JUNE 17, 2021 | NATIONAL EAT YOUR VEGETABLES DAY | GLOBAL GARBAGE MAN DAY | NATIONAL MASCOT DAY | NATIONAL CAREER NURSE ASSISTANTS’ DAY | NATIONAL APPLE STRUDEL DAY | NATIONAL CHERRY TART DAY | NATIONAL STEWART’S ROOT BEER DAY
NATIONAL EAT YOUR VEGETABLES DAY
National Eat Your Vegetables Day on June 17th falls in the middle of National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month. Today’s celebration is one more opportunity to remind everyone to continue with this part of a healthy diet.
Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
As part of the main meal or as a snack, vegetables can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Of course, each vegetable has its own nutritional content. Generally, they contain a little protein or fat and varying proportions of vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Vitamin B6, provitamins, dietary minerals, and carbohydrates. Interestingly, they also contain a variety of other phytochemicals, some of which have antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anticarcinogenic properties. In addition, many vegetables also contain fiber, which is important for gastrointestinal function. Another benefit is the essential nutrients that vegetables contain that are necessary for healthy hair and skin.
When eating a diet consisting of the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, it may help lower the risk of heart diseases and type 2 diabetes. These diets may also help to decrease bone loss and protect against some cancers. In addition, the potassium provided may help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
It is recommended by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans to consume 3 to 5 servings of vegetables per day. However, this recommendation may vary depending on age and gender. For example, one serving of vegetables is equivalent of 1/2 to 1 cup and can be eaten either raw or cooked.
HOW TO OBSERVE #EatYourVegetablesDay
Make sure you consume your recommended daily allowance of vegetables. What creative ways can you incorporate more vegetables into your diet? We compiled a few suggestions:
- Add veggies to your breakfast. Whether mixing spinach into your eggs or swapping out that muffin for a smoothie, you can get at least one serving in the morning.
- Skip the candy bar when you’re craving a snack. Instead, have some carrots, kohlrabi, or other fresh veggies to munch on.
- Another great snack is veggie chips. They not only reduce calories and fats, but they taste great, too.
- Swap out the French fries for a side salad at lunch or supper. If you’re having a baked potato, choose a sweet potato instead.
Use #EatYourVegetablesDay on social media.
NATIONAL EAT YOUR VEGETABLES DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this delicious food holiday. Are you looking for more servings of fruits and vegetable celebrations? We have more!
- Fresh Fruit and Veggies Month
- Caesar Salad Day
- National Picnic Month
- Watermelon Day
- National Produce Misting Day
- National Asparagus Month
GLOBAL GARBAGE MAN DAY
On June 17th during Global Garbage Man Day, the world takes time to recognize the dedicated efforts of the men and women who keep our communities clean.
We describe the experts who collect the garbage, recyclables, and castoffs from our homes and neighborhoods by several names. Whether they are sanitation specialists or waste management professionals, we appreciate their arrival on a regularly scheduled basis.
The role of waste management goes far beyond garbage collection. In fact, waste management provides a variety of services and programs designed to protect and reduce the impact we have on our environment. Today’s observance also celebrates the great strides the industry and experts are taking to make a better world for all of us.
HOW TO OBSERVE #GarbageManDay
Thank your garbage men and women. You can also take part in your local recycling programs. Learn more about your community’s sanitation needs and find out how the system works. When you have unusually large amounts of garbage to be picked up, meet the workers at the curb and give them a hand loading the items. Use #GarbageManDay to share on social media.
GLOBAL GARBAGE MAN DAY HISTORY
John D. Arwood founded National Garbage Man Day in 2011 to honor the men and women who work hard in the industry to keep communities safe and clean. Recognizing efforts around the world, the celebration became Global Garbage Man Day.
There are many more appreciation days on the calendar. Check these out:
- Logistics Day
- Professional House Cleaners Day
- National Rehabilitation Awareness Week
- Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
- Pride In Food Serice Week
- Vet Girls RISE Day
- National Teacher Appreciation Week
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NATIONAL MASCOT DAY
Recognizing the luck they bring to teams, franchises, and more, National Mascot Day celebrates these iconic figures on June 17th each year.
Mascots have been around for over 130 years. We derive the term mascot from the French word La Mascotte. A mascotte is considered a woman or girl with mystic powers and the ability to bring good luck. In the French opera by the same name, the character is a farm girl. The opera opened Paris in 1880, followed by additional productions across Europe.
A November 11, 1882 sports article in the London new paper, The Era, reported a football match between Middlesborough Association and a newly formed team called La Mascotte. One player, Mr. W.E. Gregory, dressed up in costume. The article doesn’t describe the player’s attire, but it does mention he earned a nickname from the female members of the crowd. The article also praises Gregory for his play on the field. Was he the first sports mascot?
Well, sports are full of good luck charms, jinxes and ritual. In the United States, the first mention of sports mascot shows up in baseball in 1883. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, a boy working for the team named “Chic” earned a reputation of bringing good luck to the players.
