Category: June 06

  • RUSSIAN LANGUAGE DAY – June 6

    RUSSIAN LANGUAGE DAY

    Every year on June 6th, Russian Language Day celebrates the seventh most spoken language in the world. The day also honors Aleksandr Pushkin, a Russian poet who is considered the father of modern Russian literature.

    #RussianLanguageDay

    There are over 150 million native speakers of Russian in the world making it the most spoken language in Europe. There are also about 113 million non-native Russian speakers. Altogether, there are 267 million people in the world who speak Russian.

    Considered a Slavic language, Russian is the official language of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Besides these countries, Russian is the primary language of former Soviet countries. These countries include Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, and Tajikistan. There are also numerous Russian speakers in the United States, Israel, China, Poland, and Finland.

    Here are some other interesting facts about the Russian language:

    • The Russian alphabet has 33 letters.
    • There are only 500,000 words in the Russian language.
    • Of these 500,000 words only about 2,500 are used frequently.
    • Russian is called an “International Language of Space” and astronauts need to learn the language on the international space station.
    • The closest relatives to this language are Ukrainian and Belarusian.

    Russian is one of the official languages of the United Nations. Other official languages of the UN include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, and Spanish.

    HOW TO OBSERVE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE DAY

    On this day, Russian speaking regions, along with representatives from the Russian embassy, hold a variety of events and activities. Some of these events include museum exhibits, meetings, and lectures on the works of Aleksandr Pushkin. Fans of the famous writer gather together and read Pushkin’s poems and stories.

    To participate in this day:

    • Familiarize yourself with famous works by Aleksandr Pushkin including Eugene Onegin, Dubrovsky, The Captains’ Daughter, and The Queen of Spades.
    • Explore other Russian authors, such as Leo Tolstoy, Anton Chekhov, Mikhail Bulgakov, and Ivan Turgenev.
    • Make a commitment to learning the Russian language, or at least some popular Russian phrases.
    • Learn about Russian customs, traditions, and culture.

    Spread awareness for this day by sharing #RussianLanguageDay on social media.

    RUSSIAN LANGUAGE DAY HISTORY

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) founded Russian Language Day in 2010. Their goal is to celebrate multilingualism and promote equal use of the UN’s six official languages. UNESCO chose June 6th to commemorate Aleksandr Pushkin’s birthday. The famous Russian poet, playwright, and novelist was born on June 6th, 1799 in Moscow.

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  • WORLD PEST DAY – June 6

    WORLD PEST DAY

    Every June 6 is World Pest Day or sometimes called World Pest Awareness Day. The day was created to raise awareness of how pest management helps preserve the quality of life for you and your loved ones.

    It’s estimated 900-million insects types can be pests. They fall into four different categories based on body types: 1. beetles; 2. flies; 3. moths and butterflies; and 4. ants, bees and wasps.

    People have been trying to get rid of pests for as far back as history can trace. Cave dwellers probably swatted mosquitoes or used smoke to ward off the bloodsuckers.

    As far back as 2500 BC, people used sulfur compounds to control mites and insects.

    In 1200 B.C., the Chinese deployed predatory ants against pests such as beetles and caterpillars.

    One of the first publicly advertised pest control companies was the 1690 company H. Tiffin and Son Ltd. in London. The company promoted rat and bed bug control using methods and chemical compounds they invented. Their trademark was “Bug Destroyers to Her Majesty and the Royal Family.”

    Rats are one of the hardest pests to control. Methods to control rats vary from chemicals, plant extracts, prayers, chants, terrier dogs, and music. Ratsbane was one of the first chemicals used. Barbers sold it in the Middle Ages. Then it became a popular item sold by street vendors.

    Vermin exterminators eventually emigrated to the United States from about 1840 to 1930.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    At least once a quarter, have a professional pest controller treat your home property. It will help prevent pests from becoming a problem.

    You can use consumer products to control pests between professional treatments.

    Use sticky traps and live catch traps to monitor and catch pests.

    Follow on social media with #WorldPestDay to get ideas on pest control methods.

    HISTORY

    The inaugural World Pest Day ceremony was held at the Beijing Hotel on June 6th, 2017.

