Category: March 21

  • NATIONAL MEMORY DAY | March 21

    National Memory Day on March 21 is a day celebrating the brain as a function of the human body that helps us to recall events and retrieve experiences from the past.

    #MemoryDay

    Most people think of memory as something that is used to remember past events. However, there are actually three functions of memory. The first function of memory is to acquire information. The second and third functions of memory involve the ability to retain and retrieve information.

    Test Taking Tips

    1. Acquire the information by reading, listening, and organizing your notes from class.
    2. Retain the information by using repetition. Find a quiet place away from distractions. Read and re-read your information.
    3. Test yourself or have a friend test you on the information.
    4. Take your test. Your brain will retrieve the information from your memory once you begin to recognize the information on the test.

    When the time comes to take the test, your brain will retrieve the information from your memory necessary to take the test.

    What are the 4 different categories of memory?

    1. Sensory Memory. This type of memory helps to remember sensory information after a certain stimulation has ended. Sensory memory is obtained by sight (iconic), auditory (echoic), and touch (haptic).
    2. Short-term Memory. This type of memory helps recall information for a brief period of time. Short-term memories only last for about 30 seconds.
    3. Working Memory. This type of memory involves immediate information that is necessary for completing cognitive tasks.
    4. Long-term Memory. This type of memory is any kind of information that can still be recalled after 30 seconds. Long-term memory is further broken down into explicit, which is information we deliberately want to remember (such as a friend’s birthday) and implicit, which are memories that we pick up subconsciously.

    Uncommon Facts About Memory

    Memory affects every stage of life, including the time before we were born. According to recent research, short-term memory begins to form in the womb at about 30 weeks gestation. When babies are born, memory helps babies bond with their mother. For instance, babies remember what their mother’s voice sounds like which helps them recognize their parents voices once they are born. Young children also use memory to learn how to navigate the world. No matter what their stage of life, all humans rely on memory to accomplish a variety of tasks. From pre-school through college, memory is necessary for learning new skills and advancing to the next level.

    10 Ways You Use Your Memory

    1. Traveling.
    2. Cooking favorite recipes.
    3. Completing puzzles.
    4. Singing songs.
    5. Playing an instrument.
    6. Playing sports.
    7. Telling stories from our past.
    8. Celebrate holidays and important events.
    9. Learning a new skill.
    10. Taking a test.

    Memory Loss

    Memory is involved in a large part of the human experience. Sadly, though, memory is one thing that people can lose. This is especially true of aging adults. As aging adults age, the brain changes with them. These age-related changes are usually a result of lower executive function in the brain. While older people can still learn new things and retain information, it might be more difficult to do so.

    6 Diseases Associated With Memory Loss?

    1. Alzheimer’s
    2. Vascular dementia
    3. Parkinson’s
    4. Huntington’s
    5. HIV/AIDS
    6. Wernick-Korsakoff Syndrome

    8 Causes of Memory Loss?

    1. Aging
    2. Head trauma
    3. Vitamin deficiencies
    4. Stress
    5. Fatigue
    6. Sleep deprivation
    7. Certain medications
    8. Mental health conditions

    HOW TO OBSERVE MEMORY DAY

    This is a great day to look to think about the important role that memory has played in your life. Other ways to observe this day include:

    1. Read journals from the past or start a new daily journal.
    2. Learn more about the different kinds of memory.
    3. Donate to an organization that funds research for diseases that cause memory loss.
    4. Do a crossword puzzle or play a memory-boosting game.
    5. Share one of your favorite memories on social media. Be sure to use MemoryDay when you post it.

    MEMORY DAY HISTORY

    It’s not that we cannot recall how National Memory Day came about, we simply do not know! However, National Day Calendar will continue to research the origins of this day. 

    Memory FAQ
    Why do some people have better memories than others?
    A stronger memory can be a result of having to encode more information. Genetics may also play a role in having a better memory than others.

