Category: May 03

  • NATIONAL INTERPRETER APPRECIATION DAY | First Wednesday in May

    NATIONAL INTERPRETER APPRECIATION DAY

    There are about 6,500 languages in the world and on any given day, we’re bound to come in contact with more than one of them. National Interpreter Appreciation Day on the first Wednesday of May celebrates the experts who connect those who want to communicate but they don’t speak the same language. They also translate for government services, businesses, hospitals, organizations, and more. Interpreters learn many different languages including Spanish, French, Arabic, Mandarin, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, and Sign Language in many different forms.

    #InterpreterAppreciationDay

    Interpreters come in many forms:
    • Simultaneous Interpreters – This type of interpreter will translate what is being said as the person is speaking. News conferences, government meetings, and other large gatherings may require simultaneous interpretation.
    • Consecutive Interpreters – Interpreters translate speech during pauses usually in smaller settings or between two people. It mimics dialogue.
    • Whisper Interpreters – The interpreter translates live, but quietly, usually in a faith setting. They usually sit near those who need to hear the translation. Or, in the case of a sign language interpreter, will stand where they can clearly be seen.
    • Phone Interpreters – Interpreters provide interpret between two or more parties on the phone. Usually, an interpreter provides the service as a third party for businesses, government services, and other services.

    National Interpreter Appreciation Day encourages us to show our appreciation to the interpreters we know or encounter. Their ability to translate even one language is an awe-inspiring accomplishment. Some interpreters translate several more!

    HOW TO OBSERVE INTERPRETER APPRECIATION DAY

    Language doesn’t have to be a barrier. That’s why we celebrate interpreters! We appreciate their ability to connect us and keep us connected to each other and the world. When you encounter an interpreter, give them your undivided attention. Let them know you admire their skill and dedication. Recommend their services and give them a shout-out, too! And don’t forget to use #InterpreterAppreciationDay on social media.

    National Interpreter Appreciation Day History

    In 2013, Joshua Jones started a Facebook page for Interpreter Appreciation Day as an annual reminder to celebrate the talented and often under pressure professionals who keep the dialogue flowing when two cultures meet.

     

  • WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY – May 3

    WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

    Every year, May 3 is when the world celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom. It’s a day to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. At the core of the date is a reminder that it can be suicide to become a journalist. Publications and the people who work with them are harassed, attacked, murdered. Publications are censored, fined and closed down.

    #WorldPressFreedomDay

    It is an opportunity to:

    • celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
    • assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
    • defend the media from attacks on their independence;
    • and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

    In the United States, over the last 15 years, the number of reporters, editors, photographers, and other U.S. newsroom employees fell by 45 percent. It’s expected that more newsrooms will follow suit as news business models continue to be in flux. There are now some 1,500 “ghost papers,” where skeleton staffs are offering little to no local news coverage. And, in some places, access to news has dried up entirely: More than 1,400 communities across the country lost a newspaper over this period.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

    Visit the Press Freedom Day online.  Use your local newspaper to express yourself. Write a letter to the editor on something that you feel strongly about.

    Read George Orwell’s 1984, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 all of which picture a society without a free press.

    Follow on social media with #PressFreedomDay, or #WorldPressFreedomDay

    WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY HISTORY

    World Press Freedom Committee was established in 1976 by a batch of independent journalists to promote and defend press freedom and cover 44 media organizations from around the world. In 1993, the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed World Press Freedom Day following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991.

  • NATIONAL SKILLED TRADES DAY – First Wednesday in May

    NATIONAL SKILLED TRADES DAY

    The first Wednesday in May educates us about National Skilled Trades Day.

    #NationalSkilledTradesDay

    Across the nation, many businesses require highly skilled workers to fill a multitude of trades in the healthcare, construction, manufacturing/industry, and service categories. Learn trades in a variety of fields from machinery and construction to medical and beauty. Whether you’re interested in being a chef or mechanic, working as a medical coder or helping others as an Emergency Medical Technician, a nursing aide or a vet tech, choices are available.

    Jobs A-Plenty!

    There are more jobs than workers, too! And the trend will continue for the next couple of decades. Therefore, National Skilled Trades Day is important today and in the future. Baby boomers retire faster than companies can fill job openings increasing the demand for skilled workers. Pair the drastic costs of a college degree making education unattainable for many and a skilled trade becomes the smart alternative.

    Earn Now!

    Those in skilled trades often only need a certification to start their career, which means they can begin earning with little to no debt from education. Our society has a hard time accepting the skilled trades route as a valuable career path. National Skilled Trades Day aims to raise awareness and help show America the value of skilled trades. If we are going to create growth in our country, we must celebrate the critical jobs that fall under Skilled Trades.

