Category: April

  • 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.

    #FirstLadiesDay

    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 NATIONAL FIRST LADIES DAY

    • 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.

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  • 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. 

    #WorldWishDay

    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 WORLD WISH DAY 

    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. 

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  • 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.

    #NationalBorinqueneersDay

    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 NATIONAL BORINQUENEERS DAY

    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.

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  • NATIONAL ONLY CHILD DAY – April 12

    NATIONAL ONLY CHILD DAY

    On April 12th, National Only Child Day celebrates the individual child, the siblingless, the one and onlies. You know who you are. There are more of you these days than in decades before.

    #OnlyChildDay

    According to Pew Research, the number of families with only one child has doubled since 1970. In 2014, statistics show that 22 percent of women age 40-44 had given birth to only one child. Compared to data from the United States Census Bureau, the statistics continue to gradually trend upward.

    What these stats don’t tell you is that being an only child comes with certain rewards and some pitfalls, too. Many only children tout the benefits of never having to wait their turn to use the bathroom – that is unless they live in a multi-generational household. Their parents’ attention is rarely divided because there aren’t multiple siblings demanding their attention – unless, of course, the only child was raised by a single parent working two, maybe three jobs.

    An only child tends to feel secure and loved, too. Since finances aren’t split between multiple siblings, they often have their choice of extra-curricular activities growing up. These activities have the added benefit of social interaction and friendships.

    #NationalOnlyChildDay, National Only Child Day

    While only children don’t have sibling rivalries, they do face decisions regarding aging parents alone. Sometimes siblings make these decisions more difficult and being an independent advisor is freeing for an only child. However, for others, it can be a challenge. Facing the loss of one or both parents, especially if either of them were also only children can make the grieving process as an only child difficult to face, too.

    However, as the statistics show, only children are truly not alone. Your numbers are growing! National Only Child Day not only celebrates their numbers but their strength, uniqueness, and pure independence.

    HOW TO OBSERVE ONLY CHILD DAY

    Share your experiences as an only child. Remind your parents how perfect you are. Connect with other only children. Celebrate the individual qualities of the only child. When you do, be sure to use #OnlyChildDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL ONLY CHILD DAY HISTORY

    National Only Child Day began in 2015.

    Only Child FAQ

    Q. Who are some notable only children?
    A. Only children can be as successful as can be. Check out these notable only children:

    • Betty White
    • Chelsea Clinton
    • Daniel Radcliffe
    • Drew Barrymore
    • Robin Williams
    • Samuel L. Jackson
    • Tiger Woods
    • Ansel Adams
    • Charles Lindbergh

    Q. Why are there no U.S. presidents listed?
    A. Every U.S. president has had either a sibling or half-sibling. None of them were only children.

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  • PURPLE UP! DAY – April 15

    PURPLE UP! DAY

    During the Month of the Military Child, Purple Up! Day on April 15th recognizes some of the military’s most unsung heroes – their children. The day encourages everyone to wear purple representing all branches of the military and showing unity with each other.

    #PurpleUpDay

    All across the country and around the world, military children play a significant role in their schools, youth organizations, and communities. When we wear purple in their honor, we let them know we support them in all branches of the military – Army, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force. Whether they are a part of the military family for a short while or their entire childhood, the military child deserves to know they have the support of their community.

    HOW TO OBSERVE PURPLE UP! DAY

    • Wear purple to show your support for military youth.
    • Schools and military installations also host events recognizing the sacrifices military children make.
    • Local businesses and organizations also hold celebrations throughout the month of April, especially when the 15th lands on a weekend.
    • Consider some of these events for your school or organization:
      • Invite your former and current military employees to share photos of their children.
      • Change your social media profile to a purple frame.
      • Recognize military children during events.
      • Feature a military child on a school, organization, or club website.
    • Invite a military parent or child to speak at your school, business, or organization.

    PURPLE UP! DAY HISTORY

    The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military Youth and Family Program initiated the Purple Up! for Military Kids in 2011. They selected April 15th during the Month of the Military Child as a way to honor military children from all branches of the military. Purple represented the colors of each branch of the military as one. Since then, other organizations and communities spread the word, giving the celebration momentum. 

