History, National Day, Nature

• ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH – April

  ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Across the United States, esophageal cancer is a growing concern. That’s why April is designated Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month.

  The esophagus is the tube that runs from the throat to the stomach. It consists of muscle and tissues that allow swallowing of food and liquids.

  According to the American Cancer Society, esophageal cancer is the seventh leading cancer killer among men. And while deaths due to esophageal cancer are down, the numbers of people being diagnosed are increasing. Survival rates are increasing, too, though they are still comparatively low. Men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with esophageal cancer,

  As with many cancers, early detection improves survival rates. Some of the symptoms of esophageal cancer include:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Pressure, burning or pain in the chest
  • Increased heartburn or indigestion
  • Cough
  • Hoarse voice

  There are several risk factors to keep in mind, too.

  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Obesity
  • Alcohol use
  • Bile reflux
  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Achalasia
  • Tobacco use
  • Low fiber diet
  • Sedentary lifestyle

  Several of the risk factors are in our control, though others are not. Speak with your doctor about changing those factors you can control and how to address the ones you can’t. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with your doctor today.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #EsophagealCancerAwarenessMonth

  • Learn more about esophageal cancers.
  • Host a fundraiser in support of research and treatments.
  • Know your risk factors and speak with your doctor.
  • Make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
  • Support someone living with esophageal cancer.
  • Wear a periwinkle ribbon to help raise awareness.
  • Use #EsophagealCancerAwarenessMonth on social media.

  ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month was founded to bring increased understanding about the risks and treatments available for this deadly cancer. The organization’s founder, Mindy Mintz Mordecai, lost her husband John to esophageal cancer in 2008.

   

  February 2, 2022

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  Michele

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  April Month, Health & Awareness

• NATIONAL BRUNCH MONTH – April

  NATIONAL BRUNCH MONTH

  When you wake up late for breakfast but it’s too soon for lunch, the remaining option is brunch. Every day in April celebrates National Brunch Month – the food, the history, and the people we celebrate it with!

  Brunch, both the word and the meal, have a long, interesting history. Originating in England in the 19th century as a light afternoon meal following extended church services, brunch eventually transitioned into a lavish multi-course meal. It wasn’t until the 1930s in Chicago that brunch began an integration into the United States.

  Two of the earliest printed mentions of the word brunch point toward Oxford, England. In July of 1895, Margaret B. Wright writes about several terms used in Oxford, England for various meals. In her article titled “Lunch at Oxford” published in The Independent out of New York Wright says, “…when a man makes lunch his first meal of the day it becomes ‘brunch’…”

  Many also reference an article in the obscure Hunter’s Weekly dated November 1895. In a lighthearted article, Guy Beringer describes brunch as a meal for late-night carousers, those returning from church, and hunters combining the words breakfast and lunch. In his article, he suggests the meal should be light and the occasion sociable.

  Bunch combines dishes from breakfast and heavier dishes from lunch. While the brunch menu changes over time and from place to place, the social part of a brunch remains the same. Friends and family gather casually to enjoy conversation, good food, and beverages. Brunch is also a good excuse to nurse a hangover with the hair of the dog. Cocktails and spritzers combined with fruit or vegetable juices come to mind.

  National Brunch Month also celebrates the foods, beverages, and places we go for at that meal between breakfast and lunch. Many restaurants and pubs offer brunch to their patrons. These buffets offer something for everyone, including signature dishes, cocktails, and traditional brunch fare. You can expect eggs, fresh-baked breads, waffles, fruit, salads, and much more. And don’t forget the beverages. Coffee, juice, tea, champagne, mimosas, and Bloody Mary’s all make the list.

  Though brunch doesn’t require a special occasion, it does include the element of friends and family. And what’s better than that? Celebrate all April long with National Brunch Month!

  HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBrunchMonth

  Wrap up your weekends with friends and family (and of course, the perfect cure for the night before) with a dose of brunch. Whether you visit your favorite restaurant or pub (like Ebb & Flow), linger on the patio, or host brunch in your home, the meal will be delicious and the company enjoyable. Share your favorite brunch celebration by using #NationalBrunchMonth on social media.