    Can memory be improved?
    Yes, there are many things you can do to improve your memory. Some of these include daily physical activity, reading, spending time with others, staying organized, cutting out alcohol, and getting adequate sleep.

    What foods and supplements can help with memory?

    1. Brain supplements include Omega-3 fatty acids, electrolytes, B vitamins, protein, and antioxidants.
    2. Foods that boost memory include avocadoes, coffee, eggs, dark chocolate, blueberries, and turmeric.

    Days Similar to National Memory Day:

    1. National Train Your Brain Day | October 13
    2. Brain Awareness Week | Changes Annually
    3. National Brain Injury Awareness Month | March

  • NATIONAL 3-D DAY – 3rd Day of 3rd Week in March

    NATIONAL 3-D DAY

    National 3-D Day celebrates the art, science, and history of stereoscopic 3-D imagery. Every year, in March, on the third day of the third week of the third month, we explore the technologies used to create 3-D photographs, movies, and art, and we celebrate the many ways that these images have been viewed and enjoyed.

    #National3DDay

    We experience the world in three dimensions because we have two eyes that see from slightly different perspectives. These two points of view are combined in our brains, and the differences between what our eyes see are perceived as depth. This is called stereoscopic vision.

    Sir Charles Wheatstone created the first stereo 3-D drawings in 1838. During the second half of the 19th century, viewing 3-D photographs became a very popular form of home entertainment. The 20th century saw the invention of 3-D movies, comic books, holography, and more ways to view representations of the world in 3-D. Recent developments in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality offer new opportunities to create and interact with 3-D media. Advancements in 3-D technologies bring digital images to three-dimensional life, assisting surgeons, projecting art around the world, and educating students.

    What does the future of 3-D hold? New developments in stereoscopic capture and display methods will prove to inspire young scientists and storytellers to create the next generation of immersive stereoscopic content. 3-D technology may change the world.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL 3-D DAY

    • Learn about the history of 3-D technology. That includes Sir Charles Wheatstone and all the developments since.
    • Explore the science behind 3-D. From cinema to 3-D printing, art and virtual reality programs, the science world offers more ways than ever to delve into the technology of 3-D.
    • Invite friends and family to watch a 3-D movie. Share your favorite 3-D experiences, whether they are movies, books, or art.
    • Develop a 3-D design. Share your idea and project, too!
    • Visit the National 3-D Day website for even more ideas. www.3-DDay.com offers a wealth of adventure, projects, and ways to learn about 3-D.
    • When you do, be sure to use #National3DDay on social media.

    NATIONAL 3-D DAY HISTORY

    3-D Day logo3-D Space, The Center For Stereoscopic Photography, Art, Cinema, and Education, founded National 3-D Day in 2020 to recognize the fantastic history and resurgence of 3-D technology in the world around us. Honoring three-dimensional vision on an annual basis and celebrating the way it contributes to our lives will continue to be an exciting endeavor.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National 3-D Day to be observed on the third day of the third week in March, annually.

    About 3-D Space

    3-D SPACE is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization located in Los Angeles, CA, dedicated to the advancement of current and future 3-D arts and sciences. The organization operates a museum, art gallery, and 3-D theater, offers educational workshops and programs, and is supported by a team of experts in the arts, non-profits, and 3-D. Their combined knowledge and resources provide a comprehensive learning experience for all ages.

    3-D FAQ

    Q. I wear glasses. Can I still watch a 3-D movie?
    A. Yes. Most 3-D glasses are designed to fit over existing eyewear.

    Q. Is there new 3-D technology that allows me to enjoy a 3-D experience without special glasses?
    A. Yes. Some screens are designed specifically for 3-D films eliminating the necessity for glasses.

    Q. Are movies the only place to experience 3-D technology?
    A. No. This technology can be found in art, books, and virtual reality programming.

  • NATIONAL COUNTDOWN DAY – March 21

    NATIONAL COUNTDOWN DAY

    3…2…1…National Countdown Day on March 21 ticks down the minutes, seconds, or days to events big and small.