    Rewarding!

    It’s rewarding to roll up your sleeves and put in an honest day’s work. In the skilled trades, you can have a career that offers excellent pay, benefits, healthcare, and more. Whether working in the heating and cooling ventilation industry or cutting hair, skilled trades occupations won’t be replaced by machines or outsourced. They are in higher demand than ever before.

    The skilled trades community holds the country together. We call these very people to fix our cars, install new toilets, build our homes, take our blood, and make sure our pets are healthy. So, on the first Wednesday of May, celebrate those in the skilled trades – it’s a true labor of love.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SKILLED TRADES DAY

    For Schools
    • Get the word out about the need for skilled trades workers and the benefits of learning a trade. Skilled trades are the college alternative.
    • Encourage community support for students and parents who are considering going into skilled trades fields. Let them know the value of the benefits and instill a sense of pride for those who chose to lead lives in a skilled trades field. It’s a noble career path with benefits equal to a traditional four-year degree.
    • Career and technical centers can host open houses and/or career and job fairs.
    • Introduce the trades early. Elementary schools can have a “Dress Up as Your Favorite Skilled Trades Worker” Day.
    • Find room in the school budget for shop class.
    • Schedule a field trip to a construction site or small business.
    • Create classroom projects geared toward skilled trades.
    For Businesses
    • Get the word out about the need for skilled trades workers and the benefits of learning a trade. Contact local radio and television stations and newspapers. The community needs to hear you are looking for skilled trades workers.
    • Host an open house at your place of employment.
    • Have breakfast or lunch catered for your employees.
    • Highlight your employees on social media: Why did they pick a career in the skilled trades? What life lessons have they learned in their years working in skilled trades?
    For those in the Skilled Trades
    • Share your trade with someone you know.
    • Post about the day on social media.
    • Volunteer to speak at a career fair.
    For Communities
    • If you see someone in a uniform, be sure to thank them.
    • If you own a store or restaurant, consider giving a discount to those who visit in uniform on National Skilled Trades Day.
    • Teach your children and grandchildren that skilled trades are the college alternative. Not everyone needs to go to college. Many technical schools provide the science, math and technology training required for any skills required.

    Use #NationalSkilledTradesDay to share your experience in your trade, or follow the day on social media at @CMTCompanies on Facebook or Twitter or @NationalDayCalendar on Facebook and @NationalDayCal on Twitter.

    For more information and resources, visit www.cmtcompanies.com/national-skilled-trades-day.

    NATIONAL SKILLED TRADES DAY HISTORYNational Skilled Trades Day logo with no year

    City Machine Technologies, Inc. founded National Skilled Trades Day to bring awareness to the skilled trades shortage facing the United States. It is also a day to celebrate those important workers employed as a skilled tradesperson. As a family-owned and operated industrial repair shop in Youngstown, Ohio, City Machine Technologies has experienced a labor shortage and is concerned about the future of their business as well as others in the manufacturing industry. Rather than sit back and wait for the culture to change, CMT decided to spur change and shed a positive light on the skilled trades through awareness and special events like National Skilled Trades Day.

    In 2019, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Skilled Trades Day to be observed on the first Wednesday in May annually.

  • NATIONAL MONTANA DAY | May 3

    NATIONAL MONTANA DAY

    On May 3rd, National Montana Day recognizes The Treasure State and the big sky country. It’s difficult to know where to begin when it comes to the 41st state in the U.S.A.

    #NationalMontanaDay

    If we look up, big sky country is there day or night. The northern lights dazzle and dance at night and during the day, an azure blue paints the dome above us. But, it’s also the Yellowstone region of the states known for the big sky, its geysers, hot springs, mountain views, and the most entrances into the park.

    Travel east and back in time to the June 1876 and the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Visit Custer National Cemetery; learn about the people who joined in the battle that day. Twelve years later on November 8, 1889, Montana became a state.

    It’s easy to become distracted in Montana. The breathtaking mountain views alone can make one forget why they left the room. Glacier National Park, for example, is a treasure worth seeing. Called the Crown of the Continent, one of its greatest natural resources is a dark night sky. https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm

    One thing is for sure when it comes to Montana is its people. Whether you’re seeking dinosaurs, the history of Blackfeet or Nez Pierce, a real working ranch, the people of Montana are as genuine as the land they live on.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MONTANA DAY

    Join National Day Calendar® as we celebrate the 41st state to join the union. Explore the history and people of Montana. Follow the trails of the pioneers and visit all the treasures this great has to offer. Use #NationalMontanaDay to share on social media.