    Military Child

    Q. When is National Military Brats Day?
    A. National Military Brats Day is April 30th.

    Q. I was a military brat. Is there a way to reconnect with other military brats I used to know?
    A. Yes! Militarybrat.com hosts a registry that reconnects the children of military personnel.

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  • SARCOIDOSIS AWARENESS MONTH – April

    SARCOIDOSIS AWARENESS MONTH

    Sarcoidosis Awareness Month annually raises awareness about a non-contagious immune system disease. While most commonly found in the lungs, sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the body, inside or out.  

    When it attacks the skin, it typically looks like a scaly rash or red bumps. Often, people don’t realize they have it and blame it on allergies or a simple reaction to something with which they came into contact. Sarcoidosis can affect muscles, bones, kidneys, eyes, liver, the heart, or any other part of the body.  When it affects the eyes, the usual symptoms are sore eyes. When internal organs or muscles are affected it can cause swelling and pain. In the lungs, it can cause a dry cough, shortness of breath, and mild chest pain.

    Symptoms for this disease depend upon which part of the body is affected. In many cases, those with sarcoidosis will have the following symptoms:

    • Fatigue
    • Night sweats
    • Coughing
    • Weight loss
    • Fever
    • Swollen lymph nodes

    Anyone can get Sarcoidosis, but it typically attacks people between the ages of 20 and 40.  In about half of the cases, Sarcoidosis goes away without treatment.  In more severe cases, for which there is no cure, the symptoms may last for years and cause organ damage. While scientists don’t fully understand Sarcoidosis yet, research continues to be done on it in the hopes of finding the cause and a cure.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #SarcoidosisAwarenessMonth

    Learn more about sarcoidosis and support research to cure this devastating disease. You can also wear purple to help spread awareness of the disease. Patients with sarcoidosis are encouraged to share their stories. To do your part, take a selfie of yourself in your favorite purple t-shirt and share it on social media with #SarcoidosisAwarenessMonth.

    SARCOIDOSIS AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY

    In April 2008, the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research declared Sarcoidosis Awareness Month. Eleven years later, the organization launched World Sarcoidosis Awareness Day in conjunction with the April observance. They hosted the first World Sarcoidosis Awareness Day on April 13th, 2019.

     

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  • WORLD MUSIC THERAPY WEEK | APRIL 10-15

    WORLD MUSIC THERAPY WEEK | APRIL 10-15

    World Music Therapy Week shines a light on music therapists worldwide each year April 10-15. The week also showcases how music provides a way to make life better and more fulfilling.

    #WorldMusicTherapyWeek

    Many people refer to music as a universal language. Music therapy is rooted in the healing effect it has on human beings. Music therapy has proven to be an effective way to address physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children, seniors, and people with disabilities. People with cerebral palsy, autism, learning disabilities, and many other types of disabilities see benefits of receiving music therapy.

    Music therapy often includes singing, listening to music, creating music, moving to music, and using instruments.

    Research proves that music therapy is effective for:

    • Promoting movement
    • Providing ways to communicate
    • Providing ways to express feelings

    Music therapists provide this type of therapy. Music therapists need a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an accredited school in the United States. They must also have 1,200 hours of clinical training. According to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), there are 8,000 music therapists in the United States. Other countries also have music therapy associations around the world, including Argentina, England, France, Austria, Canada, Switzerland, India, Japan, and Spain.

    Since music is portable, music therapists provide their services in a variety of environments. They go to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and even a client’s home. The success of music therapy allows some schools to implement music therapy in their special education programs. Music helps children in special education develop rhythm and motor skills as well as increase memorization skills. It also promotes children to behave appropriately and offers a distraction from discomfort and anxiety.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD MUSIC THERAPY WEEK

    Therapists, students, patients, and others are encouraged to share their love of music therapy with others.

    There are also many ways for everyone to participate in World Music Therapy Week.

