Category: June 19

  • INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT – June 19

    INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT

    Every year on June 19th, the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict raises awareness for conflict-related sexual violence. The day also honors the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world.

    The United Nations defines conflict-related sexual violence as any of the following acts:

    • Rape
    • Sexual slavery
    • Forced prostitution
    • Forced pregnancy
    • Trafficking
    • Forced abortion
    • Forced marriage
    • Enforced sterilization

    Women and girls are not the only victims of conflict-related sexual violence. Men and boys are also subject to it as well. Unfortunately, many survivors of this type of sexual violence do not come forward. This is primarily due to fear and cultural stigmas. When the survivors do not come forward, justice does not get served. It also allows the perpetrators to repeat their violent acts.

    The exact number of victims of conflict-related sexual violence is unknown. This is because of the lack of victims coming forward. It’s also because it is very difficult to gather information. In the country of Mali, there were death threats made against humanitarian workers gathering data. There are 19 countries where the most conflict-related sexual violence occurs. These countries include Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Liberia.

    Each year the United Nations Secretary-General produces a report on conflict-related sexual violence. The report contains specific recommendations for countries where this type of violence is prevalent. These recommendations include fostering a survivor-centered and holistic concept of justice, strengthening preventive measures, and strengthening services for survivors.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #EliminationSexualViolenceInConflict

    On this day, the UN encourages governing bodies around the world to accurately document cases of conflict-related sexual violence so that justice can be served. Victims are also encouraged to come forward with their stories.

    Do your part by helping to spread awareness for this day and support the victims of conflict-related sexual violence. Use #InternationalDayForTheEliminationOfSexualViolenceInConflict when sharing on social media.

    INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT HISTORY

    On June 19th, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 19th the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. They chose June 19th to commemorate the adoption of the Security Council Resolution. The Resolution was adopted in 2008. The Council condemned sexual violence as a weapon of war and an obstruction to peace.

  • WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY – June 19

    WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY

    June 19th is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. The international awareness day is observed annually to increase public knowledge and an understanding of sickle cell disease, and the challenges experienced by patients, their families, and caregivers.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates sickle-cell disease affects nearly 100 million people worldwide, and over 300 000 children are born every year with the condition.

    Sickle cell disease can occur in all races but is most common in African-Americans and Hispanics.

    Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of blood disorders typically inherited from a person’s parents. The most common type is known as sickle cell anemia (SCA). It results in an abnormality in the oxygen-carrying protein hemoglobin found in red blood cells

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Learn more from the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America website.
    Donate money to combat the disease. Use #WorldSickleCellDay to share and follow on social media.

    HISTORY

    The first modern report of sickle cell disease may have been in 1846, where the autopsy of an executed runaway slave was discussed

    In 2006, the World Health Organization and in 2008, the United Nations recognized sickle cell disease and marked June 19 as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.

     

  • WORLD SAUNTERING DAY – June 19

    WORLD SAUNTERING DAY

    Slow down. In fact, try moseying around. June 19 is World Sauntering Day. The day counters the attention given to jogging and encourages people to stroll, ramble, and wander.

    Sauntering is a style of walking. A saunter is a slow walk which carries a cheerful attitude. Those who saunter don’t hurry. They absorb the wonders of nature and contemplate the weather. A rare saunterer plots a course, nor do they know their destination. Time? There’s no schedule.

    A wooded path or beach make for excellent saunters. They offer visual and auditory stimulation while allowing the mind to wander. Tranquil city parks present plenty of people watching opportunities as well as comfortable benches and scenic views to ponder on a lazy afternoon.

    The windrow of an open field leading to nowhere would be the perfect sauntering place of a naturalist such as Henry David Thoreau or John Burroughs, two famous saunters.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Step out the back door or take time on your lunch break. Stroll down a quiet lane or in the park. Saunter down to your favorite bookstore. Take in the view, the people, the scenery – leisurely. Use #WorldSaunteringDay to share on social media.

    HISTORY

    W.T. Rave created World Sauntering Day in 1979 after jogging began to grow in popularity. He wanted people to slow down and appreciate the world around them. The idea came to him while vacationing at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Perhaps the hotel’s world’s longest porch at 660 feet offered a perfect sauntering place for inspiration.

     

  • JUNETEENTH | June 19

    JUNETEENTH

    Each year Juneteenth (June 19th) commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The celebration takes place each year on June 19th, recognizing an event that took place in Texas in 1865.

