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Post by pennmom on Mar 23, 2022 14:34:29 GMT
National Puppy Day – March 23, 2022~U.S.
Prepare yourselves for an overdose of cuteness, because March 23 is National Puppy Day! Established in 2006, National Puppy Day is a paw-some day for all dog enthusiasts to celebrate unconditional love and fawn over the undeniably cute furballs that bring so much happiness into this world. While we’re all softies when it comes to our four-legged friends, today is also designed to raise awareness about puppy mills and help prospective pet owners consider adoption.
WHEN IS NATIONAL PUPPY DAY 2022?
Man’s best friend is celebrated on National Puppy Day on March 23. All the cutest and most adorable puppies are put in the spotlight and get the royal treatment on this day!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PUPPY DAY
Founder, Colleen Paige’s mission is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year. It’s also an excellent opportunity to show off your dog’s supermodel side and give them some extra cuddles for all the joy they bring. So sit back and indulge in the endless stream of adorable puppy photos, but keep in mind that today might be the best excuse to bring home your own fluffy canine as your next best friend!
Colleen Paige first brought adoption awareness to a national level with National Dog Day in 2004, which was later adopted by the New York State Legislature in 2013. This day is celebrated on August 26 and is the day Colleen adopted her first dog, “Sheltie” when she was 10 years old. Since then, Colleen has inspired millions with her compassion and has brought worldwide attention to animals in need. She has shone a light on dogs putting their lives on the line every day for personal protection, for law enforcement, for the disabled, for our freedom, and for our safety.
National Puppy Day and National Dog Day are now great opportunities to adopt a dog because shelters typically have the highest intake of dogs around summertime. With 30 to 40 animals entering the shelter daily, we need public support to help save lives, and these national holidays do just that — by encouraging and reminding people to adopt, donate, and love their animals more every year.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 23, 2022 14:36:37 GMT
World Meteorological Day – March 23, 2022~World
With today’s technology, it’s hard to imagine a time when we didn’t know what the weather was going to be like. Instead of having a five-day forecast right on your weather app, you had to read wind patterns for weeks if you wanted to know whether you needed a rain jacket or a light sweater. That’s why, on March 23, we celebrate the World Meteorological Organization, an international organization that collects data from all over the world to help us better understand the weather and its impact on our lives.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 23, 2022 14:38:33 GMT
World Maths Day – March 23, 2022~World
World Maths Day is celebrated on March 23 this year! Since its founding in 2007 by 3P Learning, the popularity of World Maths Day has multiplied fast. The day encourages students globally to take a break from the standard day-to-day math lessons. Instead, they can participate in competitive math-themed games, giving them the opportunity to win prizes and scholarships!
HISTORY OF WORLD MATHS DAY
Created in 2007 by digital learning resource 3P Learning, World Maths Day encourages students around the world to engage in online competitive games centered around mental math problems. The platform’s games are aimed towards students aged 4-16 with the purpose of improving accuracy and confidence in arithmetic and problem-solving.
To get their kids signed up to participate in World Maths Day, teachers and parents can head to the official World Maths Day website and register. It’s free! For more great math and educational resources in all subjects, teachers and parents can also log onto 3P Learning’s site and purchase a subscription.
Help your child improve their math by taking 30 minutes to an hour out of your day to practice it. Not only is this good for your child’s development, but it helps you keep your brain engaged, healthy, and strong!
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Post by pennmom on Mar 23, 2022 14:40:22 GMT
Pakistan Day – March 23, 2022~Pakistan
Pakistan Day is celebrated on March 23 every year. Did you know that the British ruled over the sub-continent for over two centuries? Can you believe that over 15 million people migrated in the summer of 1947! Pakistan Day is celebrated to honor the moment when the Pakistan Resolution was adopted in 1940, a resolution that is considered as one of the most powerful political movements in the world of politics.
HISTORY OF PAKISTAN DAY
Pakistan Day is a public holiday observed in Pakistan every year. The reason why it holds great importance for the people of Pakistan is that it laid the foundation for the basis of achieving a separate nation for the Muslims of the subcontinent.