  

  National Brunch Month History

  Ebb & Flow founded National Brunch Month to celebrate all the ways brunch brings us together.

  The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Brunch Month to be annually observed in April.

   

  November 8, 2021

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  Michele

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  April Month

• NATIONAL TAR SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH – April

  NATIONAL TAR SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH

  In April, National TAR Syndrome Awareness Month focuses on improving the support of those with this rare congenital disorder.

  TAR syndrome is described by two conditions: Thrombocytopenia and Absent Radius (TAR). On its own, anyone at any age can be diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, and it impacts a larger percentage of the population. However, thrombocytopenia with absent radius is rare, affecting 1 in 200,000 people. The radius bone is one of two bones in the forearm. The second bone, the ulna, may also be affected. TAR syndrome may cause short stature, impact the hand, upper arms, legs, and hip sockets, too. A noted difference between TAR syndrome and others impacting the radius is that those with TAR syndrome are born with thumbs, while with other syndromes, they are not.

  Thrombocytopenia is a blood disorder where a low blood platelet count results in clotting issues. Symptoms include:

  • Bruising easily
  • Frequent nose bleeds
  • Bleeding gums
  • Minor cuts that clot slowly
  • Internal bleeding

  The internal bleeding caused by low platelet counts can also impact the brain and other internal organs. Thrombocytopenia is usually present at birth, and for the first few years of life, treating thrombocytopenia is the primary concern for someone with TAR syndrome. Low platelet counts can lead to organ damage and death. However, given enough time, their platelet levels improve as they grow, and their risk of internal injury decreases.

  Awareness and Support

  During childhood, many children see a pediatrician familiar with their condition. However, as they grow into adulthood, children with TAR syndrome transition to general medicine, family practice, or internal medicine doctors. Since TAR syndrome is so rare, their new doctor is often unfamiliar with the condition, and it can be difficult for the patient to feel their concerns are being addressed. That’s another reason why raising awareness is so important. The more the medical community is educated about TAR syndrome, the more support those living with it will receive.

  While these issues may seem to create limitations for someone with TAR syndrome, many live active and productive lives. They pursue their ambitions just like anyone else. From sports to careers, it’s important on National TAR Syndrome Awareness Day to recognize that those who live with TAR syndrome are not the condition.

  The day also recognizes those who support and encourage those with TAR syndrome. Their families and friends are a vital part of their lives. They are the people who believe in them and see them for who they really are.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #TARSyndromeAwarenessMonth

  During National Tar Syndrome Awareness Month, learn more about this rare condition. Visit the public Facebook page TAR Syndrome Awareness. There, you can learn about the syndrome, meet those who live with it, and show your support. Ask questions and be a part of the awareness campaign.

  If you are impacted by TAR syndrome, share your story. Let people know that you are not your syndrome despite the obstacles it might place in your path. You can also give a shout-out to all those people who make a difference in your life.

  Another way to show your support is by donating. The TAR Syndrome Association has set up three ways you can give:

  • Cash apa using tag $tarsyndromeawareness
  • GoFundMe
  • Sponsoring the TAR Syndrome Awareness Walk on April 2nd, 2022.

  You can also support proclamations in your state and at the federal level. When you participate in the day, be sure to use #TARSyndromeAwarenessMonth and share it on social media.

  NATIONAL TAR SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH

  Jylan Ross and the Uniquely Me Foundation/TAR Syndrome Association launched National TAR Syndrome Awareness Month in 2021 to educate the public about this rare condition and improve support for those living with TAR. Ross was born with TAR syndrome, and he strives to bring more understanding of the condition while also encouraging and inspiring others who live with it. He knows he doesn’t campaign for more research, awareness, and support alone. His family, including his parents Brenda Ross and Robi Berry, his grandparents Beverly Ross and Geraldine Berry, and friends such as Ehmad Adams, Chevi Price, Lasha Haddix, Christal Sharp, CharKala Stigall, Nicole Coats, Markeisha Brown, Nikkisha Brown, Mae Burgess, and Lakeesha Turpin among many others, believe in Ross’s drive. They followed in the footsteps of Morgan Robinson, the first person to sign a petition for TAR Syndrome Awareness Month, and have encouraged Ross to pursue this mission.

