Category: October 26

• NATIONAL FINANCIAL CRIME FIGHTER DAY – October 26

  NATIONAL FINANCIAL CRIME FIGHTER DAY

  On October 26th, National Financial Crime Fighter Day recognizes the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) professionals. Because not all superheroes wear capes. Sometimes, they wear business suits, dresses, or jeans and serve in the back offices of financial institutions. These are the people who protect the United States financial industry. They include law enforcement officers and other government personnel.

  #FinancialCrimeFighterDay

  HISTORY OF FINANCIAL CRIME

  During the 1960s and 70s, the drug wars created an increase in illicit and illegal earnings entering the United States financial system, funding more criminal activity – including drug and human trafficking.

  Congress passed the Banking Secrecy Act (BSA) in 1970 to create better anti-money laundering (AML) efforts and prevent financing of criminal activities. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the BSA was reinforced. Congress introduced the USA PATRIOT Act. Signed on October 26, 2001, it cemented the critical role of BSA and AML professionals.

  BSA/AML PROFESSIONALS

  BSA and AML professionals work tirelessly around the clock to protect our financial system. While banking regulations evolved and enforcement increased, the mandate of the BSA Officer remains the same. They are the first line of defense in the protection of our financial system from illegal and terrorist activity. They stop drug cartel money from returning to their country of origin. BSA Officers prevent human traffickers from financing their operations. Their investigations uncover movements that preclude terrorists from funding their activities. Throughout their work, the BSA Officer works interminably and monitors it all.

  This role also comes with substantial ramifications. BSA professionals face large amounts of stress and little tolerance for errors. In recent years, BSA professionals have been held personally liable with jail time or hefty fines for loose BSA/AML programs at their institutions. Combined, these characteristics demonstrate the significance of their role and its importance to our national security.

  While the burden of such responsibility rarely comes with recognition, a day like National Financial Crime Fighter Day creates an opportunity to show appreciation. The day specifically honors the dedicated BSA and ALM professionals across the country. The day also provides a way to raise awareness of their on-going efforts to protect the financial system and obstruct criminal activity.

  HOW TO OBSERVE FINANCIAL CRIME FIGHTER DAY

  Take time to appreciate the financial security provided by the on-going efforts of BSA and AML professionals around the country. Use #FinancialCrimeFighterDay or #BSAAMLDay to share on social media.

  

  NATIONAL FINANCIAL CRIME FIGHTER DAY HISTORY

  Abrigo™, a leading enterprise risk management solution, founded National Financial Crime Fighter Day on October 26, 2018. The day encourages the country to show gratitude toward BSA and AML professionals and everything these specialists do for the financial industry in the United States. Abrigo knows how hard these professionals work day in and day out. Because of that, they worked hard to get them the national acknowledgment and appreciation they deserve. Additionally, Abrigo pledges to keep pushing for more awareness and recognition for BSA and AML professionals, the true superheroes of the financial industry.

  The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Financial Crime Fighter Day to be observed annually on October 26th.

   

  September 19, 2018

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  National Day Calendar

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  Health & Awareness, National Day, October 26

• NATIONAL TENNESSEE DAY – October 26

  In 2017, National Day Calendar® began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. Many states have their own state celebrations, and National Day Calendar’s observances in no way replace them. There’s so much more to explore, we can’t help but celebrate our beautiful country even more!

  

  NATIONAL TENNESSEE DAY

  National Tennessee Day recognizes the Volunteer State on October 26. Tennessee was the 16th state admitted to the union. The great state brings with it the Great Smoky Mountains, centers for blues and country music, and depth of history that surges through art.

  #NationalTennessee Day

  As the gateway to the deep south, Tennessee experienced heavy burdens during the Civil War. As a slaveholding state with many Union sympathizers and Union occupying units, Tennessee was often as divided as the country during the war.  It was the only state to have a battle or skirmish in every county.

  Two anchor cities, Memphis and Nashville, provide abundant talent and draw even more. It should be no surprise the music and entertainment industry thrive in Tennessee. For more than 75 years The Grand Ole Opry has provided a cornerstone of radio performances. thrilling audiences of all ages.

