Every year on November 9th, World Adoption Day encourages adoptees to share their stories. It’s also a day for adoptive parents to connect with others and reflect upon their adoption journey.
For couples experiencing the pain of infertility, adoption can be a wonderful way to become parents. However, there are many other kinds of people who adopt children each year. Maybe they simply want to provide a home for a child in need. Or maybe a woman has a medical condition that would make it dangerous to carry a baby. Others adopt because they are single, but still wish to have children.
On the other side of the spectrum, there are many reasons children are given up for adoption. An unwed mother may feel she is too young to take responsibility for a child. Or, a mother may realize they do not have enough resources to adequately care for a child. Sadly, many children become in need of a home when one or both parents die.
While adoption is a beautiful process, it can also be sad to realize the number of children in need of a home. According to the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) more than 150 million children throughout the world are in need of a home. This number includes the nearly half a million children that are in the U.S. foster system.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldAdoptionDay
Each year on this day, those affected by adoption are encouraged to draw a smiley face on their hand and take a photo. To help raise awareness for adoption, they are to share their photo on social media. This is also a great day for both adoptees and adoptive parents to share their unique adoption journeys.
Whether you are affected by adoption or not, you can participate in the following ways:
Donate to a family and help them fund their adoption.
Learn about famous adoptees, such as Babe Ruth, Eleanor Roosevelt, Melissa Gilbert, Steve Jobs, Leo Tolstoy, and Dave Thomas.
Watch an adopted-themed movie, like Disney’s Tarzan, Lilo and Stitch, Annie, and Meet the Robinsons.
Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center that supports adoption.
Be sure to spread awareness for this day on social media with #WorldAdoptionDay.
WORLD ADOPTION DAY HISTORY
Hank Fortener founded World Adoption Day in 2014. Hank had also founded AdoptTogether, an adoption crowdfunding platform. His goal for the day is gathering support for his mission to reduce the number of orphans in the world and provide a family for every child.
World Freedom Day on November 9th each year commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall. This historic event signified the end of communism in Central and Eastern Europe.
At the conclusion of WWII, Germany was divided into East and West Germany. The two sectors were divided by the American, British, and French-occupied sectors of West Germany and the Soviet Union controlled East Germany. In 1949, East Germany became its own country. The capital city of Berlin fell within the Soviet Zone of Occupation.
As might be expected, the living conditions between East and West Germany were very different. In capitalist West Germany, economic conditions thrived. The opposite happened in communist East Germany. In order to escape the harsh conditions of communist rule, many Germans defected to West Germany. By the late 1960s, East Germany had lost much of its population, which included a majority of its labor force. Between 1949 and 1961, nearly 3 million people had left East Germany. Out of desperation, the Soviet Union threatened the use of nuclear weapons to overtake West Germany, including West Berlin.
On August 12-13, 1961 soldiers erected concrete posts and strung barbed wire between East and West Berlin. This action took place in the middle of the night. When people in Berlin woke the next morning, they could not go to the other side of the city. Even if they had a job, or a family on the other side, Berliners couldn’t cross over. They were stuck on their side of Berlin for decades. Days later, soldiers installed a sturdier wall.
Eventually, electric fences, watchtowers, and minefields were installed along the 91-mile wall. The Berlin Wall became a symbol of the Cold War.
Ending the Cold War
During that time, lines were physically drawn. A wall. Families physically divided. Countries at arms.
In June of 1982, President Ronald Reagan visited Berlin addressing the issue of the wall, the arms race, and the Cold War. In 1987, he once more visited the Berlin Wall and made his now-famous speech, “Tear down this wall!”
Tear down this wall! President Ronald Reagan June 12, 1987
Known as the “great communicator,” Reagan continued his discussions with the Soviet Union’s General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev.
In 1989, the new leader of East Germany greatly reduced travel restrictions from East Germany. Border guards began letting people cross from East Berlin into West Berlin. On November 9th, 1989 when Berliners realized the borders were open, thousands descended upon the wall. They began chipping away at the wall with chisels and hammers. Piece by piece, the wall came down. On October 3, 1990, East and West Germany reunified into a single German state.
TODAY
Around the world, people’s freedom is still threatened. Many seek to control entire populations. Tyrants threaten violence or manipulate the financial sectors. Whether through political, social, violent pressures, these dictators still exists. This day recognizes the need to continue striving for freedom for everyone.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldFreedomDay
Observe this day by learning more about the history of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall. Check out some of these documentaries:
Busting the Berlin Wall
Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall
Modern Marvels: The Berlin Wall
Stasi – East Germany’s Secret Police
After the Wall: A World United
Imagine what it was like after the Berlin Wall came down. Germans reunited with loved ones after decades of being apart. They could go from one side of the city without the threat of imprisonment or death. It was truly a day of time of great celebration. Post your thoughts on social media and share this day by using #WorldFreedomDay.
WORLD FREEDOM DAY HISTORY
In 2001, President George Bush proclaimed November 9th as World Freedom Day. The day is a United States Federal observance. Since 2001, each president since George Bush has proclaimed November 9th as World Freedom Day.