    In 1916, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to Congress. She ran for office before most women could cast a ballot. However, Montana voted in favor of equal suffrage in 1914. As a suffragist, Rankin’s efforts factored considerably in the passing of Montana’s legislation and as Representative Rankin when Congress passed the 19th Amendment.

    Scarlet fever left John L. Clarke without hearing or vocal chords at the age of two. What the disease took away from Clarke was replaced with an artist’s touch. Clarke was 3/4 Blackfeet Indian and learned to carve and sculpt while attending schools for the deaf. His keenly detailed depictions of wildlife have been displayed in the Oval Office and exhibited around the world.

    Known as the “Daughter of Montana” and adopted by the Blackfoot Nation, Elizabeth Davey Lochrie traveled rural Montana painting evocative portraits of the Native Americans who lived there. Her breathtaking murals captured the beauty and ruggedness of Montana frontier life.

    Gary Cooper appeared in more than 80 films during a career that lept from silent movies to sound almost effortlessly. He was nominated for his first Academy Award in 1937 for his role in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. Cooper would go on to earn two Best Actor Academy Awards for Sergeant York (1942) and High Noon (1953). In 1961, the Academy presented him with an honorary award for his career achievements.

    Best known for her role as Nora Charles in the Thin Man film series, Myrna Loy began her career in silent movies. Despite her incredible 129 film credits, she never received an Academy Award nomination. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did honor Loy’s contributions both to film and humanitarian efforts.

    Author Dorothy Baker wrote three novels in her lifetime earning her a Houghton Mifflin Literary Fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

    Chet Huntley began his career in radio, but soon found his way to NBC reporting the news alongside David Brinkley. Together they covered political races, military conflicts, and earned industry awards.

    From vaudeville, the Broadway stage to film, television and USO tours, Martha Raye’s comedic talent joined up with Charlie Chaplin, Bob Hope, and Jimmy Durante, just to name a few.

    In 1943, Minnie Spotted Wolf became the first full-blooded Native American woman to join the Marine Corps Women’s Reserves. She served four years and later returned home to a teaching career.

    Robert “Evel” Knievel built a career as a death-defying stuntman. Jumping his motorcycle across massive obstacles or gaping gorges, Evel drew enormous television and stadium audiences.

    Noted paleontologist, Jack Horner, has made several contributions to the paleontological community. From the discovery of new dinosaurs and their behaviors to publishing numerous articles, books, and children’s books.

    Ringing Rocks of Montana – Whitehall

    Bleu Horses – Three Forks

    Our Lady of the Rockies – Butte

    Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center – West Yellowstone

    Anaconda Smelter Stack – Anaconda

    Blackfoot Pathways – Lincoln

  • NATIONAL TEXTILES DAY – MAY 3

    NATIONAL TEXTILES DAY

    On May 3rd, we recognize all that textiles do to improve our lives with National Textiles Day. From fashionable style to everyday necessity, textiles provide us with a wealth of design possibilities.

    #NationalTextilesDay

    Woven fibers of either natural or synthetic materials create textiles that make life easier and more comfortable, too. We use the resulting fabric to make coverings for a variety of uses. From the clothes we wear to bedding and furniture covers as well as rugs, drapery, and canvas for art and shelter, textiles cover our lives.

    Not only does textile lend itself to multiple uses, but it is also versatile. Texture and color allow unlimited possibilities for design and expression. Fabrics also protect us from the elements. And while we manipulate them to our needs, they remain sturdy or delicate depending on their design. While some fabrics breathe for sport others resist wind, rain, and sun.

    Sustainability and environmentally friendly approaches to producing textiles are an essential part of the manufacturing process in the modern era, too. Valley Forge Fabrics is a company dedicated to living and working harmoniously with the environment. They have a reclamation take-back program for many of their products that have been in place since 2008.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL TEXTILES DAY

    Consider all the ways textiles improve our lives. Express yourself through the textiles in your life. Whether it shades your windows, accents your furniture, or brings comfort to your shoulders, textiles are all around us. What is your favorite fabric? Look around and let us know by using #NationalTextilesDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL TEXTILES DAY HISTORY

    In 2016, Valley Forge Fabrics founded National Textiles Day to celebrate the beauty and versatility of textiles.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the observance to be celebrated on May 3rd, annually.

  • National SAN Architect Day

    NATIONAL SAN ARCHITECT DAY

    National SAN Architect Day on May 3rd each year recognizes the systems and professionals managing America’s data.