The subcontinent was under the rule of the British Empire for over two centuries. The Muslim leaders believed that the Muslims were subjected to become a minority even after the independence of the Indian subcontinent. The great Muslim philosopher, Allama Iqbal, and the founder of Pakistan knew that the Muslims won’t be able to protect their fundamental rights once the British rule ends.
In 1940, at a conference held in Lahore, Mohammad Ali Jinnah declared the demand for a separate Muslim state. The Muslim leaders knew that Muslims and Hindus had different beliefs and cultures. They wanted a separate political- and socio-economic system. After the passing of the Pakistan Resolution, the Muslim minority marked a transformation in British India of being a nation having distinct socio-cultural and political features.
The Lahore Resolution was passed by the working committee of the All India Muslim League. This resulted in the creation of Pakistan in August 1947 — the world’s first Islamic Republic.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 23, 2022 14:42:23 GMT
Near Miss Day – March 23, 2022~U.S.
Near Miss Day is celebrated on March 23, each year. What would you do if a huge asteroid was about to hit planet Earth? On March 23, 1989, an asteroid about the size of a mountain came very close to colliding with the Earth. Thankfully, it was a near miss! Otherwise, the effect of the collision would have been devastating. People around the world celebrate this day to be grateful that the asteroid didn’t wipe us out! According to scientists and astronomers, many meteoroids and asteroids have passed by the Earth since 1989. However, the odds of an asteroid hitting the Earth are not high. That’s a relief!
HISTORY OF NEAR MISS DAY
Ever wondered what an asteroid is? Asteroids are rocks that were formed after the formation of our solar system — they are the leftovers of a great process. Asclepius is an asteroid with a diameter of 0.431 kilometers, comparable to the size of a football field.
On March 22, 1989, Asclepius passed by the Earth at a distance of almost 500,000 miles. However, scientists only discovered this after nine days. Many geophysicists believe that the collision of Asclepius with the Earth would have wreaked havoc, resulting in the release of energy comparable to a 600 megaton atomic bomb!
The reason this day has great importance is that the Earth nearly escaped from an apocalypse. We all got a second chance at life. This event changed our perspective on cosmic influences — it made us realize that humankind has absolutely no control over the universe.
Since that day, there have been advanced changes in space programs. Missions were organized and space shuttles were sent to nearby planets to study life on them. Near Miss Day also reminds us that asteroids and meteors can lead to the extinction of the Earth and the human race.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 23, 2022 14:44:36 GMT
National Chip and Dip Day – March 23, 2022~U.S.
National Chip and Dip Day, celebrated annually on March 23, celebrates an all-American crowd-pleaser! Who doesn’t love a tasty chip-and-dip combo? It would be tough to find that person in the U.S. since 284.37 million Americans consumed potato chips in 2020. Innovative flavors and a focus on unique cultural varieties have elevated the popularity of this traditionally simple and inexpensive snack. Today, chips and dip fit parties of all styles and occasions. Read on for some fun ways to celebrate today and a few interesting chip-and-dip facts to share at your next soiree!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHIP AND DIP DAY
We all know how much the British love their potatoes and we have them to thank for pioneering the ‘crisp’ or what Americans call the potato chip. While the history of the crisp started in the early 1800s, legend has it the American potato chip began in 1853 in Saratoga Springs, New York by chef George Crum. Even if Crum’s chips weren’t really the first in the US (although no one has stepped up to claim their fame), his recipe resulted in Saratoga Chips, a brand that still exists today.
The popularity of chips grew in the U.S. in the early 1900s when Mikesell’s Potato Chip Company began mass production of the snack. Today, Americans eat 1.2 billion pounds of potato chips every year!
But, really, isn’t a chip naked without a dip? Dips have been around for centuries — hummus, tzatziki, and guacamole, to name a few. As with their partner, you will find a variety of dips now being mass-produced — salsa, cheese dips, French onion.
Chips and dip have come to be synonymous with the Super Bowl. The second-largest food day in America (behind Thanksgiving), the Super Bowl sparks a mad rush to the chip and dip aisle. Chip and dip sales increase during the week leading up to the Super Bowl by 16%–36%!