On November 9, National Louisiana Day recognizes the state that brought us such treasures as Jazz, Creole and American Mardi Gras.
Throughout the history of the state, the blending of race and culture have resulted in the Delta’s own unique flair that brings visitors from around the world seeking to taste their food, hear their music and see their style.
When French explorers first arrived, several diverse tribes populated the area. Many of their population were decimated by disease and war. Natchez, Choctaw or Chitimacha descendants still survive today.
In 1803, Louisiana became territory when the United States completed negotiations with France for the 828,000 mile Louisiana Purchase. The first of 15 states to be carved out of the region, Louisianna entered the United States in 1812.
Within its mysterious gulf, Louisiana holds the secrets of pirates, conflicts of slavery and the paths of progress. The bayou teems with life and stories untold.
Louisiana epitomizes the phrase “melting pot” probably more than any other state. Throughout the history of the state, Native American, French, Spanish, German, African, Irish and Caribean cultures have blended in a variety of ways creating a diverse and distinct culture in the bayou. From the food to the language, the music and history, Cajun (French Canadian or Acadian), Creole (European, African, Caribbean or Spanish mixed ancestry) and even the landscape impact the enchantment that is Louisiana.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLouisianaDay
On November 9, join National Day Calendar as we celebrate Louisiana’s treasures and mysteries. Uncover hidden the hidden gulf coast and find all the adventures Louisiana has to offer! Use #NationalLouisianaDay to share on social media.
For a complete list of Louisiana State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.crt.state.la.usand www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.
Avery Island Tabasco Museum and Factory – New Iberia
Born to Michel Heine and Amelie Miltenberger, Alice Heine would be the first American crowned a princess of Monaco by marrying a prince. In 1889, after the death of her first husband, Duke and Marquis Armand Chapelle, Alice Heine married Prince Albert of Monaco.
Addressing her own hair loss, Alice Breedlove created her own line of haircare products under the name of Madam C.J. Walker. She became one of the first women self-made millionaires in the United States.
A graduate of Cornell University, Dr. Edith Loeber-Ballard interned at several New York hospitals and practiced at New England Hospital for Women and Children. After returning to Louisiana, she advocated for women and children.
Considered one of the founding fathers of Jazz, Buddy Bolden earned the nickname “King Bolden.” The cornet player meshed the sounds of ragtime and blues with the Buddy Bolden Band to bring a new dance sound attracting followers to the new brand of music.
Noted trumpeter and influential jazz artist, Louis Armstrong’s skillful ability and dramatic style made him a prominent entertainer.
The author of more than a dozen novels and short fiction, Truman Capote engaged both social elites and Hollywood with his writing. His works included Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Grass Harp and In Cold Blood.
James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Ella Brennan, built a reputation for Creole and French cuisine. From a young age, she helped her brother in the restaurant business. Over the years she mentored many chefs including Paul Prudhomme.
Fats Domino hit the rock ‘n roll and rhythm and blues charts with his piano playing with hits like “Ain’t That a Shame” and “Blueberry Hill”.
Piano player, Jerry Lee Lewis, entertained audiences with flamboyant style and chart crossing hits like “Great Balls of Fire and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”
Paul Prudhomme brought Cajun flair to the French Quarter of New Orleans. He came to the world’s stage with his cookbooks, travel and television appearances.
Fitness instructor and comedian, Richard Simmons developed a line of high energy aerobic videos such as Sweatin’ to the Oldies and Boogie Down the Pounds.
Microtia Awareness Day dedicates November 9th to spreading hope and knowledge concerning a congenital disability, which derives its name from the Latin terms for little ears. Mark the calendar and think of the number 9 as the shape of an ear.
1 in 9,000
Approximately one child in every 9,000 is born with Microtia. Microtia occurs when the ear or ears do not fully develop during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. While Microtia is diagnosed at birth, there is no understanding of why Microtia occurs. Those born with Microtia face hearing loss, facial challenges, and the longing for social acceptance.
For most parents, the day of their child’s birth turns from celebration to concern and uncertainty. Initially, aside from the arrival of their beautiful new baby, they notice the outward signs of the condition – a small, curiously shaped ear or no ear at all. Depending on where these families live, doctors and nurses may be well versed in the condition. They quickly educate and prepare parents, reassuring them. In other regions, however, the condition is rare. Misinformation or lack of information quickly evaporates any remaining sense of celebration that accompanies a birth.
Often when answers aren’t forthcoming, hopes and dreams become overshadowed by unnecessary challenges to a joyous occasion. However, there are options and support! Microtia Awareness Day promotes public awareness. Additionally, the day spreads hope that future generations of families will leave the hospital armed with more answers than questions and their dreams for their child intact.
Don’t Know They’re Different
When children are born, they don’t know they are any different from anyone else. Many with Microtia share similar stories of curious stares, bullying, or awkwardness. Individual personalities, social conditioning, available treatments, and bullying all impact how every child develops and copes as an adult. By removing unnecessary boundaries and replacing them with resources, tools, and support, we can eliminate bullying and clear the way for an even more successful future.