  The state lays claim to royalty, too! The King of Rock and Roll made his home at Graceland. Today it is the most frequently visited private residence visited after the Whitehouse. The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, too.

  The region is brimming with waterfalls, trails, and wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains provide plenty of opportunities to get out and explore.

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL TENNESSEE DAY

  Join National Day Calendar as we recognize Tennessee’s outstanding voices, art, and history. Delight in all of Tennessee’s talent and adventure. Use #NationalTennesseeDay to share on social media.

  For a complete list of Tennessee State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.tnstateparks.com and www.nps.gov.  Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below. 

  Great Smoky Mountains

  Paris Landing – Buchanan

  Reelfoot Lake – Tiptonville

  Tims Ford – Franklin

  Fall Creek Falls – Spencer

  Ruby Falls – Chattanooga

  Tennessee State Museum – Nashville

  Country Music Hall of Fame Museum – Nashville

  Parthenon – Nashville

  Cheekwood Botanical Garden – Nashville

  Tennessee Military Museum – Nashville

  Graceland – Memphis

  Museum of Appalachia – Clinton

  The Hermitage – Nashville

  Memphis Rock N’ Soul – Memphis

  Alex Haley House and Museum – Henning
  
   

  International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame – Jackson

  Lost Cove Settlement – Erwin

  Spaceship House – Signal Mountain

  Slave Haven – Memphis
  
  The boy born on the Tennessee frontier, David Crocket, grew to legendary proportions in the ink of writers and in the West. During his time in Congress, he built up that reputation. While serving with other volunteer Texan soldiers, Crocket died at The Alamo.
  Sequoyah brought written language to the Cherokee Nation when he developed an alphabet for the Cherokee language. The achievement wasn’t without trials. Accused of sorcery, both Sequoyah and his daughter were almost sentenced to death before they proved they were communicating with written words.
  Provided an education when it was rare to do so, Sarah Childress Polk was more than prepared to be part of the political atmosphere as a First Lady. History remembers her as both knowledgeable, poised and able regarding both domestic and social responsibilities.
  A central comedic figure of the Grand Ole Opry, Minnie Pearl entertained the country for more than 50 years. She toured the country with her own brand of backwoods humor, music and storytelling. She took her show on the road and also appeared on television shows like Hee Haw.
  Archie Campbell’s hayseed character brought his brand of humor to the Grand Ole Opry stage and Hee Haw television show as well as touring road shows to generations of fans.
  Johnny Cash wrote the hardships of his life into his music. The talented musician’s tumultuous career lead to a broad variety of music and acting awards.
  Morgan Freeman first started his acting career on the soap opera, Another World and the PBS children’s show, The Electric Company. His enduring career spans more than 45 years.

  With 18 Grammy Awards, the Queen of Soul earned more than R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Aretha Franklin started singing at a young age in the Baptist church of her father’s congregation. She would go on to be an R&B legend who continues to collaborate with artists across genres today.

  One of the country’s most enduring performers, Dolly Parton debuted her first album in 1967. The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1969.

  October 25, 2017

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  National Day Calendar

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  National Day, October 26, States & Destinations

• NATIONAL MULE DAY – October 26

  NATIONAL MULE DAY

  National Mule Day, on October 26th, recognizes an intelligent pack animal many mistaken to be stubborn. 

  #NationalMuleDay

  A mule is a hybrid cross between a male donkey (jack) and a female horse. As a hybrid, the animal inherits characteristics from both parents. The mule possesses the strength, intelligence, patience, perseverance, endurance, sure-footedness, and even temper of the donkey. From the horse, the mule inherits beauty, athletic ability, courage, vigor, and speed. In addition, mules appear to require less food than a horse of similar size.

  

  When is National Horse Day?

  According to the American Mule Museum:

  • Early explorers brought donkeys to America, but they were quite small.
  • George Washington played a significant role in the development of the mule population in America. He recognized the value of the sturdy animal in agriculture and became the first American breeder.