    3…2…1. July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 launches into the atmosphere carrying the crew for the first moon landing.

    3…2…1. Y2K, everyone partied like it was 1999 until the new millennium arrived.

    3…2…1. January 19, 2013, Marlo Anderson quietly launched a website called National Day Calendar.

    3…2…1…it is 5 o’clock somewhere!

    #321Day

    On National Countdown Day, 03/21, we can start a countdown to just about anything. Around the office, we countdown to the next celebration every day! It is also a day to consider past and present countdowns of significance.

    Recently, parts of the United States counted down to August 21, 2017, to a total solar eclipse. The event created road trip opportunities for those within driving distance. It also created science party lessons on rooftops in the path of the eclipse. And it was a memorable countdown, indeed. Did you miss it? Start your countdown for April 8, 2024. This solar eclipse will cover parts of Mexico, Central and Northeastern United States, and just a bit of Canada.

    ROYAL COUNTDOWNS

    Since royal weddings draw a lot of attention, countdowns are an essential part of the draw. The fanfare and commitment to tradition remind us of storybook weddings. There are several royal weddings to recall: Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981; Prince William and Catherine Middleton, April 29, 2011; Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018.

    Another British countdown that kept the world interested was the countdown to Brexit.

    UNITED STATES COUNTDOWNS

    Some favorite countdowns in the U.S. lead to opening days – this could be the opening day of baseball, racing, the swimming pool, or hunting season. However, the countdown to tax day, election day, or even the closing bell can be a positive or ominous one. Of course, it all depends on the outcome. Sometimes one countdown even depends on the results of the other countdowns!

    SUMMER AND SPORTS

    Now, countdowns to summer break may be started as early as September 1 or as late as spring break. Those who motor on two wheels like to countdown to Sturgis. Other sports enthusiasts like to countdown to March Madness, Gameday, and Olympic Opening Ceremonies. There is also the countdown to the final buzzer of every game! However, there are sports with no time limit and therefore no countdown to end the game. Can you name one?

    HOW TO OBSERVE COUNTDOWN DAY

    • Start a countdown to something significant to you.
    • Start your countdown, whether you are counting down to a homecoming or a wedding, to your last chemo treatment or your graduation.
    • Share your countdown with others. What will you countdown to?
    • We also want to know how you countdown. Do you use an app or do you have a creative dance?
    • What is the next big countdown in your life?
    • On National 321 Day, share all your countdowns using #321Day on social media. 321…go!
    • Educators, visit the National Day Calendar® Classroom for projects and ideas to help you Celebrate Every Day.

    NATIONAL COUNTDOWN DAY HISTORY

    In 2018, National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Countdown Day to celebrate all the ways people countdown to important moments in our lives.

    Countdown FAQ

    Q. Can anyone celebrate National Countdown Day?
    A. Yes! Whether you count down the days to a special event or the minutes to the end of the week, there’s always something to countdown to.

    Q. Are there apps that can track a countdown?
    A. Yes. A variety of apps track countdowns.

  • WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY – March 21

    WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY

    World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st gives people with Down Syndrome and their advocates a voice and an opportunity to be heard. It’s a day where we assemble and organize activities to promote public awareness for the genetic disorder. The goal is to educate others on the importance of supporting our friends and family who have directly and indirectly experienced life with Down syndrome.

    #WorldDownSyndromeDay

    Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions globally and commonly affects learning styles, physical characteristics, and overall health. In order to ensure proper growth and development, social learning programs support and integrate with anyone who has Down syndrome.

    Every year, their voices grow louder, and they influence government policy, becoming more empowered. Through events around the world, people with Down syndrome can ensure their own advocacy and be included in their communities.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY

    • Check if your local school offers any volunteer opportunities in their Integrated Learning Center.
    • Join local events or share yours.
    • Join their #LotsOfSocks fundraising campaign.
    • Create your own fundraising campaign. Visit the link below to learn more.
    • Create a video based on this year’s theme.
    • Volunteer to speak at your school about Down syndrome and share your experiences.
    • Create opportunities in your community that will encourage advocacy and empowerment.
    • Find out more at worlddownsyndromeday.org and use #WorldDownSyndromeDay to share on social media.

    WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY HISTORY

    Since 2006, Down Syndrome International has promoted World Down Syndrome Day to encourage people with Down Syndrome to help raise awareness about the condition. The United Nations General Assembly declared March 21st as World Down Syndrome Day in December 2011. Each year, the organization creates a theme. Past themes have included:

    2020 – We Decide
    2019 – Leave No One Behind
    2018 – What I Bring To My Community
    2017 – My Voice My Community

    Down Syndrome FAQ

    Q. How many U.S. babies are born with Down Syndrome?
    A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6,000 babies are born with Down Syndrome in the United States each year.

    Q. Are there different types of Down syndrome?
    A. Yes. Most people with Down syndrome are born with Trisomy 21. The other two types of Down syndrome are Translocation Down syndrome and Mosaic Down syndrome.

    March 21st Celebrated History

    1917

    The first active-duty Navy woman, Loretta Walsh receives the rank of petty officer. She’s the first woman enlisted in the United States Armed Forces in a non-nurse capacity.

    1963

    The Federal Bureau of Prisons closes Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary located on an island off the coast of San Francisco, California. The maximum-security prison is also known as The Rock housed some of the country’s most notorious criminals including Al Capone, Robert “Birdman of Alcatraz” Stroud, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Alvin Karpis.

    1970

    The Mayor of San Francisco, Joseph Alioto proclaims the first Earth Day.

    1980

    Someone shoots J.R. on the popular television series Dallas.

    2006

    Jack Dorsey, one of Twitter’s cofounders, sent the first public tweet. It read, “just setting up my twttr.”

    March 21st Celebrated Birthdays

    Forrest Mars Sr. – 1904

    The American businessman and heir of the Mars candy empire is best known for developing the Mars bar and M&Ms.

    Jehane Benoît – 1904

    In 1933, the Canadian cookbook author and broadcaster opened her own cooking school called the Fumet de la Vieille France in Montreal. Two years later, Benoît opened the vegetarian restaurant “The Salad Bar.”

    Henry O Flipper – 1856

    On June 14, 1877, Cadet Henry O. Flipper became the first African American to graduate from West Point.

    Julio Gallo – 1910

    Along with his brother Ernest, Julio Gallo started a winery in 1933. From Modesto, California, they created a brand that dominated the inexpensive wine market. Gallo gained a reputation as a savvy businessman with marketing know-how. Over the years, Gallo eventually branched into finer wines.

    Notable Mentions

    Solomon Burke – 1940
    Rose Stone – 1945
    Gary Oldman – 1958
    Matthew Broderick – 1962
    Rosie O’Donnell – 1962

  • NATIONAL AG DAY – Changes Annually

    NATIONAL AG DAY

    Each year, National Ag Day recognizes and celebrates the abundance provided by agriculture across the United States. American agriculture plays a critical economic and food security role in our country.

    #NationalAgDay

    The role of American agriculture is greater than the food on our tables. It runs deep in our communities, large and small. Just about every product we touch involves a farmer. From the clothes on our backs to the fuel in our cars and the medicines we take, agriculture grows our economy and keeps us healthy. Agriculture provides jobs from field to store and beyond. In every area of agriculture, innovation is happing every day. And it’s been that way since the first farmer decided to plant a seed in the ground. 

    Farm co-ops, universities, 4-H clubs, agricultural associations, FFA clubs, businesses, and other organizations at the city, county, and state levels celebrate with a variety of events that give the general public an opportunity to see how their food, clothing, and other products get from the farm to you.