In addition to self-acceptance and loving oneself, advancements in technology improve the lives of those with Microtia. Some of the advancements that help those with microtia include
hearing aids
implants
surgical procedures
bio-ears that create new outer ears
3-D printing
But research requires time, trials, and support. Even the untapped potential of 3-D printing is promising!
Those with Microtia are a fantastic community of people. Their stories repeatedly tell that with and without technology, medical procedures, or innovative research, the most significant advancement of all is human support, awareness, and acceptance.
HOW TO OBSERVE #MicrotiaAwarenessDay
While celebrating the day, share your story. Learn more about Microtia and show support for those with the condition.
Use #MicrotiaAwarenessDay to share on social media.
MICROTIA AWARENESS DAY HISTORY
The Ear Community Organization founded Microtia Awareness Day in 2016 and was submitted by the Tumblin family. Melissa Tumblin founded Ear Community in 2010 after stumbling through the hurdles and challenges of finding answers for her daughter when she was born with Microtia. Since then, Ear Community has brought over 6,500 people together from around the world at the organization’s events, making it possible to share experiences and resources.
The community is made up of not only children and adults with Microtia and their families, but teachers, advocates, and medical professionals from around the world who foster awareness and assistance for this fantastic group of people. Board members either have the condition or a family member who does, so they have close personal experience with the obstacles from a myriad of perspectives.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar approved Microtia Awareness Day in October.
National Scrapple Day on November 9th recognizes the first pork food invented in America. For those not familiar with scrapple, it is traditionally a mush of pork scraps and trimmings combined with cornmeal, wheat flour, and spices, such as sage, thyme, savory and black pepper. The mush is then formed into a semi-solid loaf, sliced and pan-fried.
Scrapple is also known by the Pennsylvania Dutch name pon haus, and the immediate ancestor of scrapple was the Low German dish called panhas. Local settlers adapted the dish to make use of locally available ingredients. In parts of Pennsylvania, it is still called Pannhaas, panhoss, ponhoss, or pannhas.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, German colonists who settled near Philadelphia and Chester County, Pennsylvania, developed the first recipes for scrapple. With such a rich heritage, many strongly associate scrapple with rural areas surrounding Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, eastern Virginia, and the Delmarva Peninsula.
Supermarkets offer scrapple throughout the regions in both refrigerated and frozen cases.
Did you know some recipes for scrapple include beef, chicken, or turkey?
Instead of pan-frying scrapple, try deep-frying or broiling it for a different texture.
Scrapple makes an excellent breakfast sidedish.
Try your scrapple with a side of apple butter, ketchup, jelly, maple syrup, honey, horseradish, or mustard.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalScrappleDay
Introduce a friend to this regional favorite. Take them out to your favorite restaurant serving scrapple. While you’re there, give the cook a shout out! Another way to celebrate is by sharing your best scrapple recipes or trying your hand at some of these tasty eats. And don’t forget to use #NationalScrappleDay to share your celebration on social media, too!
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this American food holiday.
November 9th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) History
1906
President Theodore Roosevelt departs for Panama on the first official international trip by a chief executive. The purpose of his trip was to inspect the construction of the Panama Canal. The President and the First Lady traveled aboard the U.S.S. Louisiana and arrived in Panama on November 14th.
1967
NASA launches the Apollo 4 unmanned Earth-orbital space mission.
1967
Rolling Stone’s first cover features John Lennon. The publication was the collaborative effort of Jann Wenner and jazz critic Ralph Gleason.
1985
At the age of 22, Garry Kasparov becomes the youngest winner of the World Chess Championship by defeating Anatoly Karpov.
1989
After twenty-eight years, East Berlin opens its borders. East and West Berliners join in a massive celebration that is witnessed by the entire world.
November 9th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
Benjamin Banneker -1731
The African American farmer, mathematician, and astronomer worked alongside Andrew Ellicott surveying the land for the future capital of the United States. He was also an author and publisher with several volumes of an almanac to his name.
Gail Borden – 1801
The persistent innovator received patent No. 15,553 for a process of making evaporated milk. This condensed and preserved milk led to a product line produced by the Borden Family of Companies.
Florence Sabin – 1871
In 1917, the medical scientist teaching embryology and histology became the first woman to hold a full professorship at John Hopkins School of Medicine.
Hedy Lamarr – 1913
The stunning actress graced the silver screen for nearly 30 years. During that time she made an incredible contribution to science that we continue to utilize today. In 1942, she co-developed with George Antheil a radio signaling device that alternates radio frequencies. During World War II, the device helped the military to send coded messages securely and thwarted the enemy’s attempts decoding them. Today, the same technology applies to cellular communications.
Choi Hong Hi – 1918
Drawing from his military experience, Choi Hong Hi studied a variety of martial arts, developing Taekwondo.
Alice Coachman – 1923
During the 1948 London Olympics, the track and field high jumper became the first Black woman to win a gold medal. Her record-breaking jump cleared the bar at 5 feet 6 inches.
Carl Sagan – 1934
Sagan focused an entire generation on science. The scientist not only made significant contributions to research and development but also made science attainable in the world of education.
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