These days, mascots come in an array of costumes and characters. Not only do they stir up the fan base, but they also entertain. Other mascots educate and help us find our favorite places. Whether they teach us about forest fires or welcome us to our favorite restaurants, mascots fill the American landscape.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMascotDay
Celebrate the day by posting photos with your favorite mascots. Give them a shout out on social media or watch videos of your mascots in action. While you’re celebrating, check out these great stories about mascots:
- Watch the series Behind the Mask to learn about the life of a mascot.
- Read The Handbook of Mascots & Nicknames by Peter J. Fournier.
- Explore the mascots inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Indiana.
However you celebrate, be sure to use #NationalMascotDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL MASCOT DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this sporting holiday. However, it has been observed since at least 2016, recognizing the importance of mascots and the enthusiasm they bring to every event.
NATIONAL CAREER NURSE ASSISTANTS’ DAY
Every year, on the first day of National Nursing Assistants’ Week, we observe National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day. On this day, we recognize all nursing assistants who dedicate their lives to the well-being of others, whether it’s been 5 years or 58 years of service.
Nursing assistants work in hospitals and nursing homes alike, performing everyday living tasks for the elderly, chronically ill, or rehabilitation patients who cannot care for themselves. Of course, nursing assistants require in-depth training to gain the necessary qualifications to cover a wide scope of responsibilities. The American Red Cross, as well as other providers, provide classes to study for nursing assistants. Although states may distribute CNA certification exams, their certification follows a standard set of qualifications created by the government.
Career Nursing Assistants also play a host of roles in the lives of residents in nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Amazingly, they often assist people to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. In addition, a CNA provides essential support for patient needs. This includes promoting mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE #CareerNurseAssistantsDay
Take time to thank a CNA for the care they provide by leaving them a thank you note. Whether it’s in a nursing home, in-home care, or another facility, a CNA commits to provide quality care for the elderly. Of course, there are other ways to express your appreciation. Some of these ideas include:
- Giving a gift card to a local coffee shop.
- Delivering a fruit basket.
- Making homemade cookies or other treats.
- Giving a word of praise to their administration.
Use #CareerNurseAssistantsDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL CAREER NURSE ASSISTANTS’ DAY HISTORY
National Network of Career Nursing Assistants sponsors National Career Nurse Assistants Day, respectively. Since 1977, they promote National Nursing Assistants Training Week by encouraging communities to show support and appreciation to the professionals who provide quality elderly care.
NATIONAL APPLE STRUDEL DAY
On June 17th get whirled up in pastry dough, apples and spices and celebrate National Apple Strudel Day. In German, the word strudel means whirlpool or eddy. This tasty dessert is perfectly described by its German language as the sweet mixture of fruit, sugar, spices, and layers of thin dough rolled together and baked. The result is a bubbling, flaky treat.
As a breakfast item or dessert, apple strudel goes well with coffee and tea. Consider adding it to a brunch or bake ahead for guests. Often served at bakeries and coffee shops, strudel can also be a savory dish.
HOW TO OBSERVE #AppleStrudelDay
Visit your favorite bakery for a slice of apple strudel. You can also pick up a whole strudel and share it with friends. Consider making your own strudel with this apple strudel recipe. Be sure to give your bakery or your favorite baker a shout out, too. Other great ways to celebrate the day include:
- Adding a dollop of whipped create to your apple strudel.
- Dusting confectioner’s sugar over a fresh-baked apple strudel.
- Adding a scoop of ice cream to your apple strudel.
- Surprising a friend with apple strudel.
Use #AppleStrudelDay on social media.
NATIONAL APPLE STRUDEL DAY HISTORY
National Day calendar is researching the origins of this pastry holiday.
NATIONAL CHERRY TART DAY
National Cherry Tart Day is a tart dispute. While usually observed on June 17th, it is also suggested that June 18th and 21st are also the days for this unofficial food holiday. To be on the safe side, make three.
Now, if you are looking for a cherry pie, we’ve blown the top off that day. Or rather, it’s been left off entirely. A tart has a shallow crust, and the filling can be sweet or savory. On June 17th (18th or 21st), the choice is a sweet and lip-smacking cherry filling!
As with apples, eat the sweetest cherries fresh. Use those sour cherries and sweeten them up with some sugar to make a delicious, crowd-pleasing tart.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCherryTartDay
We have you covered if you are taking part in all three days. Check out these delicious recipes:
Fresh Cherry Tart
Cherry Tarts
Tart Cherry TartletsUse #NationalCherryTartDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL CHERRY TART DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar is researching the origins of the sweet holiday. For the love of cherries, we have even more to celebrate:
- Cherry Pie Day
- Great American Pies Month
- Cherry Cobbler Day
- Rainier Cherry Day
- Cherry Turnover Day
- Cherries Jubilee Day
NATIONAL STEWART’S ROOT BEER DAY
For many years now, June 17th has the distinction of being National Stewart’s Root Beer Day. Celebrating this holiday each year is easy, just gather some friends and some of Stewart’s Root Beer and enjoy!