    While you may live in an urban area, agriculture is all around us. Events supported by organizations will demonstrate the economic impact agriculture has on society.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL AG DAY

    • Check your local newspaper or online listings for events near you. 
    • Encourage students to join FFA or 4-H for hands-on experience with agriculture. They may find their future there.
    • Volunteer to organize an event in your community.
    • Support your local farmer’s market.
    • Join a co-op.
    • Use #NationalAgDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL AG DAY HISTORY

    The National Ag Day Program and The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) were both started in 1973 as a way to increase public awareness of agriculture’s role in society. You will find additional information at https://www.agday.org/

    Ag FAQ

    Q. Do I have to be a farmer to participate in National Ag Day?
    A. No. Ag day is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the changing and essential landscape of agriculture. We all benefit from agriculture whether through the food we eat or the jobs it creates.

    Q. How many farms are in the United States?
    A. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farm numbers have been on the decline since 1935. As of 2020, the U.S. was home to 2.02 million farms. While the number of farms and the number of acres farmed both continue to decline the size of the average farm continues to increase.

    There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

  • NATIONAL FRENCH BREAD DAY – March 21

    NATIONAL FRENCH BREAD DAY

    National French Bread Day bakes up a delicious celebration enjoyed by millions across the United States each year on March 21st.

    #NationalFrenchBreadDay

    French bread, also known as a baguette, is a long thin loaf made from basic lean dough. Its length and its crisp crust define it. Over time, French law has established what is and what is not a baguette. In 1920, a labor law prevented bakers from starting their day before 4 a.m. Bread makers know that breadmaking is a tactile industry. The kneading and resting of the dough are just as important as the ingredients. When the law limited their day, the bakers knew their product so well they adjusted by re-shaping their loaves of bread. The long, narrow loaves baked more quickly and evenly. As a result, patrons found the new loaves more convenient for slicing and storing. 

    These sturdy loaves make delicious sandwiches, but they also go well with any soup. Any leftover bread makes delicious French toast, too!

    The French are known for their high standards where culinary arts are concerned. To preserve quality in their bread, laws were passed requiring minimum quantities of certain quality ingredients in each loaf of bread.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FRENCH BREAD DAY

    • Spend some time in the kitchen and fill your home with the smell of homemade French bread.
    • Try this French bread recipe and share it with others.
    • If the task seems a little daunting, be sure to visit your local bakery and pick up a loaf or two.
    • Make some bruschetta or serve it with your favorite pasta dish.
    • Use #NationalFrenchBreadDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL FRENCH BREAD DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this yeasty food holiday. 

    French Bread FAQ

    Q. Does French bread make good French toast?
    A. Yes. The crusty bread absorbs the egg mixture and flavors perfectly.

    Q. Do I need a special pan to make French bread?
    A. No. A baking sheet or stone is sufficient for baking French bread.

  • NATIONAL CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY DAY – March 21

    NATIONAL CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY DAY

    As part of National Nutrition Month, National California Strawberry Day kicks off the strawberry season in California. The celebration takes place annually on March 21st which is typically the first full day of spring. It’s an ideal time to rejuvenate our senses and get excited about fresh fruit dishes, too. 

    #CaliforniaStrawberryDay

    Strawberries are the flavor of paradise speckled with a bit of sunshine and whimsy. Their bright red dimpled fruit inspires picnics with double scoop strawberry ice cream cones. Of course, as the season heats up, the ice creams will drip down our chins but that is a worthy price to pay for a delicious crop of these dazzling and beautiful berries. Even eaten fresh, the juices leave a tantalizing mark on the lips of sweet toddlers and sweethearts, too. 

    As you celebrate the kiss of summer, remember that strawberries provide good sources of potassium, fiber, folic acid, and vitamin C. They are also low in calories, with no fat and no cholesterol.

    HOW TO OBSERVE CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY DAY

    • While spring beckons, make your favorite strawberry recipes.
    • Add strawberries to your morning breakfast routine.
    • Make a parfait or strawberry shortcake and while you’re at it, make some memories, too.
    • Plan a trip to a pick-your-own strawberry farm for another fun way to enjoy your strawberries. 
    • Enjoy some California strawberries and use #CaliforniaStrawberryDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY DAY HISTORY

    In 1983, the California Strawberry Advisory Board (now the California Strawberry Commission) proposed California Strawberry Day to celebrate the California strawberry season as a true sign of spring.  