  • Washington wished to breed the very best mules, but he faced a significant obstacle – the Spanish government at that time prohibited the acquisition or exportation of the famous Andalusian donkey. So Washington wrote to King Charles of Spain requesting permission to purchase good quality breeding stock. In October of 1785, a ship docked in Boston harbor carrying a gift from King Charles for George Washington – two fine jennies and a 4-year old Spanish jack named, appropriately, “Royal Gift’. That royal gift from the Spanish king is credited with the development of the American mule. Today it’s considered the beginning of a dynasty that “reshaped the very landscape of the country.”

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MULE DAY

  Visit a zoo or farm to learn more about the mighty mule. Read about the history of the mule, or share your favorite stories involving a mule. Then, use #NationalMuleDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL MULE DAY HISTORY

  National Day Calendar® continues to research the origins of the hybrid holiday. 

  Mule FAQ

  Q. How many chromosomes does a mule have?
  A. A mule has 63 chromosomes. Its mother (horse) has 64, and the father (donkey) has 62. Due to the odd number of chromosomes, the hybrid cannot breed.

  Q. What is a female donkey called?
  A. Female donkey is called a jenny.

  Q. What are the hybrid of a male horse and a female donkey called?
  A. The hybrid of a male horse and female donkey is called a hinny, but it’s still a mule.

  Q. Are mules the only hybrid animal that exists?
  A. No. There are several hybrids around the world. Hybridization happens in birds, fish, mammals, and even reptiles. Some hybrids include:

  • Grolar bear – offspring of a grizzly bear and a polar bear
  • Cama – offspring of camel and lama
  • Dzo – offspring of domestic cattle and yak
  • Geep – offspring of a goat and a sheep
  • Zorse – offspring of a zebra and a horse

  Q. Does hybridization occur without artificial intervention?
  A. Yes and no. Many factors play a role in hybridization, whether it occurs in the wild or captivity. Some hybrids only exist due to artificial methods, though, and have never occurred outside of captivity. For example, the grolar mentioned above happens more often in the wild, but the changing environments of the grizzly bear and polar bear made it possible. Sometimes, circumstances leave two species with few options for mating – captivity, for example. One instance includes a male jaguar and female lion mating while in captivity. The resulting offspring were two cubs called a jaglion.

   

  June 5, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  National Day, Nature, October 26

• NATIONAL MINCEMEAT DAY – October 26

  

  NATIONAL MINCEMEAT DAY

  National Mincemeat Day celebrates a 15th-century English recipe mixing spiced meat and fruit. Bake up a batch on October 26th!

  #MincemeatDay

  Originally, mincemeat served as a way of preserving meat without salting or smoking. Bakers then used the filling to make mince pies. They became a unique part of holiday dinners. In some families, mincemeat pies still find a place at the holiday dinner table today. Many modern recipes contain only fruit, sometimes with liquor as an added ingredient.

  You may have heard stories about mincemeat pie from your grandparents, aunts, and uncles or possibly read about it in a book. However, if you have never had the opportunity to try one, National Mincemeat Day would be the day to do so.

  HOW TO OBSERVE MINCEMEAT DAY

  Do you have an old mincemeat recipe? Does it call for spiced meat or just fruit? We would love to hear about family memories and your take on the flavors of mincemeat. Whether you consider it sweet and spice or just plain strange, tell us. Share your recipes or bake up a batch and share photo on social media. Be sure to include family in the making, too!

  Following are some mincemeat recipes for you:  

  Mincemeat Pie Filling
  Homemade Mincemeat

  Use #MincemeatDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL MINCEMEAT DAY HISTORY

  National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this tasty holiday.

  Mincemeat FAQ

  Q. Is mincemeat only used in pies?
  A. No, but holiday cooks usually use mincemeat in some sort of sweet dishes like pastries and bars.

  Q. What is suet?
  A. Suet is a hard, crumbly fat found near an animal’s kidneys. It has a variety of uses including baking, soap making, and bird feed.

   

  June 5, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  National Day, October 26

• NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY – October 26

  NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY

  National Pumpkin Day recognizes a favored autumn decoration and food on October 26th. Not only do they make great fall decorations, but the pumpkin also completes a variety of tasty recipes. Join a pumpkin competition or visit any of the many fall festivals featuring the beautiful gourds.