So a day dedicated to our favorite finger food is only fitting. The first year National Chip and Dip Day was recognized is unknown but recent years have prompted a lot more attention on delicious dip recipes and creative ways to celebrate this dynamic duo. Here’s to another year of festive digging into our favorite chips and dips.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 23, 2022 14:46:55 GMT
National Chia Day – March 23, 2022~U.S.
On National Chia Day, now celebrated every year on March 23, we thank the planet for giving us an endless supply of the matchless nutritive punch within these flattened ovals, the size of a few millimeters. Chia seeds have been around for more than 3500 years but only received the spotlight they so rightfully deserved in 2016. They are small, mighty seeds known as one of the rare superfoods on the planet.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHIA DAY
Chia seeds are packed with all things nutritional. From vitamins and minerals to proteins, fibers, and omega-3 fatty acids, they consist of a long list of nutritional benefits. These ‘magical seeds’ were first found to be the fuel for ancient Mayans, Aztecs, and Tarahumara Indians. Their warriors would tie a bunch to their waists and toss a spoonful of seeds into their mouths every now and then, enabling them to survive the long days traveling without having to stop and eat any other food at all. Since then, they became a staple of the Aztec diet and Mayans began using the word ‘chia’ to denote ‘strength’ in their language.
Chia seeds originated from the minty desert plant Salvia hispanica, which is native to southern- and central Mexico. Fast forward to the 20th century, Dr. Wayne Coates from the University of Arizona, in his research of ancient plants, came across chia seeds in the 1980s and was blown away by their loaded nutritional profile. However, it wasn’t until 20 years later, when the vegan lifestyle started to gain popularity, that the hunt for plant-based proteins brought chia seeds into mainstream awareness.
The tiny grains were touted as a ‘superfood’ when researchers re-evaluated the nutritional value of the edible seeds. Teeming with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, fibers, and tons of other micronutrients, chia seeds finally earned their due reputation of being one of the few most wholesome grains on the face of the Earth.
In 2016, the preeminent chia leader, Mamma Chia successfully instituted March 23 as National Chia Day.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 23, 2022 14:49:34 GMT
Atheist Day – March 23, 2022~U.S.
Atheist Day observed annually on March 23, is a day that focuses on the oddities that accompany those who do not believe in god. The term ‘atheism’ first emerged in medieval Europe more than 400 years ago and was used to describe those who rejected the thought of a higher power.
In the present day, there are said to be over 4,000 religions in this world, and almost every one of them has associated festivals and observances. Although atheists do not believe in a God, they felt left out regarding novelties such as celebrations. Thus, they felt a special day should be set aside for them as well, hence the creation of Atheist Day.
HISTORY OF ATHEIST DAY
The concept of atheism is said to be as old as religion itself. There have been records and writings suggesting that even in Judaism during 550 B.C. Some people did not believe in the existence of Gods. There has also been evidence suggesting the same in Christianity and Islam later on.
Lokayata was a school in India during the sixth century B.C. which was openly atheistic.
However, in those times, being an atheist was frowned upon. Being called an atheist was taken as an insult. Even stories suggest that people with such beliefs were executed and treated as outcasts in societies.
In the Middle Ages, many freethinkers like Al-Ma’arri in Persia and Nicholas of Cusa from ancient Germany further spread the concept of atheism. During the Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli challenged the views of the Church and religion.
With communism rising in Eastern Europe and Asia, the concept of atheism became more acceptable. Though the term atheist was simply used as an umbrella term to refer to someone who didn’t believe in God, there existed different levels of atheism in society.
Some people were skeptical about beliefs in general. Some didn’t believe in a God but felt that it could be tolerated, and then there were some like the ‘New Atheists’ who believed in not just tolerating it but rather opposing it. Agnosticism was a concept that stemmed from this belief.
It suggested that the existence or non-existence of God cannot be proved.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 23, 2022 14:52:12 GMT
Melba Toast Day – March 23, 2022~U.S.
The history behind National Melba Toast Day, a thin crisp toast, on March 23, is equally crisp. Do you know it all started with a chef who was enamored by an Australian opera singer? Whether you eat it plain out of the box or with salad and soup, none of us can deny loving the bland little treat that’s an absolute delight to crunch on. And knowing it was cooked out of love adds another dimension to its taste!