    World Pest Day was initiated by the Chinese Pest Control Association, and co-sponsored by the Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers’ Association, the National Pest Management Association, and the Confederation of European Pest Management Associations.

     

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  • NATIONAL DAY OF SWEDEN – June 6

    NATIONAL DAY OF SWEDEN

    June 6 is National Day of Sweden or as it’s known to Swedes, “Sveriges Nationaldag.” It’s the day that Swedes celebrate their nationality. This is also when new Swedish citizens receive their certificate of citizenship and are welcomed by the king.

    You probably won’t find a lot of whooping and hollering, fireworks, or spectacular national events. The day is very laid back.

    Though the celebrations throughout Sweden are subdued, an annual event takes place at Skansen, the open-air museum in Stockholm, where children present the Swedish King and Queen with flowers, then the flag is raised. The royal family attends celebrations, which include traditional folk dancing, flag making, history lectures, performances, and much more.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Enjoy a traditional Swish meal: Swedish Meatballs.  They can be served in different ways and with various side dishes. An authentic tradition is to serve them with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, gravy, and pickled cucumbers

    Hoist light blue and bright yellow balloons, the colors of Sweden’s national flag.

    Follow on social media and tag #NationalDayofSweden and #SverigesNationalDag.

    HISTORY

    Sweden National DayJune 6 is considered the day when Sweden was born because, in 1523 AD, Gustav Eriksson Vasa was elected king of Sweden on June 6 after he led an uprising to break the union between Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.

    Before 1983, the day was celebrated as the Swedish Flag Day (Swedish: Svenska Flaggans Dag). At that time, the day was renamed the Swedish national day by the Riksdag.

    In 2005 it became an official Swedish public holiday, replacing Whit Monday. This change led to fewer days off from work (more working-days) as 6 June will periodically fall on the weekend, unlike Whit Monday, which was always celebrated on a Monday. This has, in turn, led to complaints from some Swedish labor unions.

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  • D-Day | June 6

    D-Day

    D-Day is June 6 on the National Day Calendar and we are honoring those who fought on the beaches of Normandy, France. This historical day is a reminder of the day troops of Allied forces staged one of the most pivotal attacks against Germany during World War II.

    #DDay

    The Battle of Normandy was executed under the codename Operation Overlord and became known as the beginning of the end of World War II. The Battle of Normandy was along a 50 mile stretch of beaches, including Utah and Omaha Beach. While many explanations exist for the name, one reason may be due to the military countdown. The countdown designated the day and hour of the assault. D represented Day and H represented Hour in the military.

    The battle liberated Northern France. Britain, the United States, and Canada sent more than 160,000 Allied troops under the leadership of General Dwight Eisenhower. The troops manned more than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft the day of the initial landing. The invasion is considered one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history. An amphibious military operation requires the use of naval ships to project ground and air power at a designated landing beach. Due to the sheer numbers of troops, ships, and aircraft involved, Operation Overlord required extensive planning.

    Message to the troops of Normandy: “You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you.”

    Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, 1944

    6 Interesting D-Day Facts

    1. About 150,000 Allied troops successfully carried out their mission to storm the beaches of Normandy. Unfortunately, nearly 10,000 lives were lost on that day.
    2. The Normandy invasion a vital turn in the war began to turn the tide in the war against the Nazis and was a huge blow to Hitler.
    3. The Normandy Invasion is one of the most significant events of WWII.
    4. Allied forces consisted of troops from Australia, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Greece, New Zealand, Norway, and Poland.
    5. Over 18,000 Allied paratroopers were dropped into the invasion area.
    6. A few months before D-Day, General Eisenhower threatened to quit due to being at odds with Winston Churchill over a controversial plan.

    HOW TO OBSERVE D-Day

    On June 6th, World War II museums, memorials, and ceremonies honor the Allied forces who landed along the 50 mile stretch of beaches in 1944.