    #Juneteenth

    The story of Juneteenth begins in Texas when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, with an announcement. As the community listened to the reading of General Orders, Number 3, the people of Galveston learned for the first time that the Civil War was over. After more than a century of slavery and years of war, it was official. All slaves were now freedmen.

    “…the 19th of June wasn’t the exact day the Negro was freed. But that’s the day they told them that they was free… And my daddy told me that they whooped and hollered and bored holes in trees with augers and stopped it up with [gun] powder and light and that would be their blast for the celebration.” – Haye Turner, former slave.

    News traveled slowly, even stubbornly during and after the War between the States. Over two years earlier, President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State William H. Seward signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Only two months before Major General Granger arrived in Galveston, General Lee surrendered at Appomattox. And the country was already mourning the assassination of President Lincoln. Just weeks before Granger arrived, the official final surrender took place. And yet, this community in the west remained the last to know of their freedom. They required word, official word, to feel the effects of what was already happening in the rest of the country.

    Emancipation Timeline

    January 1, 1863 – Emancipation Proclamation signed
    April 9, 1865 – General Robert E. Lee surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia
    April 14, 1865 – John Wilkes Booth assassinates President Abraham Lincoln – Lincoln dies April 15, 1865
    May 12, 1865 – Final battle of Civil War at Palmito Ranch, Texas  (Confederate victory)
    May 26, 1865 – Civil War officially ends when General Simon Bolivar Buckner of the Army of Trans-Mississippi enters terms of surrender
    June 19, 1865 – Major General Gordon Granger arrives in Galveston, Texas
    December 6, 1865 – 13th Amendment abolishing slavery ratified
    August 20, 1866 – President Andrew Johson proclaims conflict officially resolved and peace restored

    The Spread of Juneteenth

    Chiefly, the celebration of Juneteenth grew from the profound experiences that day when many learned of their freedom. From that freedom, it grew out of the surmounting challenges that lay ahead. And it continues to grow from the perseverance required and the dignity to overcome adversity and achieve fulfillment.

    Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day

    Year after year, waves of people pilgrimaging to Galveston stand in one of the last places to receive the news. The celebrations spread much like the news spread to Galveston about freedom, slowly at first and then picking up speed. But Galveston isn’t the only place celebrations take place. Juneteenth Jubilees happen all over the country and world. Juneteenth celebrated its 150th anniversary and celebrations spread around the globe in 2015.

    In the U.S., all 50 states officially recognize the observance. In June 2021, the U.S. Congress passed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday. President Joseph Biden signed the legislation into law on June 18, 2021, declaring Juneteenth National Independence Day. Federal offices observe the day on the closest weekday if Juneteenth lands on a weekend.

    While the celebration is not a federal holiday, presidents have either remarked on the observance or released full messages specific to Juneteenth for the last two decades. However, no single president has proclaimed the observance, even for a single year.

    HOW TO OBSERVE JUNETEENTH

    Join the oldest celebration of the end of slavery by exploring art, food, and history. Dive into the festivals celebrating the African-American culture that are integral to Juneteenth. Across the country, communities, vendors, galleries, and more, host delicious food, art, music, dance, and parades. All the while, the history of Juneteenth remains central to the festivities. There are many ways to experience the observance:

    Find a festival or event near you. Share your experiences, photos, and stories using #Juneteenth to share on social media.

    JUNETEENTH HISTORY

    Since General Major Gordon Granger reached Galveston on June 19, 1865, Juneteenth (coined by combining June and nineteenth), has grown in waves. With the 150th anniversary, the celebration reached worldwide attention.

  • NATIONAL WATCH DAY – June 19

    NATIONAL WATCH DAY | JUNE 19

    On June 19th, National Watch Day recognizes an industry that has been around for more than 500 years and is steadily evolving. Choosing a watch is very personal as the choices are vast and numerous. Even with the advent of smartphones and smartwatches, the classic wristwatch signals individual taste, culture, and a rich history that cannot be disputed.

    #NationalWatchDay

    Enveloped in history and nostalgia, makers crafted watches not only for telling time but as a symbol of something personal. Watches present a statement of who we are. When we pass down timepieces from generation to generation, they often become family heirlooms. Watches also serve as a rite of passage in many cultures, signifying the passage of more than just time – an era perhaps.

    The iconic watch brands also paved the way for new trends like vintage-inspired, slimmer profiles, and affordable luxury. Incorporating design, re-inventing a brand’s signature look often balances traditional aesthetics with modern details. By creating and recreating new concepts, watches became a fashion accessory much like scarves and bags.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL WATCH DAY

    As we celebrate the day, indulge in a piece that makes a statement. Even today, the watch remains a classic and timeless gift. We often give watches for an anniversary, graduation, or birthday gift. June 19th is the perfect time to give this traditional gift to someone you know. You can also share photos of your favorite watches using #NationalWatchDay on social media.