HISTORY OF MELBA TOAST DAY
Melba Toast Day is a potent reminder of the fact that the best things come in small packages — this time, an act of love, cooked and baked into a slender crunchy toast.
The creation of Melba toast dates back to around 1897 when a French chef of the Savoy Hotel, Georges Augustus Escoffier, who was smitten with an Australian opera singer named Nellie Melba, baked a dry toast for her just because she truly enjoyed having grilled slices of bread (and wanted to lose weight).
Before being known as Melba toast, it was named ‘Toast Marie.’ When Dame Nellie Melba fell sick and had to watch her diet, she switched to the crunchy treat to get her necessary carbs. And so, the toast was readily named after her, including many other dishes that the same fellow cooked to honor his favorite singer.
Melba Toast tastes heavenly with a dessert of  sauce, peaches, and vanilla ice cream, also known as ‘Melba peaches.’ What’s more, the legendary cook concocted ‘Melba sauce’ of puree and red currant as well as the scrumptious ‘Melba garniture,’ consisting of chicken, truffles, and mushrooms. Melba toast, however, remains unbeatable and is a staple of the snacks inventory at our homes. Dame Nellie Melba died in 1931 at the age of 69, yet continues to live on in the form of a sturdy slice of crispy toast. We celebrate this day to toast this thin, baked bread and Escoffier’s gastronomical token of love.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 24, 2022 20:58:22 GMT
National Cheesesteak Day – March 24, 2022~U.S.
Every March 24 America pays tribute to one of the all-time classic sandwiches — the cheesesteak. Much like national liberty itself, the cheesesteak is elegant, necessary, pure, and was born in Philadelphia. The cheesesteak rose from humble beginnings in South Philly to the cultural icon it is today: safely secure in the sandwich hall of fame. “Eat (ahem, read) on to celebrate National Cheesecake Day.”
WHEN IS NATIONAL CHEESESTEAK DAY 2022?
The mouth-wateringly delicious cheesesteak sandwich is celebrated on National Cheesesteak Day on March 24.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHEESESTEAK DAY
The cheesesteak was created in 1930 when Pat Olivieri, owner of Pat’s King of Steak, and a hot dog vendor, grilled beef and threw in some onions to make a sandwich. This caught the attention of a nearby taxi driver, who proceeded to ask for one too. The rest, as they say, is history.
There are a few disputes to this story, but Pat and Harry Olivieri are predominantly credited with the invention of the cheesesteak sandwich. The cab driver who became interested in the tempting sandwich that Pat was having, stopped to have one for himself. The sandwich was so delicious that the driver suggested that Pat stop selling hot dogs and, instead, start selling this new sandwich.
Perfecting the recipe, the steak sandwich started selling like hotcakes at Olivieri’s hot dog stand near South Philadelphia’s Italian Market. The popularity of the steak sandwich led Pat to open his own eatery — Pat’s King of Steaks. The restaurant is still running successfully today. Interestingly, the original sandwich that Pat had did not have any cheese. According to Olivieri, a manager named Joe Lorenza was the first to add provolone cheese to the sandwiches at one of the restaurants located on Ridge Avenue
Since then, cheesesteaks have become immensely popular at food carts and restaurants throughout the city. Most of these eateries are owned and run by families, who have their unique spin on cheesesteaks. Several fast-food restaurants also offer their variations of cheesesteaks now. Outside of Philadelphia, the sandwich is commonly known as ‘Philly cheesesteak.’
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Post by pennmom on Mar 24, 2022 21:18:08 GMT
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day – March 24, 2022~U.S.
We couldn’t be more excited to begin today’s celebration of National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day! Every year on March 24 this delicious little morsel hits center stage. As one of America’s favorite candies it is no stranger to the spotlight. Both chocolate and raisins (dried grapes) have existed for centuries but it is the combination of the two that sparks festivity. Chocolate covered raisins are a “vintage” candy. Let’s learn about their sweet history today.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED RAISIN DAY
Raisinets, the most widely known name for chocolate covered raisins, were born in 1927 at the Blumenthal Brothers Chocolate Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They and other candies produced by the Blumenthal Brothers grew in popularity as a snack of choice in movie theaters across America during this time.