    #SANArchitectDay

    Storage Area Network (SAN) Architects perform the thankless job of managing America’s IT infrastructure. They organize voluminous data networks, handle security, and guard against data breaches. They also make sure payments and invoices go out on time while handling financial resources and ensuring human resources compliance. In short, they are engaged in every aspect of corporate life. And yet there is virtually no acknowledgment of their extensive contributions.

    Unknown largely to shareholders, they labor in obscurity, keeping America’s data safe. Corporate management will usually not mention the people who build and maintain their storage area networks unless there is a catastrophic data breach. In all other instances, SAN architects labor in obscurity working for organizations that range from Fortune 500 companies to SMBs and virtually all government agencies – buried behind the walls of the Data Center.

    HOW TO OBSERVE SAN ARCHITECT DAY

    Thank a SAN architect for keeping us safe. Learn more about SAN Architects and the services they provide. Post on social media using #SANArchitectDay.

    NATIONAL SAN ARCHITECT DAY HISTORY

    KCI, Inc. founded National SAN Architect Day in 2015 to recognize the dedicated systems and professionals keeping America’s data and IT infrastructure safe.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the day to be observed on May 3rd, annually.

    May 3rd Celebrated History

    1923

    Two U.S. Army Air Service pilots complete the first nonstop transcontinental flight. Lt. John A. Macready and Lt. Oakley G. Kelly departed from Roosevelt Field, Long Island in a T-2 transport on May 2nd and landed at Rockwell Field, San Diego on May 3rd. The flight took nearly 27 hours and 2,470 miles to complete.

    1933

    Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman to serve as the director of the United States Mint.

    1952

    CBS televises the Kentucky Derby for the first time. Hill Gail won the race ridden by Eddie Arcaro with a time of 2:01 3/5. An injury during the race meant that Hill Gail never ran as well again as he did that day.

    1979

    The first woman to lead the Conservative Party in Great Britain’s Parliament, Margaret Thatcher was also the first woman elected to Prime Minister. She would serve three consecutive terms, eventually resigning before the end of her third term.

    May 3rd Celebrated Birthdays

    Jacob Riis – 1849

    The Danish-American photojournalist documented the poverty of urban living conditions.

    Golda Meir – 1898

    In 1948, Golda Meir was one of 37 members of the Moetzet HaAm to sign Israel’s Proclamation of Independence. She served in many positions in Israel’s government before becoming its prime minister in 1969.

    Bing Crosby – 1903

    With charisma and talent, Bing Crosby set out to change entertainment forever. As one of radio and screen’s most beloved crooners, Crosby sang his way into the hearts of his fans. His velvet voice earned him numerous roles in musical films and garnered many awards. Setting the stage for performing artists, Crosby became one of the most popular of the 20th century.

    William Inge – 1913

    William Inge earned a Pulitzer Prize for his play, Picnic. Depicting small-town Kansas and the fears of failure. Inge would write several Broadway plays which would make it to the big screen including Bus Stop, starring Marilyn Monroe.

    Sugar Ray Robinson – 1921

    The American professional boxer is widely considered one of the world’s best boxers in history. With four Golden Gloves and 109 knockouts across 173 wins, Robinson gain international fame during his 25-year career.

    James Brown – 1933

    Universally known as the “Godfather of Soul,” the dynamic American singer-songwriter began his early career with gospel and R&B groups. His flamboyant style, tenacity and talent led him to chart hits. In 1965, Brown won his first Grammy Award for “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” for Best R&B Recording.

  • NATIONAL RASPBERRY POPOVER DAY | May 3

      

    NATIONAL RASPBERRY POPOVER DAY

    National Raspberry Popover Day on May 3rd each year recognizes a dish similar to Yorkshire pudding. The day is also referred to as National Raspberry Tart Day.

    #RaspberryPopoverDay

    Popovers earn their name by their characteristic popping over the edge of the pan as they bake. They can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory combinations. The primary ingredients in popovers are flour, eggs, milk, butter, salt and butter. Raspberries make popovers sweeter. Whether sweet or savory, most people enjoy popovers at breakfast time. 

    National Raspberry Popover Day is the second popover holiday on the calendar.  In March, we celebrated National Blueberry Popover Day. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE RASPBERRY POPOVER DAY

    One sure way to celebrate the day is by trying your hand at making an authentic popover. We’ve even supplied a recipe for you to try. The fact that you’ll be making raspberry popovers to celebrate makes it a bonus celebration. Other ways to participate include:

    • Visit your favorite bakery for some fresh-baked popovers.
    • Whether you purchase yours or make them at home, share them with co-works and friends.
    • Share your recipes. You really must do this if you make your own. Bragging rights and recipes go hand in hand.
    • Take beautiful food selfies. (Another rite of passage if you bake your own.)
    • Make an extra batch and bring them over to the National Day Calendar offices! We know you want to.

