Category: February 19

  • NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY – February 19

    NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY

    Arabian horses fill their owners with a passion equal to what they hold for loved family members. So, every day to them is National Arabian Horse Day. However, on February 19, the Arabian horse is recognized as one of the most popular breeds in the world.

    #NationalArabianHorseDay

    When asking the question, “What horse breed most exemplifies beauty, grace, stamina, athletic ability, adaptability, pride, refinement, versatility, and emotional connections with its human counterpart,” the Arabian horse tops the list. From the backyard family member to Champion show horse, the Arabian horse fits every capacity a person can imagine. Their unique history and distinctive head shape also make them one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds.

    Arabian Horse History

    The origins of the oldest purebred Arabian horse in the world date back thousands of years to the Arabian Peninsula. The Bedouins, tribesmen of Arabia, are believed to be the first to domesticate the Arabian horse, forming a harmonious relationship in times of both peace and war, a horse that is good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please, while also exhibiting supreme endurance and speed. A symbol of military might, cavalry needs led to the spread of the breed around the world. Still, today, the Arabian horse retains all these desired qualities that made it so coveted. The Arabian is also the foundation for many other familiar breeds such as the Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Morgan, and American Saddlebred.

    Arabian Horse Facts
    • Beyond its unique beauty and athletic traits, the Arabian is also known for bonding with humans and its loyal disposition.
    • Noted for its distinctive features, enthusiasts immediately recognize the Arabian’s dished face and high tail. Other notable features include wide-set eyes, large nostrils, an arched neck, and an easy stride.
    • There are over one million Arabian horses in 62 countries, with the U.S. having more than half.
    • The average lifespan of Arabian horses is 25-30 years.
    • Notable Arabian horse owners include Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, Wayne Newton, Patrick Swayze, and Shania Twain.

    The Arabian horse has endured for thousands of years. That’s just one reason why they are so loved and admired. They are also loyal companions to young and old. Arabian horses also offer endless opportunities to be active and meet new people. Anyone can have one in their life.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY

    Celebrate your love of the Arabian horse on National Arabian Horse Day.

    • Celebrate the day with The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, where the Arabian horse, breeders, competitors, and enthusiasts can appreciate all the breed’s magnificent qualities.
    • Attend a competition to experience the qualities of the Arabian horse in action.
    • Get involved! Join or attend your local affiliate club to learn more about Arabian horses. Visit arabianhorses.org for more information.
    • Visit a local Arabian horse farm near you. To learn more, visit the Arabian Horse Farm Finder.
    • Share your experience and knowledge of the Arabian horse with others.

    Experience the Arabian horse and use #NationalArabianHorseDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY HISTORY

    Arabian Horse Day logoFounded in 2021 by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona (a non-profit organization), National Arabian Horse Day seeks to introduce and educate the world on the benefits of having an Arabian horse in your life, thus ensuring the breed’s longevity.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Arabian Horse Day in 2022.

  • NATIONAL VET GIRLS RISE DAY – February 19

    NATIONAL VET GIRLS RISE DAY

    On February 19th, National Vet Girls RISE Day recognizes the immense dedication of the nearly 2 million U.S. veteran women.

    #VetGirlsRISEDay

    On National Vet Girls RISE Day, not only is it a day to recognize women veterans, but it is 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 VET GIRLS RISE DAY

    • 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 RiseVet 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 19th.

    About Vet Girls Rise

    Vet Girls RISE, is 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.

    Vet Girls FAQ

    Q. When did women first join the military?
    A. According to Military.com, an official record of the first women to join the military doesn’t exist. However, during the Revolutionary War, Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man using the name Robert Shurtliff and enlisted in the Continental Army. She is one of a handful of women who also received a military pension at that time.

    Q. When were women first officially admitted to the U.S. military?
    A. Women were officially admitted to the military in 1948. That year, President Harry S. Truman signed into law the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. However, women have been an integral part of the Army, Navy, and Marines for years before that. During World War I and World War II, many women served in military roles on land, air, and sea. During the American Civil War, women provided medical care. One notable nurse, Clara Barton, founded the Red Cross.

  • NATIONAL LASH DAY – February 19

    NATIONAL LASH DAY

    National Lash Day on February 19th each year promotes the love and need for true and false eyelashes. The day offers an opportunity to explore the benefits and fashion of lashes. 

    #NationalLashDay

    Eyelashes are a staple item to every makeup look and beauty enthusiast. Lashes have always been known to make your eyes pop and stand out from the crowd. As important as how they make us look, they also help keep dirt or substances from entering the eye and aid in preventing infections. Another important benefit eyelashes provide is preventing eye moisture from evaporating. Lashes shade our eyes in a variety of lengths and colors, too. Needless to say, eyelashes are a true necessity for every person at any age. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL LASH DAY

    • Show off your lashes.
    • Explore information on lash care.
    • Dress up your lashes with your favorite products.
    • Celebrate your lashes in every shape and style by using #NationalLashDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL LASH DAY HISTORY

    House of Lashes submitted National Lash Day in 2015 to celebrate the beauty and functionality of lashes. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the day to be observed on February 19th, annually.

    At House of Lashes, we believe in an Eco-Chic green environment and pledge to keep our products animal cruelty-free. In this way, we manufacture all of our lash boxes out of recyclable packaging and our lashes are hand-crafted using 100% sterilized premium human hair and cruelty-free synthetic fibers. Our inspirations are derived from remarkably creative and diverse communities and have a passion to serve individuals to make them look and feel beautiful.  We strive to become the top pioneering eyelash brand around the globe as we pride ourselves in premium quality products and continue to provide excellent customer service.  “HOL” is founded by a beauty and fashion expert who spent four years researching lashes from all over the world narrowing down the top ten most flattering styles for every eye shape. At House of Lashes, we believe lashes make everything better and stand behind the mantra ‘Quality is Queen.’