  Ross hopes that by bringing awareness to TARS syndrome, people will look at the condition in a different light – that they will see its similarities and differences and support more research and education on the condition.

  Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear proclaimed the first TAR Syndrome Awareness Month in 2020. Soon after, several other states issued proclamations.

  In 2022, National Day Calendar proclaimed National TAR Syndrome Awareness Month to be observed annually in April.

   

  November 3, 2021

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  Michele

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  April Month, Health & Awareness

• WORLD VETERINARY DAY – Last Saturday in April

  WORLD VETERINARY DAY

  Every year on the last Saturday in April, World Veterinary Day celebrates the veterinary profession. The day also honors the lifesaving work performed by veterinarians around the world.

  If you have a pet or own livestock, there is a good chance you have a veterinarian or vet for short. These medical professionals are known for protecting the well-being of animals. Thanks to disease prevention in animals, they also help to protect the health of humans.

  Veterinarians practice medicine by diagnosing diseases and treating injuries and ailments in all kinds of animals. Some vets specialize in large animals, such as horses and cattle. Others work only with cats, dogs, and other small pets, such as rabbits, ferrets, and hamsters.

  Veterinarians can also specialize in a particular animal species, such as:

  • Avian (birds)
  • Equine (horses)
  • Reptiles
  • Amphibians

  There are also veterinarians who specialize in treating zoo animals or animals in the wild. Instead of working directly with animals, some vets work in other areas. These areas include food safety and animal research.

  Most countries across the globe employ veterinarians. Some of the highest-paid vets work in Denmark, Germany, Canada, Iceland, and Switzerland. The United States ranks number one on the list for highest-paid veterinarians. Vets in this country earn an average of $88,490.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldVeterinaryDay

  Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, schools, and organizations host a variety of events on this day. These events include educational seminars, presentations, and other activities that raise awareness about the importance of veterinarians. On this day, veterinarians promote a variety of important services for animals, such as vaccinations, wellness checks, spaying, and neutering.

  To participate in this day:

  • Thank your vet for all they do to keep your pet healthy.
  • Learn about all the different kinds of vets.
  • Discuss with others the important role vets play in both animal and human health.
  • Encourage your animal-loving children to explore the veterinary profession,

  Spread awareness for this day on social media with #WorldVeterinaryDay

  WORLD VETERINARY DAY HISTORY

  The World Veterinary Association (WVA) created World Veterinary Day in 2000 to celebrate the veterinary profession. In recent years, the WVA has partnered with Health for Animals and the Global Animal Medicines Association. Together, these organizations sponsor the World Veterinary Day Award. This award, along with $2,500, is given to a member of the WVA whose activities contribute to the annual theme. Past themes for this day have included “Environmental Protection for Improving Animal and Human Health” and the “Value of Vaccination.”

  July 21, 2021

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  Michele

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  Animals & Wild Things, April 29, International, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• GET TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS DAY – Third Thursday of Each Quarter

  GET TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS DAY

  Get to Know Your Customers Day reminds businesses to reach out to patrons and get to know them better. The day is observed annually on the third Thursday of each quarter (January, April, July, October). 

  #GetToKnowYourCustomersDay

  When businesses get to know their customers, they also get to know more about what they need to grow. Remember when Main Street businesses were locally owned and operated? The owners knew you by name and knew your shopping habits. Additionally, they typically knew what you wanted to buy. Not surprisingly, they were willing to get it in for you if they didn’t have it.

  Unfortunately, with the advent of the Internet and big-box stores, much of the personal attention has gone by the wayside. Get to Know Your Customers Day is a day to turn that around. Make it a point to get to know a little more about your customers. Most importantly, make each of them feel like they are your most important customer of the day.