    Enjoy this tried and true Raspberry Popovers recipe.

    Use #RaspberryPopoverDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL RASPBERRY POPOVER DAY HISTORY

    Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of this Yorkshire pudding holiday.

     

  • NATIONAL BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY – Changes Annually

    NATIONAL BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY

    National Bike to School Day each year encourages students and classrooms to celebrate the energy of National Bike Month. The observance built on the popularity of National Walk to School Day, which is celebrated each October. It creates opportunities for schools across the nation to join together and support bike safety for students and faculty. 

    #NationalBikeToSchoolDay

    The initiative focuses on healthy lifestyles, safety, and fostering community participation. Schools and the surrounding neighborhoods participate in the campaign by raising awareness of traffic rules, increasing physical activity in our daily lives, and including neighborhood awareness to share the road with cyclists. 

    Each year, the program provides campaign materials and event ideas to help guide educators, too. Some activities include:

    • Group rides
    • Learning signals and traffic rules
    • Equipment safety checks
    • Healthy living, healthy breakfasts

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY

    Join the movement! Bike to school or around your neighborhood. Practice safe cycling while getting out and about in your neighborhood. Enjoy physical activity and friendship, too! The best way to celebrate this day is to bike to school! You can also organize an activity at your school about bike safety or create a bicycling group. Share your activities by using #NationalBikeToSchoolDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY HISTORY

    In coordination with the League of American Bicyclists’ National Bike Month, the first National Bike to School Day was celebrated on May 9, 2012.  Nearly 1,000 local events in 49 states and the District of Columbia encouraged children to safely bicycle or walk to school.

    In 2013, more than 1,700 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, participated in events, which took place throughout the month.   

     
  • NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CUSTARD DAY – May 3

    NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CUSTARD DAY

    National Chocolate Custard Day on May 3rd each year celebrates a delicious pudding-like dessert enjoyed by many.

    #ChocolateCustardDay

    Pastry chefs and home cooks alike make custards by blending eggs with milk or cream and heating the mixture either on the stove or in the oven. Since custards come in a variety of consistencies, you can choose the one that best fits your dessert preference. For example, they range from a thin liquid-like a crème Anglaise to a firm creme brulee.

    Custard is also a versatile dessert. When paired with pastries and baked goods, custard can be layered and piped. It also can be the main filling of a pie or a tart. Substitute a frosting with a thick custard between layers of pound cake or create a delightful parfait with custard, angel food cake, and custard. Pipe custard into dainty cupcakes, add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkles for flair.

    While chocolate custards are delicious on their own, they also fill eclairs, creme puffs, and doughnuts, too

    HOW TO OBSERVE CHOCOLATE CUSTARD DAY

    Celebrate by making a fresh chocolate custard. How will you experiment with chocolate custard? Add it to a tart or pie and serve for dessert. Try both dark and milk chocolate and see which one you prefer. If you’re looking for a recipe, try this Chocolate Custard Cups recipe.

    Use #ChocolateCustardDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CUSTARD DAY HISTORY

    Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of National Chocolate Custard Day.

    Related Observances

  • NATIONAL PARANORMAL DAY – May 3

    NATIONAL PARANORMAL DAY

    Each year on May 3rd National Paranormal Day people who believe in paranormal activities are encouraged to get together and share their experiences with each other.

    #NationalParanormalDay

    Paranormal is a term used to describe occurrences that can’t be explained by ordinary scientific measures. They are outside the norm. Many words leap to mind when speaking of the paranormal. Ghosts, hauntings, spirit, or poltergeist name a few. However, an extraterrestrial and clairvoyance also fall into the category, too. Have you ever felt a sense of Deja vu? Some believe the feeling is related to the paranormal. Are strange orbs in the night an apparition or simply a moth catching the light?

    Nearly every city in the country has a house or location that holds a mystical presence. Whether the history associated with the location or personal experiences, certain places radiate the paranormal. Others need a time of day or year for their mystery to unfold. Even still, it might depend on who spins the tale. A good storyteller can make just about anyone’s spine tingle.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PARANORMAL DAY

    Explore the paranormal – if you dare. What’s your favorite ghost story? Discover paranormal hotbeds in your area. Even those who don’t believe in the paranormal can participate in the day. There are a wide variety of movies, documentaries, science-fiction books, and television shows specializing in this genre.

    Share your experiences using #NationalParanormalDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL PARANORMAL DAY HISTORY

    Within our research, we were unable to find the creator or the origin of National Paranormal Day.