    Strawberry FAQ

    Q. What other fruit wears its seeds on the outside?
    A. None. Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the skin.

    Q. Do strawberries freeze well?
    A. Yes. Remove the stems and seal in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Frozen strawberries are perfect for smoothies and other cold beverages, too.

    Q. How many calories are in a strawberry?
    A. One medium-sized strawberry contains about 4 calories.

  • NATIONAL FRAGRANCE DAY – March 21

    NATIONAL FRAGRANCE DAY               

    Spring is now in the air, and so is National Fragrance Day. Each year on March 21st, let your favorite scents lift your mood or carry you to another place.  

    #NationalFragranceDay

    Have you ever been transported back in time simply by catching the scent of a loved one’s perfume? Or perhaps it was the smell of baby powder on a newborn that sent you reeling back to the days when your child was an infant. Maybe it was a combination of ginger and molasses, and suddenly you were in your grandmother’s kitchen.
     
    Whatever the fragrance, scents, and memory are powerfully linked. We associate summer with the smell of freshly cut grass, thunderstorms with the smell of the damp air, and the acrid scent of sulfur when lightning has struck. We often connect memories of winter holidays with warm spiced pies and cookies.
    Fragrance and Science 
    The brain is an amazing thing, and science finds out more about it every day. Simply put, the olfactory bulb which is responsible for processing all those smells we take in is next to the hippocampus deep inside the brain. Neuroscientists have discovered that one of the responsibilities of the hippocampus is creating new memories. Research suggests smell and memory are closely related since the olfactory bulb and the hippocampus are adjacent to each other.
     
    Our memories are most nearly linked to those we have loved. Your first love may have worn a unique botanical fragrance, or perhaps the uncle who taught you to tie intricate knots smelled of cedar as he told war stories. While we may often take a trip down memory lane by looking at a scrapbook, perhaps this time remembering our favorite fragrances will stir up memories that were long forgotten, or maybe we will make some new ones.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FRAGRANCE DAY

    • Find some new ways to enjoy your sense of smell.
    • Wear your favorite fragrance or find a new one. 
    • Light a candle or replace a wax melt.
    • Add fragrant oil to your bath.
    • Remember that a scent can improve a mood or become a signature style.
    • Place a bouquet of flowers in a vase to bring a floral fragrance to the room.
    • Educators, visit the Classroom for a National Fragrance Day lesson designed for you!
    • Use #NationalFragranceDay to post on social media. 

    NATIONAL FRAGRANCE DAY HISTORY

    In the early 1980s, perfume manufacturers launched National Fragrance Day to celebrate all the ways scents can improve our lives. 

    Frangrance FAQ

    Q. Are there other smell-related days on the calendar?
    A. Yes. Check these observances out:

    Q. Do fragrances have different strengths?
    A. When it comes to cologne and perfume, they do come in different strengths. The strongest is Parfum with the highest concentration of fragrance oils and the weakest is Eau de Fraiche with the lowest concentration of fragrance oils. The concentration of oils determines the purity of the fragrance.

  • NATIONAL SINGLE PARENT DAY – March 21

    NATIONAL SINGLE PARENT DAY

    On March 21st, National Single Parents Day honors the mothers and fathers holding down the fort with all the hard work, devotion, and sacrifices involved in single parenting. Raising children can be challenging. Doing it without a partner doubles the burden. Whether by choice or circumstance, single parents carry a heavy load. Between work, school, daycare, doctor visits, and the list goes on, one person can only do so much. 

    #NationalSingleParentDay

    Many single parents find support from family. Much like other families, grandparents, siblings, and other extended family help out. It’s important that they do. According to the 2016 U.S. Census, 23% of American children live with a single mother and 4% live with a single father.