  #NationalPumpkinDay

  By October 26th, we’re in a frenzy of pumpkin obsession. We cannot wait for the big November holiday for pumpkin pie. No siree, we need pumpkin everything! Bars, cookies, coffee, cheesecake, pasta, and oatmeal. Pumpkin Chunkin’, pumpkin patches, festivals, bake-offs, and television specials. Let’s not forget jack-o-lantern carving, too! This fruit grabs Americans’ attention.

  As it should! This squash is native to North America. The oldest evidence of pumpkin-related seeds dates back to somewhere between 7000 and 5500 BC to seeds found in Mexico.

  The word pumpkin originates from the word pepon, which means “large melon” in Greek.

  Within recent years, white pumpkins have become more popular in the United States. The United States produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins, with Illinois producing more than any other state.

  

  When is Gingerbread Cookie Day?

  In 2021, Italian Stefano Cutrupi claimed the title of the world’s largest pumpkin when his gargantuan gourd weighed in at 2703 pounds (1,226 kg). That’s 300 pounds heavier than the 2014 winner from Switzerland. In 2020, Travis Gienger grew the largest pumpkin in North America. The hefty vegetable weighed in at 2,350 pounds. It eeked out the previous winner, a 2,145-pound pumpkin from Streator, Illinois grown by Gene McMullen. 

  Pumpkins are packed with nutrients, but they’re not only good for humans. Did you know that pumpkin may be recommended by veterinarians as a dietary supplement for dogs and cats? Since pumpkin is easy to digest, if your pet is experiencing certain digestive ailments, don’t be surprised if your vet says to give them pumpkin puree. Poultry also benefits from eating raw pumpkin as a supplement to their regular feed during the winter months to help maintain egg production. As a seasonal food, it sure comes at the right time of year. Since it’s packed with vitamin C, it can boost your immune system to fight off those nasty colds, too. 

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY

  Ah, pumpkins! They bring to mind wonderful memories and inspire us to artistry. Whether we frame the perfect photo at the local pumpkin patch, carve up the scariest jack-o-lantern or whip up the tastiest batch of pumpkin bars, this is a holiday worth sharing. Roast some pumpkin seeds while the family rakes up those fall leaves. Pour a mug of hot apple cider and bake up your favorite pumpkin recipes, too. Or try a new one. We offer several for you to try! As always, invite someone to Celebrate Every Day® with you, too.

  Pumpkin Lasagna
  Savory Pumpkin Raviolo
  Debbie’s Pumpkin Bars
  Pumpkin Pudding

  Use #NationalPumpkinDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY HISTORY

  National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this garden squash-related holiday.

  Pumpkin FAQ

  Q. Who carved the first jack-o-lantern?
  A. The tradition of carving vegetables for Halloween has its beginning in Ireland. There, they carved turnips to ward off the devil and evil spirits during the ancient festival of Samhain, also during Halloween. Irish who immigrated to the Americas brought the tradition with them and found the pumpkin suitable for carving. However, carving pumpkins in Ireland has become a more modern practice.

   

  June 5, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  National Day, October 26

• NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED – October 26

   

  NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED

  On October 26th, National Day of the Deployed annually honors the United States military personnel deployed around the globe.

  #DayOfTheDeployed 

  The designation recognizes all of the brave military personnel who have been deployed, are sacrificing, or have sacrificed their lives to defend our country. It also acknowledges their families who are separated from them during deployment and the sacrifices they make in order for their family members to serve our country.

  HOW TO OBSERVE DAY OF THE DEPLOYED

  Many deployed troops leave their families behind to serve their country. They make the greatest sacrifices to keep their country secure. A few ways to recognize their services include:

  • Donate to a military organization like the USO. They support troops in the U.S. and overseas. The USO also provides support to the families before, during and after service.
  • Send care packages. Visit Support Out Troops to find out what and where to send care packages worldwide.
  • Locally, attend ceremonies honoring the military.
  • Volunteer your time and services to local military organizations. 
  • If you know a military family, ask what support they need. Needs vary by family. Some just need to hear from home and know they are in your thoughts.
  • Offer to support military personnel who have no family. They deploy with no one back home to send care packages or other support.