    Lashes FAQ

    Q. Is it difficult to apply false lashes?
    A. With a steady hand, some practice, and by following the instructions on the package, anyone can apply false lashes.

    Q. Are false lashes difficult to remove?
    A. Removing false lashes doesn’t have to be daunting. Be gentle and pull (not tug) from the outer lid toward the tear duct. You can also use a lash removal product. Follow the package instructions.

    Q. How long will my false lashes last?
    A. Depending on the product and care, false lashes can be worn between 10-20 times.

    February 19th Celebrated History

    1878

    The United States Patent Office issues Thomas Edison patent no. 200, 521 for the invention of the phonograph.

    1906

    Kellogg brothers John and Harvey found The Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company in Battle Creek, Michigan.

    1941

    Congress passed the Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary Act establishing the United States Coast Guard Reserves and each year on this date the country formally celebrates the military organization’s birthday.

    1948

    Ezra Pound wins the first Bollingen Prize in poetry established by the Bollingen Foundation at Yale University.

    1953

    Georgia creates the first censorship board with the passage of House Bill 247. The Georgia Literature Commission operated for 20 years, deciding which books were considered obscene and which were considered decent for bookshelves.

    February 19th Celebrated Birthdays

    Jesse Hiatt – 1826

    After Johnny Appleseed came Jesse Hiatt. He developed the apple known today as the Red Delicious. However, back in 1887 after the first tree bore its first crop, Hiatt named the fruit the Hawkeye after his adopted state of Iowa.

    Charles Alexander Eastman – 1858

    In 1890, Eastman became the first Native American to graduate from the Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Eastman returned to the Pine Ridge Agency in South Dakota and would be the only physician to attend the survivors of the Wounded Knee Massacre. He would continue his medical career and write several books about his experiences, biographies of Native American leaders and collected folktales.

    Mary Anderson – 1903

    On November 11, 1903, the U.S. Patent Office issued patent no. 743,801 to Mary Anderson for her invention of a window cleaning device designed to keep the windscreen of an automobile clear of rain and snow. In other words, Anderson invented the windshield wiper. However, Anderson may have been a tad before her time. She gave up her efforts to sell the device just before manufacturing and sales of automobiles took off.

    Smokey Robinson – 1940

    For more than six decades the legendary Motown singer-songwriter and producer has been creating unforgettable music. Beginning with the founding of The Miracles, songs like “Tears of a Clown,” “I Second That Emotion,” and “Shop Around” made the group popular. Smokey’s solo career also took off with hits like “Cruisin’” and “Being with You.”

    Homer Hickam – 1943

    The former NASA engineer is the author of several novels including the 1998 memoir Rocket Boys. In 1999, the novel became the inspiration for the film October Sky.

    Notable Mentions

    Lee Marvin – 1924
    Amy Tan – 1952
    Jeff Daniels – 1955
    Prince Andrew – 1960
    Seal – 1963

  • NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY – February 19

    NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY

    Recognized by the US National Confectioners Association, National Chocolate Mint Day is observed annually across the nation on February 19th. This holiday has been set aside for all the chocolate mint lovers to eat their favorite treats all day long.

    #ChocolateMintDay

    The Aztecs and Mayans are given much credit for their ways with chocolate. And while chocolate was brought back to Europeans, they were not fond of the dark, bitter bean, so they used more for medicinal purposes.

    As it was mostly consumed as a hot beverage, Europeans mixed mint, cinnamon and other spices to make it more palatable. Over time, they added sugar, and the combination of chocolate and mint became fashionable.

    Fast forward to the mid-1800s when inventions and improvements in processes made it possible for confectioners to begin mass-producing chocolates. Even then, small candy shops served a local public. Advertisements for mint chocolates, or chocolate mints, did not start showing up in newspapers until the turn of the century.

    The International Dairy Foods Association states that mint chocolate chip is the 10th most popular flavor of ice cream.

    One of the earliest mass-producers of chocolate mints was Huyler’s in New York. Their chain of stores spread across the country. 

    Today we find mint chocolate in everything from ice cream to brownies, cookies and candies, liquors and sauces. Girl Scouts first sold Thin Mint cookies in 1953 and are still their most popular cookie. Mint chocolate is also the name of an herb with edible leaves that tastes like chocolate and mint.

    HOW TO OBSERVE CHOCOLATE MINT DAY

    • Eat some chocolate mint.
    • Make something using chocolate and mint.
    • If you need a recipe, try this one:

    Mint Frosting for Chocolate Cake

    1 package cream cheese (8 0z), softened
    1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
    3-1/2 cups powdered sugar
    1 teaspoon mint extract
    Green food coloring

    In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. On low speed, beat in mint extract, 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring and 3-1/2 cups powdered sugar until mixed.  Beat on medium speed until fluffy. Store frosted cake in refrigerator.

    Use #ChocolateMintDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this minty celebration. While we do, we’ll be sure to leave a chocolate mint on our pillow in the morning to inspire our search. 

    Chocolate Mint FAQ

    Q. What kind of mint is used in chocolate?
    A. Spearmint is the most commonly used mint in chocolate recipes. However, peppermint is also used.

    Q. What are other uses for mint?
    A. Like chocolate, mint can also be made into a beverage. In this case, mint is steeped into a tea. It is known for its calming effect on upset stomachs. Mint can also be added to lotions or topical creams providing a cooling effect on the skin. It can be added to savory sauces.

    Q. What other plants are in the mint family?
    A. Mint is a part of the Lamiaceae family. Some plants included in the family are:

    • rosemary
    • lavender
    • hyssop
    • basil
    • thyme
    • catnip