    1. Learn more about the Battle of Normandy by exploring World War II museums.
    2. Visit the National D-Day Memorial to attend the D-Day Commemoration at the WWII Memorial.
    3. Fly the American flag.
    4. Visit with a combat veteran and learn about their experiences.
    5. Watch Band of Brothers, which is a true story of U.S. Army’s Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.
    6. Read books about the Battle of Normandy or listen to a podcast such as:
      • D-Day Girls: The Spies Who Armed the Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win World War II by Sarah Rose.
      • The Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan.
      • Normandy ’44: D-Day and the Battle for France by James Holland.
      • Pegasus Bridge by Stephen E. Ambrose.
      • The Bedford Boys by Alex Kershaw.
      • History Extra Podcast.
    7. Share your family stories and photos on social media and tag #DDay.

    D-DAY HISTORY

    The landing of troops on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, is known around the world as D-Day and was given the name Operation Overlord. Leading up to the attack, plans of deception were carried out to mislead Germany about the intended invasion target. They led the Germans to believe that the invasion target would be at Pas-de-Calais. This was the narrowest point between Britain and France. In addition, they also led the Germans to believe that others areas, such as Norway, would be invaded. Phantom armies, fake equipment, double agents, and fraudulent radio transmissions were all used to carry out the deceptive tactics of the Allies.

    June 6th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

    • 1844 – A twenty-two-year-old George Williams founded the Young Men’s Christian Association in London, England.
    • 1933 – Richard M. Hollingshead Jr. of Camden, New Jersey created the first drive-in theater.
    • 1944 – Allied forces land on the beaches of Normandy, France during World War II.
    • 2004 – Phylicia Rashad’s performance in Loraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress. She was the first African American to win the Best Actress category.

    June 6th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays

    1. Nathan Hale (1755 – 1776) – In 1776, at the age of 21, Captain Nathan Hale volunteered to carry out a mission ordered by General George Washington. Hale was charged with gathering information on the British troops. When the British revealed the Patriot’s identity, they swiftly placed a noose around Hale’s neck. According to legend, Hale declared before being hung, “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.”
    2. Sarah Parker Remond (1826 – 1894) was born into freedom and became an African-American abolitionist and suffragist spoke to audiences around the world. In 1853, a theatre owner denied Remond and two of her two companions entry to the Opera, and the police responded. Remond brought charges against Henry Palmer, the theatre operator, and C.P. Philbrick, the officer who responded. Judge Russell found for the plaintiff, ordering the theatre to “stand by their contract, and give to every ticket holder of whatever nation, color or condition, the place which he has brought.”
    3. David Scott (1932 – ) is an American astronaut who flew several missions during the space race, including a 1971 Moon landing. During the mission on July 31, 1971, Scott drove the Lunar Roving Vehicle, becoming the first person to drive on the Moon.
    4. Phillip A. Sharp (1944) In 1993, American molecular biologist Phillip Sharpe and Richard J. Roberts shared the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. Their study of DNA and split genes inspired new research into mRNA and evolutionary biology.

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  • NATIONAL EYEWEAR DAY | JUNE 6

    NATIONAL EYEWEAR DAY

    June 6 is National Eyewear Day on the National Day Calendar and we can clearly see the importance of bringing awareness to eye health and comprehensive eye exams. Join us as we share why taking care of your eyes is important to you health.

    #NationalEyewearDay

    Spectacles have been around for about seven centuries, but early versions were only worn by monks and scholars. In fact, the first pair of eyeglasses consisted of two magnifying glasses that were set into bone with a hinge on the nose. These first glasses were invented in Northern Italy around the late 13th century. The first wearers of eyeglasses were monks who used the spectacles to copy religious manuscripts. They wore them to read as well. Unfortunately, though, monks and other scholars who wore these eyeglasses had a hard time keeping them on their face.

    In 1452, the invention of the printing press caused the demand for eyeglasses to soar. Many manufacturers came up with ways to make them more wearable. However, it wasn’t until 1730 that an optician from London added rods to the frames so that they could rest on the ears. About 22 years later, hinges were added to the rods. Through the years, there have been many eyeglass innovations.