    • If you know a music therapist, thank them for their essential work.
    • If you or a family member has benefited from music therapy, share your story on social media.
    • Write and record a song and post it online.
    • Gather with a group and experience the joy of singing together.
    • Learn more about music therapy and how it can benefit seniors or those with special needs.

    Spread awareness about this week on social media with #WorldMusicTherapyWeek or #WMTD

    WORLD MUSIC THERAPY WEEK HISTORY

    The World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT) originally launched World Music Therapy Day in 2016. However, in 2023, the federation changed the day to a week to be celebrated each year between April 10-15. WFMT was founded in 1985 during the 5th World Congress of Music Therapy in Italy.,

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  • NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY – First Saturday of Every Month

    NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY

    If it’s the first Saturday of the month, it’s National Play Outside Day. So, no matter what month it is, everyone put down their electronic devices and get outside!

    #PlayOutsideDay

    All year long, we are given numerous opportunities to get outside and play. But sometimes, life, responsibilities, and distractions keep us from spending time in the fresh air as we should. National Play Outside Day is a reminder to stretch our legs and expend some energy in the great outdoors.

    Benefits of Outdoor Play

    Why is playing outside so good for us? Besides getting us off the sofa or away from the desk, it also gives us an opportunity to explore our neighborhoods. While it’s impossible to list all the benefits of outdoor play, we do have a few to share.

    • Playing outdoors is a freeing activity. It frees us from routines, enclosed spaces, and frames of mind.
    • The outdoors fills us with energy. Whether it’s the fresh air, sunshine, or physical activity, we perk up and become motivated to accomplish things.
    • It clears the cobwebs from our brains. We sometimes get stuck on a topic, project, or issue and are unable to resolve it. A change of scene often brings clarity we didn’t have before.
    • Outdoor play provides terrific physical activity for our bodies. Our hearts pump fresh oxygen to our limbs and brains.
    • We experience new sights and sounds. Children get to experience the world around them.
    • As a social activity, playing outside encourages positive interactions.
    • When you play outside every month, it becomes habit-forming – and this is one good habit to have!
    • It stimulates the imagination. Outdoor play almost has no boundaries. Your yard can be a kingdom or the playground can be a mountain to scale.

    We’ve only scratched the surface of the benefits of outdoor play. There are so many more! So, be sure to get outside with the family on the first Saturday of every month – or even more often than that!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY

    We know the seasons change, so what we were able to do outside last month will be different this month. However, that shouldn’t stop you from celebrating the day. This is your monthly reminder that it’s time to get outside and play. We have suggestions for every season that we’re sure you’ll enjoy!

    • Explore hiking trails near you.
    • Visit the local swimming pool or even take swimming lessons.
    • Check out every park in your neighborhood and climb, slide or swing on every playground set.
    • Start a game of catch, kickball, tag, or Frisbee or make up a game.
    • Go to the beach.
    • Run through the sprinkler.
    • Go camping.
    • Go fishing.
    • Fly a kite.
    • Jump in a pile of leaves.
    • Build a fort – of leaves or snow or whatever is handy.
    • Walk around the block.
    • Go for a bike ride.
    • Build a snowperson.
    • Go sledding.
    • Identify the constellations at night and look for meteors.
    • Visit your favorite state or national park.
    • Check out these 9 Fun Winter Outdoor Activities.

    What’s your favorite way to play outside? Introduce some of the games you used to play to your children. Whatever you do, be sure to get outside and play! Use #PlayOutsideDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY HISTORY

    In 2011, Aaron Wiggans and Rhonda D. Abeyta founded National Play Outside Day as a reminder to explore and play in the world outside. The day encourages healthful habits that will last a lifetime.

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  • NATIONAL BANANA DAY – Third Wednesday in April

    NATIONAL BANANA DAY

    On the third Wednesday in April, take a bite of the fruit that also makes an excellent prop for jokes on National Banana Day!

    #NationalBananaDay

    The day focuses on the nutrition of the fruit as well as the way comedy has used the banana in its acts. This low-fat, low-calorie snack offers a boost of fiber, potassium, and vitamins, with B6 and C leading the way. It also provides a healthy gram of protein, too. Add a banana to your morning cereal or grab one to go with your granola. They also add so much delicious flavor to baked goods. Many bakers know that when those bananas turn brown to toss them in the freezer for baking muffins and breads later.