  Tips for Knowing Your Customer:

  • Ask your customers questions. Find out what services and products they need.
  • Use social media. Get the word out about your specials and new product. Social media is a great tool to find out what your customers like and don’t like about your store. It’s important to respond as quickly as possible. When you do, it will be noticed. remember, fixing a negative customer experience in a positive way can show you stand by your word. In turn, it could transfer into future multiple sales.
  • Follow up on a purchase. Ask your customers how their purchase or service worked for them. Not only will you find out about your product, but you will learn more about your customer and the services they need.
  • Network with other businesses. Learning and sharing best practices for getting to know customers from other successful businesses will also grow your business.

  HOW TO OBSERVE GET TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS DAY

  • Grow your business by taking the time to get to know your customers. In doing so, you’ll be planting a seed that will flourish!
  • Ask your customers what you’re doing right and what they would like to see improved.
  • Use #GetToKnowYourCustomersDay to post on social media.
  • Read about these 7 Ways to Know Your Customers to learn more. 

  GET TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS DAY HISTORY

  We have been unable to find the creator of National Get to Know Your Customers Day.

  Get to Know Your Customers FAQ

  Q. Is this day for online or brick-and-mortar businesses?
  A. It’s for ALL businesses. Knowing your customers and their needs is important to any kind of business, large and small.

  Q. Are there other observances on the calendar dedicated to customers?
  A. Yes! March 19th is International Client’s Day.

  July 5, 2021

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  National Day Calendar

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  April 20, January 19, July 20, National Day, October 19, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• NATIONAL FIRST LADIES DAY – Last Saturday in April

  NATIONAL FIRST LADIES DAY

  National First Ladies Day on the last Saturday in April honors all First Ladies of the United States and commemorates the founding of the First Lady upon President George Washington’s inauguration on April 30, 1789. Martha Washington became First Lady of the United States that day. She and all those who followed in her footsteps have played in molding our nation.

  Since 1789, a first lady has accompanied every president. Starting with Martha Washington, who was born on June 2, 1731, first ladies have helped set a tone in the highest office of the land. Even the country’s only bachelor president, James Buchannan, required someone to act as hostess. Harriet Lane, the president’s niece, stepped into the role of the first lady. She presented a well-ordered White House with tact and grace. Lane isn’t the only relative to serve in the role of the first lady. Several other presidents held office as widowers requiring someone to step into the role as a de facto first lady, too.

  While they aren’t elected, many of them campaign alongside their spouse. Others have served as elected or appointed officials in many different capacities. First ladies have been teachers, Girl Scouts, educated, and adventurous.

  More First Lady Facts

  Another first lady with a unique history is Abigail Adams. The first to live in the White House when John Adams was elected the 2nd President of the United States, Adams was also the mother of another president – John Quincy Adams. First Lady Barbara Bush repeated that circumstance 176 years later when her son George W. Bush was elected.

  Only two first ladies were born outside the United States – Melania Trump was the most recent. Do you know who the first was?

  Tradition and Firsts

  While nearly every first lady since Martha Washington has been dedicated to a charitable cause, Lady Bird Johnson made it a formal platform. Since then, the country has come to expect the next first lady to continue the tradition.

  Abigail Fillmore was the first teacher to ascend to the role of the first lady. The most recent was Laura Bush.

  While there are many firsts in the world of first ladies, two recent ones include the first African American and the first to earn a doctorate degree – Michele Obama and Dr. Jill Biden.

  First Lady Tragedy

  Eight first ladies have become widows while living in the White House. The first was Anna Harrison. Notably, she was also the grandmother of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President. Of these eight, four were the wives of presidents who were assassinated. Mary Lincoln, Lucretia Garfield, Ida McKinley, and Jacqueline Kennedy fall into this tragic list.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #FirstLadiesDay

  • On National First Ladies Day, learn more about the women who’ve set tradition, supported the president, and become role models for many.
  • Read memoirs, tour museums, and watch documentaries about the first ladies.
  • Have you met a first lady or two? Share your experiences or how you think the first lady role will change over time.
  • Use #FirstLadiesDay to share on social media.
  • Are you looking for more facts? Read 7 Fascinating First Lady Facts to learn more.

  NATIONAL FIRST LADIES DAY HISTORY

  In 2021, National Day Calendar in cooperation with The National First Ladies Day Commission declared National First Ladies Day to be observed on the last Saturday in April to commemorate the creation of the First Lady in 1789.