    5 Eyewear Innovations

    1. Bifocals were invented in the 1760s. These eyeglasses made it possible to see objects both close up and far away.
    2. Monocles were developed in the late 18th century and were worn around the neck. Interestingly, monocles were mainly worn by aristocrats.
    3. Pince-nez were invented in the late 19th century. These eyeglasses were held in place by a spring-clip between the lenses instead of frames.
    4. Sunglasses are a kind of dark eyeglasses that became popular in America around 1929. Eventually, sunglasses became an essential fashion item still in use today.
    5. Ray-Ban are also knowns as “Aviators.” First developed for pilots in the 1930s, Ray-Ban eyeglasses were are now especially popular with celebrities.

    In addition, plastic would change eyewear forever. Since the 1940s, plastic has made it possible to develop frames in a wide range of colors and styles. Some of the most popular eyeglass styles made from plastic have included cat-eye, round-rimmed, and oversized frames.

    Why do we celebrate National Eyewear Day?

    The most important reason we celebrate National Eyewear Day is remind everyone to take good care of their eyes. Here are 3 reasons National Eyewear Day is important:

    1. Get yearly comprehensive routine eye exam.
    2. Keep your prescriptions updated to prevent serious eye problems.
    3. Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with a pair of sunglasses.

    Today, eyewear continues to not only improve our vision, plus adds elements of style and personality. Imagine John Lennon without his iconic round frames. Would Maverick be Top Gun without his aviators? No one would recognize Harry Caray without his trademark face-covering frames. Can you imagine seeing a picture of Teddy Roosevelt without his frameless glasses?

    Eyewear defines, outlines, and punctuates a personality, too. Eyewear can be a little covert. For example, who is Clark Kent without his frames? Though many may have tried, no one wore the dark tortoise shells better than Audrey Hepburn.

    3 Fun Fact About Eyewear

    1. About 64 percent of the adult population wears prescription eyewear.
    2. 61% of people who need eyewear are nearsighted and 31 percent are farsighted.
    3. Over 12 million Americans need vision correction, but don’t have any eyewear.

    Clearly, eyewear plays a significant role in our lives. From improving vision and protection to providing a variety of style options, it certainly is something to celebrate on National Eyewear Day.

    5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL EYEWEAR DAY

    Wear your favorite eyewear. Whether they are for clearer vision, protection or just to change up your style, eyewear proves to be versatile in many ways. Show off your personality with a new set of frames or change up your look by swapping out old lenses. There are so many ways to celebrate.

    1. Schedule your eye exam, as well as eye exams for the entire family.
    2. Come up with a list of famous people who are known for wearing glasses.
    3. Tell everyone how your eyewear makes you feel. Do your glasses make you feel smart, intelligent, mysterious, stylish, or unique?
    4. Find a place to recycle old eyewear or glasses you no longer wear.
    5. Show us your eyewear style on social media by uploading your photos and tagging #NationalEyewearDay.

    NATIONAL EYEWEAR DAY HISTORY

    Zyloware_WAZ_blue

    Zyloware Eyewear founded National Eyewear Day in 2016 to celebrate the benefits of improved vision and the many styles available. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the day to be observed on June 6th, annually.

    Zyloware Eyewear was founded in 1923 by Joseph Shyer and has been family-owned and operated for 93 years. The company prides itself on quality, service, and customer satisfaction.

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  • NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION DAY | June 6

    NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION DAY

    National Higher Education Day is June 6 on the National Day Calendar and we are helping you prepare a path towards a higher education degree. Our hope is to share encouraging information for to those interested or already pursuing a higher education degree.

    #NationalHigherEducationDay

    Exponential costs of higher education and the United States opportunity gap have turned a college degree into something of a luxury for many Americans. Guiding and motivating future and current college students through the process of preparing for higher education will help increase their chances of graduating with a degree. The observance is designed to educate and inspire students.

    Today is a day to encourage students, educators, and families to tackle some of the issues of higher education head-on. By helping students find financial resources, addressing their educational goals, and focusing on their total health and well-being, students will look forward to a successful higher eduation experience. It is equally important to encourage students to graduate from high school. All students must find ways to overcome the challenges in the world. Supporting and encouraging higher education will help students strive for a better future.