    Being a single parent doesn’t make someone a bad parent. Many single parents would agree that children benefit from the care and love of two parents. However, the love of one parent and a supporting cast often get the job done, too.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SINGLE PARENTS DAY

    • Show your support and appreciation to a single parent you know.
    • Make this day a special one for a single parent.
    • If you’re a single parent, give yourself a pat on the back!
    • Share your experiences as a single parent.
    • Join a group of single parents for support and encouragement.
    • Use #NationalSingleParentDay to post on social media.

    Single Parent

    NATIONAL SINGLE PARENT DAY HISTORY

    In 1984, Janice Moglen wrote an article with the hope that Single Parent Day may one day gain the recognition many connect with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. She collaborated with the organization, Parents Without Partners, and began to petition to have states declare recognition of Single Parent Day. The day of March 21st coincides with the inception of Parents Without Partners, which began on March 21, 1957.  Proclamation 5166 was presented to, and signed, by President Ronald Reagan declaring March 21, 1984, as National Single Parent Day.

    Single Parent FAQ

    Q. Is being a single parent and co-parenting the same thing?
    A. No. A single parent receives little to no support from the other parent. They may receive financial support but the day-to-day care of the children is provided by one parent. Co-parenting involves both parents providing care and support to the children though it may be in different homes or with the assistance of a step-parent. 

    Q. What are some ways to help a single parent?
    A. Some of the ways to show support to a single parent include:

    • Offering to watch the children for an hour or two while the parent runs errands, goes to a movie, or attends a parent-teacher conference. 
    • Inviting the single parent and children over for dinner. Let the children play with yours while the adults catch up.
    • Offering to take family photos.
    • Giving the single parent clothes your children have outgrown. 
    • Being a flexible employer. 
    • Including the children of a single parent in activities with your children.
    • Praising the single parent. Let them know they are doing a good job. 
  • NATIONAL COMMON COURTESY DAY – March 21

    NATIONAL COMMON COURTESY DAY

    National Common Courtesy Day on March 21st serves as a reminder of the behavior that keeps society from melting into a sea of madness. In addition, the day brings awareness to how crucial common courtesy is in our lives and provides examples to help us improve.

    #CommonCourtesyDay

    In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, courtesy is described as a: behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others: courteous behavior b: a courteous and respectful act or expression.

    Common courtesy can be as simple as saying “please” and “thank you” when asking for and receiving a service, gift, or assistance. Kindness and courtesy go a long way and are noticed by others even if you do not realize it. Letting someone in front of you in traffic is easy. Hold open a door for someone or give a person a hand with his groceries. Give up your seat on the bus to someone who might need it. Introduce yourself to the new employee or kid at school and take the time to introduce them to the rest of the crew. 

    A polite enemy is just as difficult to discredit, as a rude friend is to protect. – Bryant H. McGill

    These examples provide a glimpse into how you can infuse courtesy into your life. Momentary deeds of courtesy may be incremental, but they might make a huge difference in someone’s life.

    HOW TO OBSERVE COMMON COURTESY DAY

    • If common courtesy is not a part of your daily routine, make Common Courtesy Day your opportunity for change.
    • Start implementing courtesy into your life.
    • Try it; not only will others appreciate it, but you will feel good about it, too.
    • Show your appreciation for the common courtesy you experience.
    • Use #CommonCourtesyDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL COMMON COURTESY DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues to seek the day’s origin but identified it began around 2003.

    Common Courtesy FAQ

    Q. Is there such a thing as uncommon courtesy?
    A. In a sense, yes. Common courtesy is disappearing, so it’s more uncommon now than it once was. However, when common courtesy thrived, some people practiced uncommon courtesy. It could be described as going above and beyond the ordinary customs of the day. For example, standing when someone entered or left a room used to be common courtesy. However, the practice has fallen out of fashion. Some people still stand when someone enters an office, meeting, or social occasion, though it’s more uncommon than common.

    Q. What is one way to teach common courtesy?
    A. One of the best ways to teach common courtesy is to practice it yourself. When others see common courtesy in action, they learn to adopt the behavior themselves.