    Through July 5, 2020, you can celebrate by saving 50% on Apple Watch Bands that come in a variety of colors to fit your every mood. Enjoy the savings as you observe celebrating this National Day!

    NATIONAL WATCH DAY HISTORY

    Nordstrom founded National Watch Day on June 19th to celebrate the history and design of watchmaking.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared the day to be celebrated annually in 2017.

  • NATIONAL FREEBSD DAY – June 19

    NATIONAL FreeBSD DAY | JUNE 19

    National FreeBSD Day on June 19th commemorates the launch date of an innovative technology that many of us use every day.

    #FreeBSDDay

    The open-source operating system called FreeBSD developed out of the University of California at Berkley in 1993. Billions of people around the globe use FreeBSD to teach operating system concepts in universities. Companies also develop products on FreeBSD, and universities use it as a research platform.

    While you may not be familiar with FreeBSD, there’s a good chance you’re already using at least some code derived from it in your everyday life. For example, do you stream movies via Netflix? How about chat with friends on WhatsApp? Maybe you play the latest PlayStation 4 game sensation. If so, you’re already using FreeBSD.

    As a pioneer in open-source technology, users can modify and redesign FreeBSD to meet their needs, free of charge within the guidelines of the license. Through a network of users, the software keeps pace with today’s technology and prepares us for what’s ahead.

    HOW TO OBSERVE FreeBSD DAY

    Learn more about FreeBSD, its history, and its applications at www.freebsd.org. Share your experiences with FreeBSD. While exploring the possibilities, join the discussion using #FreeBSDDay on social media.

    NATIONAL FreeBSD DAY HISTORY

    FreeBSD Foundation founded National FreeBSD Day to recognize its pioneering and continuing impact on technology and honor its legacy. Commemorating the launch date of FreeBSD, June 19th, was selected.

    On June 15, 2017, the Registrar at National Day Calendar declared the day to be officially observed on June 19th, annually.

    June 19th Celebrated History

    1846

    The first modern baseball game is played between the New York Knickerbockers and the New York Nine. Using an established set of rules to define the game, the Nine defeated the Knickerbockers 23-1.

    1910

    Washington state celebrates the first Father’s Day in the United States.

    1934

    The Communication Act of 1934 establishes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC replaced the Federal Radio Commission.

    1949

    The Charlotte Speedway in North Carolina hosted the first NASCAR Strictly Stock race.

    1953

    Convicted spies, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are executed by electrocution at the Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York.

    1963

    Valentina Tereshkova returns to Earth aboard the Vostok 6. The first woman to travel in space spent 71 hours orbiting the Earth.

    June 19th Celebrated Birthdays

    Lou Gehrig – 1903

    The American first baseman played 17 seasons with the New York Yankee. His superior batting ability gained him the nickname “The Iron Horse.”

    Salman Rushdie – 1947

    Born in India, the British author published his 18th book in 2019. Some of his works include The Jaguar Smile, The Satanic Verses, and Quichotte.

    Phylicia Rashad – 1948

    Best known for her roles as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show and Carol Clarke in This is Us. She is also the sister of actress Debbie Allen. Rashad joined her sister on the set of Grey’s Anatomy in 2021 for one episode.

    Kathleen Turner – 1954

    The American actress gained prominence in the 1980s with films such as Romancing the Stone and The War of the Roses.

    Paula Abdul – 1962

    The American singer, songwriter, choreographer, and actress rose to fame in the 1980s after a stint as a Laker Girl and the squad’s head choreographer. Her first hits included “Forever Your Girl” and “Head over Heels”. She also serves as a judge on American Idol as well as several other competition shows.

  • WORLD MARTINI DAY – June 19

    WORLD MARTINI DAY

    On June 19th, shake up some gin and vermouth with ice and add a lemon twist. It’s World Martini Day! 

    #WorldMartiniDay

    This adult beverage has grown to become one of the best-known mixed drinks. A traditional or perfect Martini is made with equal parts gin and vermouth. For anyone who has never had a Martini, we have a list of terms to help get you started. 