    College Degree Obstacles

    1. Expense. The cost of attending a college or university continues to rise and can be a major factor on why someone decides not to go to college.
    2. Indecision. Many students change their major multiple times during their college career. Having the proper guidance can help a student focus on a career path they will love.
    3. Family. Commitments to family conflict with educational goals. A family that encourages students to pursue their own dreams paves the way for a better life for everyone.
    4. Unpreparedness. Many students are not prepared for the transition from high school to college. Oftentimes, they find the course work more difficult. Students who have support of peers and mentors can better match abilities to courses. In fact, helping students find services, such as a tutor, will help the student progress.
    5. Mental health. Many students lack solid coping skills for the stressors of academic life, especially at the higher education level. Providing services and direction can help a student overcome and deal with college.

    It is my desire to have a National Higher Education Day to educate and promote the many different ways students can fund their education. By having a National Day I will be able to inspire students of all ages to never give up on their dream of receiving a higher education degree!  Izamar Olaguez, founder of National Higher Education Day.

    About 51 percent of adults in the U.S. consider a college education to be very important. These adults believe that higher education will help them earn higher wages and decrease unemployment. Unfortunately, the majority of colleges admit less than 10 percent of the applicants are actually accepted into a college or university. However, community colleges are an affordable option for anyone to take college courses. In fact, community colleges offer many programs four year college and university’s offer through online programs. These programs give students the opportunity to obtain their degree without having the stressors of a large campus.

    The factors that affect the choice of college include academic reputation, availability of desired program, job placement rate, cost of attendance, and location.


    5 NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION DAY CELEBRATIONS

    1. Celebrate by advocating for higher education on your social media sites. Post photos about what level of education you have received and what future academic goals you have.
    2. Advocate for any funding opportunities and developing tools for a solid higher education experience.
    3. Start talking to your children about college at a young age to encourage them.
    4. Learn ways you can support higher education and get learn about resources by visiting nationalhighereducationday.org.
    5. Use #NationalHigherEducationDay. We would also like to encourage you to donate to a scholarship program today!

    NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION DAY HISTORY

    In February of 2015, National Day Calendar began working with Izamar Olaguez and March Hronis to create National Higher Education Day. Each year on June 6, we celebrate this National Day to help prepare students higher education. The day is also a day to learn about opportunities and services available to students as they transition to higher education.

    Related Days on the National Day Calendar

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  • NATIONAL APPLESAUCE CAKE DAY | June 6

    NATIONAL APPLESAUCE CAKE DAY

    National Applesauce Cake Day is June 6 on the National Day Calendar to recognize the delicious treat known as the apple sauce cake. This tasty food holiday offers an opportunity to share a slice (or two) of a cake that comes in a variety of recipes.

    #ApplesauceCakeDay

    You might think that adding applesauce to cake is a relatively modern baking invention. However, the first people to make this kind of cake were those who lived in the New England Colonies during early colonial times. They found that it didn’t cost a lot of money to make applesauce cake, partially because the cake was from flour and applesauce. Also, when they used with certain spices, applesauce cake didn’t spoil as easily. Early colonists knew applesauce cake was delicious, plus had a long shelf life.

    Beginning around 1900, American cookbooks frequently published recipes for applesauce cake. This sweet and delicious cake became very popular in the country during WWI. Sugar and other ingredients were a scarce commodity during the war. Bakers began to substitute ingredients to free up resources for soldiers in the war. Interestingly, flour was also a scarce commodity, too. Bakers would simply substitute flour by using cornmeal or oats instead.

    During WWII, applesauce cake once again became very popular when the sugar rations began. Following the same ideas from WWI, applesauce was implemented into many recipes of people to support the war effort overseas.

    Did You Know?

    People were considered patriotic during WWI if they ate and cooked with applesauce.

    Applesauce Cake Tid Bits

    When it comes to applesauce cake, mixing in spices, nuts or dried fruit makes this cake a crowd-pleaser, too. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are just a few spices to choose from. You might also like to add pecans or walnuts for some crunch. Raisins or chopped apples add a little extra natural sweetness and texture to this cake. Some bakers use homemade applesauce, but store-bought will do, too.

    In any cake recipe, applesauce may be substituted for the butter or oil for a healthier alternative. Using applesauce instead of butter or oil keeps the cake nice and moist while removing all the added saturated fats. You can make your applesauce cake even healthier by using unsweetened applesauce. This kind of applesauce contains naturally occurring sugars, which means you can reduce the amount of sugar you use in the recipe. Reducing sugar means reducing the amount of calories, as well.