  Use #DayOfTheDeployed to post on social media.

  NATIONAL DAY OF DEPLOYED HISTORY

  Shelle Michaels Aberle founded National Day of the Deployed in 2006. Ms. Aberle approached then North Dakota Governor John Hoeven for support of a North Dakota Proclamation for the day. Governor Hoeven was the first governor in the United States to recognize deployed troops in a formal proclamation.

  Aberle’s cousin, Bottineau ND native, David Hosna, was a deployed Major in the US Army for the first Day of the Deployed. Aberle chose October 26th as it was Hosna’s Birthday. He later retired as a Colonel.

  • Grand Forks, North Dakota hosted the first event and honored the NDARNG 1-188th ADA SECFOR and JLENS deployed to Afghanistan. 
  • In 2011, Senator John Hoeven led the efforts and co-sponsored S.RES.295 for a national day of honor.  On October 18, 2011, the resolution passed unanimously for the first national day honoring deployed troops and their families.
  • As of 2012, all 50 states observed National Day of the Deployed.

  October 26th Celebrated History

  1785 

  George Washington receives the first male donkey in the U.S. as a gift from King Charles III of Spain.

  1825 

  Governor DeWitt Clinton of New York officially opens the Erie Canal. The canal took more than two years to dig. Connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, the 425-mile stretch of man-made waterway carried products all along its path. Two years later the Erie Canal would be connected to the Wabash Canal creating the largest canal system in the United States.

  1858 

  Hamilton Smith invents an improved washing machine that rotates and includes slots that carry dirt particles away from the clothes. The inventional also adds a heating element to circulate warm water through the vessel.

  1917 

  The International Women’s Bowling Congress hosts its first meeting in St. Louis, MO.

  1970 

  Garry Trudeau debuts his Doonesbury comic strip in 26 newspapers across the country.

  1972 

  Inventor Edwin Land introduces the Polaroid SX 70 in a presentation at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, FL. The camera is the first to easily produce instant images.

  1977

  Ali Maow Maalin is diagnosed with smallpox – the last known person in the world to be diagnosed with the disease. Smallpox is the only disease in history to be eradicated. Maalin dedicated the rest of his life to eradicating another disease – polio – a goal the world is close to achieving.

  1984 

  Starring Arnold Swartzeneger and directed by James Cameron, The Terminator is released in the United States. The apocalyptic film where machines take over the world created a 5-film franchise.

  October 26th Celebrated Birthdays

  C.W. Post – 1854

  The American industrialist was a pioneering force behind the production of cereals and other prepared foods. In 1895, he produced his first cereal beverage called Postum. The warm beverage is still made today in a variety of flavors.

  Abby Aldrich Rockefeller – 1874

  Against her husband’s objections, the philanthropist joined with her friends Lilli P. Bliss and Mary Quinn Sullivan to establish the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Today the museum’s growing collection of almost 200,000 pieces include Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night,” “Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair” by Frida Kahlo, “Boy Leading a Horse” by Pablo Picasso, and “Reflections of Clouds on the Water-Lily Pond” by Claude Monet.

  Henrietta Hill Swope -1902

  As an astronomer, Swope dedicated her career to studying variable stars. The Swope Telescope at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile is named in her honor.

  Mahalia Jackson – 1911

  Considered the Queen of Gospel, Jackson rose to fame in the 1940s when she recorded the highest-selling gospel single of all time – “Move On Up a Little Higher.”

  Edward W. Brooke – 1919

  In 1967, Edward W. Brooke III became the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate since Blanch K. Bruce left office in 1881.

  Lee Surkowskie – 1925

  The Canadian outfielder played five seasons with the All American Girls Professional Baseball League.

  Hillary Clinton – 1947

  The 44th First Lady of the United States also served as a Senator from New York and the U.S. Secretary of State under the Obama administration.

  Keith Urban – 1967

  The award-winning singer-songwriter also served as a celebrity judge/coach on the singing competition shows The Voice and American Idol.

  Seth MacFarlane – 1973

  The animator, producer, and actor is best known for creating the animated television series Family Guy and co-creating American Dad.

  June 5, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  Military, National Day, October 26