    As far as the humor goes, anyone goes a little bananas when they slip on a peel. Or is it the peel of laughter that makes them go bananas? Hold up the banana like a phone and get your comedy routine going.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BANANA DAY

    • Write a little message on a banana and tuck it into your loved one’s lunch.
    • Add bananas to your lunch routine. They’re inexpensive and delicious. Children and adults love them, so you just can’t go wrong.
    • Use #NationalBananaDay to share how you #CelebrateEveryDay on social media.
    • Try these recipes below:

    NATIONAL BANANA DAY HISTORY

    The word is still out about who created this national holiday. However, we’ve sent out several bananas to track them down.

    Banana FAQ

    Q. What is a group of bananas called?
    A. The cluster of bananas that grow on the banana plant is called hands (together they look like fingers on a hand).

    Q. Are banana plants sterile?
    A. The fruit of the banana plant is sterile. However, the banana plant is able to reproduce from rhizomes beneath the soil. The parent plant dies after it produces fruit, but the rhizomes will send out corms for new plants.

    Q. How many calories are in a banana?
    A. A medium banana contains about 105 calories.

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  • PASSOVER BEGINS – Changes Annually

    PASSOVER BEGINS

    Every year, the spring festival called Passover is celebrated for 8 days. Traditionally known as a major Jewish holiday, many Christians have also begun to take part in celebrating Passover. The date of the festival is in accordance with the first full moon in the Hebrew calendar month, Nissan. For this reason, the date changes every year.

    #Passover

    The Hebrew word for Passover is Pesach. The holiday is also called the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The roots of this Jewish holiday can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible. The main purpose of the holiday is to commemorate the Biblical story of Exodus. This is when God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

    The book of Exodus recounts the historical event. A leader named Pharaoh wanted to control the number of Jews living in Egypt. To do this, he ordered the killing of all male Jewish babies. The mother of Moses put him in a basket on the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter found and adopted Moses. When he grew up, Moses fled to the desert where God told him to go back to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery.

    When Moses asked Pharaoh to let his people go, Pharaoh told him no. Each time, God sent a plague on Egypt. Finally, Pharaoh commanded the death of every first born. The Lord told Moses, however, that he would pass over any home that had the blood of a lamb on their doorposts. It was after this final plague that Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go. Because they had to leave in a hurry, there wasn’t enough time for their bread dough to rise. This is why Passover is also referred to as the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

    HOW TO OBSERVE PASSOVER

    The holiday begins with the Passover Seder. This is a ritual feast that includes reading, drinking wine, washing the hands, eating special foods, and signing. A traditional Seder meal consists of four cups of wine, veggies dipped in saltwater, flatbread called matzah, bitter herbs, such as horseradish, and roasted lamb. Each of the foods are arranged on a Seder plate. The food and wine are ingested in a certain order. The procedure is written in a book called the Haggadah.

    • Besides hosting a Seder meal with your friends and loved ones, other ways to celebrate Passover include:
    • Read Exodus 13:3-6, Leviticus 23:6-8, Deuteronomy 16:1-8.
    • Read the book, The Feasts of the Lord by Kevin Howard Marvin Rosenthal.
    • Watch the movie, “Exodus: Gods and Kings.”
    • Clean all the yeast from your house for the duration of the holiday.

    Share how you choose to celebrate this day on social media with #Passover.

    PASSOVER HISTORY

    The Jewish people have been celebrating Passover for over 3,000 years. The command to commemorate the Feast of Unleavened Bread is found in various passages of the Bible. One of those passages is Deuteronomy 16:3, which says, “You shall not eat leavened bread with it; seven days you shall eat with it unleavened bread, the bread of affliction (for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste), so that you may remember all the days of your life the day when you came out of the land of Egypt.” Because he was Jewish, Jesus celebrated the Passover, which is why many Christians choose to celebrate this traditional Jewish holiday.

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