    Apparently, one-half cup of applesauce may be a substitute for one egg in some baking recipes for those who have egg allergies. Replacing an egg with applesauce may make your recipe more dense, but you can add a teaspoon of baking powder to create a lighter texture. If you want to add frosting to your applesauce cake, cream cheese frosting goes very well with this this yummy dessert.

    There are also many variations of applesauce cake. By avoiding or using different ingredients, you can make your applesauce cake gluten-free, dairy-free, and even vegan.

    6 NATIONAL APPLESAUCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

    1. Bake an applesauce cake to share.
    2. Try a new applesauce cake recipe to share with coworkers. Try one of these recipes:
    3. Bake a fresh applesauce cake and deliver a few slices to your neighbor or bring them to work.
    4. Learn more about the history of applesauce cake.
    5. Experiment with different kinds of applesauce or try different toppings on your applesauce cake.
    6. Post your favorite applesauce cake recipe or a photo of your creation to social media and tag #ApplesauceCakeDay.

    NATIONAL APPLESAUCE CAKE DAY HISTORY

    The creator of this tasty food holiday is unknown, but that doesn’t stop us from celebrating. In fact, we are enjoying the opportunity to have a slice (or two) of applesauce cake because we love cake of all kinds.

    Related apple-themed days on the National Day Calendar:

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  • NATIONAL DRIVE-IN MOVIE DAY | June 6

    NATIONAL DRIVE-IN MOVIE DAY

    National Drive-In Movie Day is June 6 on the National Day Calendar to commemorate the day the first drive-in theater opened in 1933. Today, we went to give thanks to Richard M. Hollingshead Jr. of Camden, New Jersey for creating the drive-in theater and letting us take a walk down memory lane.

    #DriveInMovieDay

    National Drive-In Movie Day takes us to a time when fun could be seen on the big screen from inside (or on top of) your car. This National Day takes us back to June 6, 1933 and a time when seeing a movie on a Friday night was an entire family affair. The idea caught on quickly and drive-ins began to pop up in other areas across the country. By the late 1950s, approximately 4,000 drive-ins we in operation throughout the United States.

    “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are.”  

    The advertising slogan of the first drive-in theatre

    Some of us remember going to the drive-in theatre. Unfortunately, not many young people today will get to experience the fun and anticipation of spending an evening watching outside on huge screen. In fact, the screen was so big the first drive-in theater screen was 40 feet by 50 feet and had 400 car slots. The first film was the Adolphe Meniou film, Wife Beware.

    Copiague, Long Island, New York once was home to one of the largest drive-in theaters. The drive-in covered over 29 acres and could park 2,500 vehicles. It also hosted a full-service restaurant with rooftop seating, a trolley system to take children and adults to the playground, and a large indoor theater in case of bad weather.

    Why were drive-in theatres so popular?

    Drive-in theatres were so popular because it was one activity the entire family could do together. Moviegoers could bring their babies, visit, and eat. Some movie theaters either didn’t allow or they frowned upon large families attending a movie. However, drive-in theatres changed that concept.

    Going to the drive-in gave people options. If someone didn’t enjoy the movie, they could leave by simply drive away. On the other hand, many people liked the idea of going to the movie in casual attire, which was something people often did when they went to a regular movie theater. Most importantly, it was much cheaper to go to a drive-in movie than the theater because the drive-in charged per carload, not per person.

    Unfortunately, the invention of color television, VCRs, and video rentals led to a sharp decline in the drive-in popularity. In addition, the increase in land values and the widespread adoption of daylight saving time were also factors in the decline. Still, there are many Americans who still love going to the drive-in.

    Some benefits for going to a drive-in movie include:

    1. It’s an opportunity to see a movie on the big screen in the great outdoors.
    2. You are able to support a fragile mom and pop industry.
    3. You can help preserve a slice of American history.
    4. It’s a fun and safe way to spend time with family and friends.

    Do drive-in theatres still exists?