Originating in 1924 in Mansfield, Ohio, Stewart’s Fountain Classics were a brand of old-fashioned fountain sodas. They are a brand of premium soft drinks made in the United States. Founded by Frank Stewart, he set up his first drive-in root beer stand to supplement his income as a school teacher.
Commercial root beer production in the United States has been around since 1875. Producers traditionally use molasses and elements of sassafras as the main ingredients. Today, over 100 brands of root beer are produced with a range of flavors. Some add extra punches of vanilla while others lean on the caramel flavors. Some have a bitter bite while others are smooth from start to finish.
HOW TO OBSERVE #StewartsRootBeerDay
Pour yourself a frosty root beer. All you need to do is stock up on some Stewart’s Root Beer right here. You can enjoy it as a float or on its own. Buy a drink for one of your favorite people, too. You can get gift cards to give to your sanitation workers for Global Garbage Man Day or another service worker. Another delicious way to celebrate the day is by making this Root Beer Cake. Root beer also adds flavor to savory dishes such as pulled pork, meatballs, and pork n’ beans.
What tasty ways do you use root beer in the kitchen? Let us know by using #StewartsRootBeerDay to share on social media.
If you like National Stewart’s Root Beer Day, be sure to check out National Root Beer Float Day and National Ice Cream Soda Day, too!
NATIONAL STEWART’S ROOT BEER DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar is researching the source of this sassafrass based holiday. For more information on Stewart’s Root Beer, visit their history page.
National Days
- National Wanna Get Away Day *
- National Go Fishing Day
- National Splurge Day
- Wear BLUE Day – Friday Before Father’s Day
- National Take Back the Lunch Break Day – Third Friday in June
- National Flip Flop Day – Third Friday in June
International Days
- World Sustainable Gastronomy Day
- Autistic Pride Day
- International Panic Day
- International Sushi Day
- International Picnic Day
- World Tapas Day – Third Thursday in June
Recipe of the Day
Old Fashioned Ice Cream
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total Prep: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings; yields 1 quart
Ingredients:
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar over medium heat. Stir to a light yellow and well combined.
In a separate small pan add milk and warm over medium-low heat, until it begins to simmer. Do not stir.
Slowly add milk to egg and sugar mixture, stirring continuously.
Return to heat and bring to 165 degrees. Do not allow to boil.
Immediately remove from the heat.
Pour into airtight container and chill.
Once thoroughly chilled, stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract.
Process in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
June 17th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History
1928
As a passenger aboard a plane flown by Wilmer Shultz, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.
1942
Yank magazine publishes the first G.I. Joe cartoon. Created by comic strip artist and former Army Sergeant David Breger, G.I. Joe became a permanent part of Americana.
1950
Dr. Richard H. Lawler performed the first kidney transplant at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Even though the patient’s body rejected the kidney 53 days later, Ruth Tucker would live another five years.
1972
Five men broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters. The break-in and their subsequent arrest sparked the Watergate scandal. President Richard Nixon would resign the presidency two years later.
National Day Calendar® is the authoritative source for fun, unusual and unique National Days! Since our humble beginnings on National Popcorn Day in 2013, we now track nearly 1,500 National Days, National Weeks and National Months. In addition, our research team continues to uncover the origins of existing National Days as well as discover new, exciting days for everyone to celebrate.
There’s a celebration for everyone. While National Road Trip Day satisfies the itch to wander, many pet days let us share our love of animals. National 3-D Day and National Astronaut Day honor the advancement of technology, too. Every food day you can imagine (National Avocado Day, for example), will keep you celebrating, also!
Be sure to stay in the know by signing up for our e-mail updates. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Our Ambassador Program is another way #CelebrateEveryDay®! Whether you become an ambassador or follow one of the savvy ambassadors, their fun videos and posts will keep you prepared for every holiday.
June 17th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
Susan La Flesche Picotte – 1865
Susan La Flesche Picotte attended Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. In 1889, she became the first Native American woman to receive a medical degree.
James Weldon Johnson – 1871
A civil rights activist and composer, James Weldon Johnson became United States consul to Puerto Cabello in Venezuela under President Theodore Roosevelt. He is also noted for composing the song Lift Every Voice and Sing.
Ruth Wakefield – 1903
The American baker would become a legendary name in the world of baking. In 1937, she added semi-sweet chocolate to a chocolate cookie recipe instead of baker’s chocolate. The delicious result was the chocolate chip cookie!
Art Bell – 1945
Broadcaster and founder of the radio program Coast to Coast AM syndicated, Art Bell focused on the unusual, conspiracies and extraterrestrials. His program lives on with new hosts and new unexplained phenomenon.