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    Martini Lingo
    • Dirty – This Martini includes olive brine or juice from the olive jar.
    • Dry – The vermouth is decreased significantly in the Martini, and gin becomes the primary spirit. Extra dry tips the ratio even further.
    • Gibson – Instead of an olive, bartenders garnish the Martini with a pickled onion.
    • Shaken vs. Stirred – Most bartenders will tell you that the better Martini is stirred. Shaken Martinis tend to be inferior due to a couple of reasons – ice chips water down the drink, and shaking the Martini adds air to the cocktail. A stirred Martini results in a smoother, fuller experience.
    • Straight Up – This Martini may be either shaken or stirred, but it is strained and served without ice – the opposite of a Martini on the rocks. 
    • Smoky or Burnt – Scotch whisky replaces the vermouth in this Martini. A twist of lemon garnishes the glass.
    • Wet – Where the dry Martini has less vermouth, this one has more.
    • With a Twist – The bartender adds a thin strip of citrus peel to the Martini as a garnish or in the drink. 

    Shaken, stirred, on the rocks, that’s what you need to know to order traditional Martinis. 

    James Bond, the fictional spy, sometimes asked for his vodka Martinis to be “shaken, not stirred.” 

    When the James Bond movies debuted in the late 1960s, the popularity of the Martini increased. In the later decades, clear spirits like vodka overtook aged spirits like bourbon in market share. However, in recent decades, a balancing act seems to be taking place. 

    Dirty martini – Martini with a splash of olive brine or olive juice and is typically garnished with an olive.

    Over the years, the traditional Martini inspired a variety of other cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan, chocolatini, or appletini. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD MARTINI DAY

    Order your favorite Martini or Martini-inspired cocktail. Martinis are an excellent cocktail to serve at a small gathering with hors d’oeuvres. Whether you serve a meat and cheese tray or go all out with shrimp, stuffed mushrooms and patè, make it a night to remember. (Remember always to drink responsibly and to designate a sober driver.)

    Other fun ways to celebrate the day include:

    • Hosting a cocktail class to learn how to make classic cocktails.
    • Reading a book about the history of bartending.
    • Visiting a local cocktail bar with authentic turn of the 20th-century details.
    • Watching a documentary about the Martini or other famous cocktails.

    Use #NationalMartiniDay to share on social media.  

    WORLD MARTINI DAY HISTORY

    In 2012, Belevedere Vodka celebrated the first World Martini Day. The following year they raised the world’s largest toast to commemorate one of the savviest cocktails around. 

     

  • NATIONAL GARFIELD THE CAT DAY – June 19

    NATIONAL GARFIELD THE CAT DAY | JUNE 19

    Each year on June 19th, National Garfield the Cat Day celebrates the fictional cartoon character, Garfield. Jim Davis created the comic strip Garfield and the title’s protagonist, a tabby cat by the same name. The observance celebrates Garfield and the entertainment he brings us.

    #GarfieldTheCatDay

    Garfield launched on June 19, 1978. The strip chronicled the life of the lead character, the cat Garfield (named after Jim Davis ’s grandfather). It also introduced Garfield’s owner, Jon Arbuckle and Jon’s dog, Odie. The publication became syndicated in 2013 in roughly 2,580 newspapers and journals and holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s most widely syndicated comic strip.

    Garfield was one of the cartoon characters to appear in Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue.

    Set in Muncie, Indiana, common themes in the comic strip include Garfield’s laziness, obsessive eating, love for lasagna and coffee, and hatred of Mondays and diets. While the focus is mostly upon the interaction between Garfield, Jon, and Odie, the strip introduces other characters as well. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL GARFIELD THE CAT DAY

    There are many ways to celebrate the lovable tabby cat! Garfield fans everywhere share the tabby cat’s love of lasagna or contempt for Mondays. But beyond that, they also know he loves to sleep in sunbeams. They’re fond of his sense of humor and understand Jon’s love of animals. In a world of cat lovers, this day offers some fun ways to celebrate.

    • Bake some cookies or cupcakes for Garfield’s birthday.
    • Read the comic strip.
    • Watch a Garfield episode.
    • Share your Garfield collectibles.
    • Take selfies with your tabby cat.
    • See how many Garfields you can name (that aren’t a cat).
    • Pick up a Garfield coloring book.

    Share your favorite comic strip by using #GarfieldTheCatDay on social media.

    NATIONAL GARFIELD THE CAT DAY HISTORY

    National Garfield The Cat Day was first celebrated in 1998 on the 20th anniversary of the comic strip and Garfield’s birthday. Boca Raton City Council Member, Wanda Thayer, proclaimed June 19th as Garfield the Cat Day during surprise birthday party at the International Museum of Cartoon Art in Boca Raton.