    Although there aren’t nearly as many drive-in movie theaters as there once were, you can still find them in different parts of the country. Visit driveinmovie.com to find your nearest location. If you do happen to find a drive-in movie theater, there are some things you can do to maximize your experience. Check to see if the drive-in theatre has concession stands. If they don’t, remember to bring your favorite drinks and snacks. You can also bring along your favorite pillows and blankets to make sure you’re extra comfy during the movie. Remember, if your get too cramped in the car, you can always bring along your own lawn chair. Just remember to check the weather forecast. You don’t want to spend your drive-in theatre adventure in the pouring rain.

    5 Most Influential Drive-In Movies of All Time

    1. Enter the Dragon
    2. Smokey and the Bandit
    3. Walking Tall
    4. Night of the Living Dead
    5. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

    CELEBRATING DRIVE-IN MOVIE DAY

    1. Get a carload of friends and head to the drive-in.
    2. You can also explore drive-in movie history.
    3. Share your drive-in movie memories with us.
    4. Give a shout out to the drive-in movie theaters near you and tag #DriveInMovieDay on social media.

    NATIONAL DRIVE-IN MOVIE DAY HISTORY

    National Drive-In Movie Day on June 6 honors the opening day of the first drive-in. The creator of this day is unknown, but we’ve at least found other great movie-themed celebrations on the calendar:

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  • NATIONAL GARDENING EXERCISE DAY | June 6

    NATIONAL GARDENING EXERCISE DAY

    June 6 is National Gardening Exercise Day on the National Day Calendar to encourages us to maximize the health benefits of gardening. Today we are encouraging people to get off the couch and tend their gardens, while getting some fresh air and sunshine.

    #GardeningExerciseDay

    Gardening on its own is therapeutic, builds muscles and burns calories. Some of the gardening activities that are excellent for working your muscles and for burning calories include weeding, digging, spading, planting, pruning, mowing, raking, and walking. Gardening is a natural way to exercise. It involves a lot of walking back and forth, as well as bending and stretching. Being out in the fresh air and sunshine are also an added benefit. Sunlight is a natural form of Vitamin D is essential for absorbing and retaining adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorous, which are good for the bones. It also boosts our immune system.

    Spending time outside is a great way to get some fresh air, too. Since fresh air is rich in oxygen, you will be increasing the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood. Fresh air will clean your lungs, strengthen your immune system, aid in digestion, and increase your energy. Spending time outdoors helps you sleep better and makes you feel happy!

    Being out in the fresh air and sunshine also adds additional benefits. Incorporating stretching into a gardening routine may help to prevent injury, much like it does for any athletic endeavor. Adding squats contributes to building and maintaining muscle, In fact, taking extra steps while gardening increases the heart rate. Gardening and exercise are excellent stress relievers, too!

    6 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL GARDEN EXCERCISE DAY

    Pull those weeds, plant some seeds, and get your muscles moving! Your garden will look great, and you will feel fantastic, too! Other suggestions to get the most exercise out of your gardening:

    1. Start slowly. Just like any new workout program, small steps.
    2. Use the right and left hands equally.  When raking or shoveling, switch hands every 5-10 minutes to give each side a good workout.
    3. Make sure to breathe. Deep, cleansing breaths bring oxygen to those working muscles.
    4. Lift with your legs! When lifting, bend your knees. Don’t lift with your back.
    5. Drink plenty of water.
    6. Enjoy your garden. Visit it often!

    If you have never had your own garden, this is a great day to start gardening. You can even ask a friend or another experienced gardener to help you get started. If there is a community garden in your area, you may want to consider joining. There are also some excellent gardening books out there, such as, “The Farmer’s Almanac Vegetable Gardening Handbook,” or “Gardening for the Complete Beginner.” Gardening is also a great family activity and will provide ample opportunities for spending quality time with the kids.

    Gardening is a favorite hobby for several National Day Calendar staff. Show us how you celebrate by tagging #GardeningExerciseDay on social media.