  May 26, 2021

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  Michele

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  April 29, Education & History, National Day

• WORLD WISH DAY – April 29

  WORLD WISH DAY

  Every year on April 29th, World Wish Day celebrates the anniversary of the founding of Make-A-Wish. It’s a day for Make-A-Wish chapters and affiliates to come together and reflect on how many wishes they have made come true. 

  Have you ever had a strong desire for something to happen? If so, you have had a wish. Most people have wished for something at some point in their life. Some of the most popular things people wish for include: 

  • Good health 
  • Money
  • Basic necessities, such as food and shelter 
  • Love
  • The ability to change something about themselves
  • To become famous 
  • World peace 
  • Freedom
  • Happiness 

  Some of these things are easily attainable. Others are not, especially for people who may live in a poverty-stricken or war-torn country. The above wishes are things that adults usually wish for. But what about children? Most kids wish to have fun, to play, to be accepted, for friendship, to have a happy home, and to learn. Some kids wish they didn’t have to do chores. Others wish they could have a certain career or be someone important when they grow up. 

  For many kids, these kinds of wishes do come true. There are many, children however, that will never get the one thing they wish for. The reason for this is they have an incurable or critical illness that prevents them from getting their wish. This is a sad reality. Thankfully, there are organizations, such as Make-A-Wish, who desire to help make these children’s wishes come true. 

  HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldWishDay 

  On this day, Make-A-Wish chapters around the world celebrate the beginning of this organization. The organization shares stories of how a wish-come-true gave a child the strength they needed to fight their illness. To participate in this day, help a child’s wish come true by making a donation to Make-A-Wish. You can also encourage a child who is battling an illness or do what you can to help their wish come true. Share this day on social media with #WorldWishDay.

  WORLD WISH DAY HISTORY 

  Make-A-Wish was formed in 1980. A 7-year old boy named Christopher Greicius inspired the founding of the organization. He was battling leukemia and had a wish to be a police officer. In 2010, Make-A-Wish celebrated its 30th anniversary by creating a World Wish Day. Since its inception, Make-A-Wish has granted over 500,000 wishes in nearly 50 countries. 

   

  May 10, 2021

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  Michele

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  April 29, Health & Awareness, International, National Day

• NATIONAL BORINQUENEERS DAY – April 13

  NATIONAL BORINQUENEERS DAY

  On April 13th, National Borinqueneers Day recognizes the sacrifices of the Puerto Rican Regiment of the Volunteer Infantry. Today the regiment is designated the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army.

  Congress first authorized a volunteer military presence in Puerto Rico the year after the island became a United States territory – 1899. Since the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico’s military personnel have served honorably, though often in limited or non-combat roles. At the end of World War II, the military demobilized the 65th Infantry. However, when the Korean War broke out, the United States reactivated the combat-ready units; that included the 65th.

  During the Korean War, the 65th adopted the nickname “The Borinqueneers.” The name honors the Taíno Indians, the original inhabitants of Puerto Rico or the island of Borinquen. Their operations during the Korean War provided substantial support. The Borinqueneers received numerous decorations, including more than 2,700 Purple Hearts, 600 Bronze Stars, 250 Silver Stars, 9 Distinguished Serve Crosses, and 1 Medal of Honor, among other commendations and awards.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBorinqueneersDay

  Celebrate the history of the 65th Infantry Regiment. Honor those who serve in the military from Puerto Rico. Support your Hispanic veterans and learn more about the first Hispanic regiment. One way to do that is by watching The Borinqueneers documentary directed by Noemí Figueroa Soulet and Raquel Ortiz. You can also share stories and photos of your Hispanic military family members. No matter how you celebrate, be sure to use #NationalBorinqueneersDay on social media.

  NATIONAL BORINQUENEERS DAY HISTORY

  In 2020, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included legislation supporting April 13th as National Borinqueneers Day. President Donald Trump vetoed the legislation, but on January 1, 2021, members of Congress overrode the presidential veto making the legislation law. The United States celebrated the first National Boriqueneers Day on April 13, 2021.

  April 23, 2021

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  Michele

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  April 13, Military, National Day