    NATIONAL GARDENING EXERCISE DAY HISTORY

    Within our research, we were unable to find the origin of National Gardening Exercise Day. However, there are many other gardening celebrations on the calendar:

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  • NATIONAL YO-YO DAY | June 6

    NATIONAL YO-YO DAY

    On June 6 we celebrate National Yo-Yo Day at National Day Calendar to remember the iconic stringed toy that generations have enjoyed. We are using today’s National Day as a day to give our talents a whirl and try your hand at The Sleeper, Walk the Dog, Shooting the Moon, Around the World or Hop the Fence!

    #NationalYoYoDay

    The yo-yo is an object consisting of an axle connected to two disks and a length of string looped around the axle. You move a yo-yo by holding the free end of the string, allowing gravity or the force of a throw to spin the yo-yo and unwind the string, then allowing the yo-yo to wind itself back again. The activity is known as “yo-yoing.”

    Many believe the yo-yo was first invented in ancient Greece. In fact, a Greek vase painting from 500 BC displays a boy playing with a yo-yo. The Greeks used these yo-yos in ceremonies and presented them to certain gods when a child came of age. Yo-yos made of other materials, however, were used for play.

    Yo-Yoing to the U.S.

    The yo-yo came to the United States through a young boy by the name of Pedro Flores. When he immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines as a young boy, he recalled playing with a toy called a bandalore. The toy inspired Flores to create a business, naming it the Flores Yo-yo. Flores started his business with just a dozen hand-made toys. Between 1928 and 1932 the Yo-yo Manufacturing Company operated in Santa Barbara, California. He eventually added two factories in Los Angeles and Hollywood. On on average day, the factories would produce 300,000 yo-yos per day. Flores sold his companies to Donald F. Duncan in 1932. It was Duncan that would make the yo-yo popular in America when he began manufacturing of the Duncan Yo-Yo in the early 1900s. He was the first to trademarked the name “Yo-Yo” in 1932.

    The Yo-Yo Around the World

    The first World Yo-Yo Contest was held in London, England in 1932 with Harvey Lowe winning yo-yo title. The contest became an annual event in 1992 and held in Montreal, Canada until 1999, when Hawaii became host of the event. The contest would then move to Orlando until 2013. Today, the International Yo-You Federation manages and organizes the world contest. Each year, the event is held in a different country, with around 33 countries competing each year. The contest is now known as YoYoCon.

    Here are some more fun facts about the yo-yo:

    1. Syria banned the yo-yo in 1933 because they believed the toy was responsible for a severe drought.
    2. On August 24, 1998 a “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” episode featured a video tape about how people made wooden yo-yos and a boy named Evan demonstrated some yo-yo tricks.
    3. In 1999, the National Toy Hall of Fame elected the Duncan Yo-Yo into its halls at The Strong in Rochester, New York.
    4. The largest yo-yo in the world weighs 4,620 pounds and was created by Beth Johnson. She demonstrated her yo-yo in Cincinnati, Ohio on September 15, 2012.
    5. In 2020, Michael Francis from Kitchener, Ontario broke the world record by spinning 19 yo-yos simultaneously. The previous record was 16.
    6. The National Yo-Yo Museum is located in Chico, California.
    7. We often use the term yo-yoing to describe a person fluctuating between two difficult decisions.
    8. Collectors spend hundreds of dollars on rare, vintage, and retro yo-yos.

    7 NATIONAL YO-YO DAY CELEBRATIONS

    Test your yo-yoing skills by trying as many yo-yo tricks as possible. Do you know how to do the pinwheel or walk the dog? Other ways to celebrate the day include:

    1. Picking up a new yo-yo.
    2. Learning a new yo-yo trick.
    3. Starting a yo-yo collection or adding to one you already have.
    4. Posting photos of your yo-yo collection.
    5. Teach someone how to do a complex yo-yo trick such as the Double or Nothing.
    6. Host a yo-yo competition.
    7. Share your best yo-yo tricks on social media and tag #NationalYoYoDay.

    NATIONAL YO-YO DAY HISTORY

    National Yo-Yo Day credits Daniel Volk for founding this National Day in Arcade, New York in 1990. June 6 is also the birthday of yo-yo king Donald F. Duncan. Volk once worked for Duncan Toy Company as a talented yo-yo demonstrator from 1976-1978, touring the western part of the U.S.

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