Nestle Corporation acquired the Raisinets, Goobers and SnoCaps brands in 1984 but have since sold those and other brands to Ferraro Group where Raisinets are still made in the USA under the Ferrara Candy Group. Of course, Raisinets is not the only brand of chocolate covered raisins in the world. Many other labels sell chocolate covered raisins with their own twists and flavors.
Social media encourages creativity around any and every food known to man. Chocolate covered raisins are no exception. There are endless recipes for desserts, trail mixes, and granolas with amazing ideas for charcuterie boards. One simple but irresistible idea – raspberries stuffed with chocolate covered raisins. Brilliant!
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Post by pennmom on Mar 24, 2022 21:19:59 GMT
National Cocktail Day – March 24, 2022~U.S.
National Cocktail Day on March 24 each year celebrates the tasty alcoholic drinks we have come to know and love.
Cocktails remind us of vacations on sandy beaches, relaxing pool-side lounges, or just Friday night out with the girls. Speaking of, did you know that even though cocktails are now often referred to as ‘girly drinks,’ it used to be frowned upon for women to drink them?
On National Cocktail Day, we celebrate the unique concoctions that remind us of good times.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL COCKTAIL DAY
National Cocktail Day was created by holidaymaker Jace Shoemaker-Galloway as a fun day to celebrate a fun drink.
Cocktails were traditionally a mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters, and some mixed drinks today still conform to this, such as the Old Fashioned Whiskey cocktail, the Sazerac cocktail, and the Manhattan cocktail.
Many people believe that cocktails originated in the U.S. While this is partly true, cocktails were actually inspired by British punches from the 18th century. British punches were big bowls of spirits mixed with fruit juice, spice, and other flavors.
No one is exactly sure who first created cocktails, but the world is more than grateful to them. What is known is that by the 1860s, it started gaining popularity. Cocktails became especially popular after alcohol was prohibited in the United States from 1920 to 1933 ironically.
Speakeasies began to sell inferior liquor because it was easier to produce illicitly. Then they started adding honey, fruit juice, and other flavorings to mask the foul taste of this liquor, enabling customers to drink faster, which was very important in case of a raid.
The Industrial Age made a major contribution to the evolution of cocktails with the production of ice. Before the Industrial Age, there was no effective way to make ice blocks and keep them from melting.
In the 90s, a group of bartenders at New York’s famous Rainbow Room brought back classic cocktail culture and followed strict quality standards. Today, there is a substantive cocktail culture in the art of mixology, which draws on traditional cocktails, but uses novel ingredients and complex flavors.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 24, 2022 21:21:10 GMT
World Tuberculosis Day – March 24, 2022~U.S.
World Tuberculosis Day was created by the World Health Organization to spread knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis, an infectious disease that kills millions every year. Tuberculosis is easily curable, but it can lie dormant and undetected for years, so it’s important to spread awareness. The World Health Organization chose March 24 as World Tuberculosis Day to commemorate the day Dr. Robert Koch discovered TB bacillus, the bacterium responsible for the disease.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 24, 2022 21:23:20 GMT
National Lobster Newburg Day – March 25, 2022~U.S.
If anything gets us moving at National Today, it is food holidays, and National Lobster Newburg Day on March 25 has already got all of our mouths watering. Imagine that red golden lobster sitting upon a bed of rich cream infused with the goodness of eggs, the nutty scents of cayenne pepper and nutmeg, and a dash of sherry … absolutely delish, if you ask us! Some other versions of the recipe call for the addition of butter and/or cognac. But whatever the slight alterations may be, Lobster Newburg, in and of itself, is an iconic dish in the culinary world. One of the most interesting facts about this famous dish is that it wasn’t invented by a honed professional chef, but by a sea captain named Ben Wenburg.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL LOBSTER NEWBURG DAY
As a sea captain, it was natural for Ben Wenburg to befriend the sea with all its secrets during his extensive travels. Seafood was also a major part of his diet, like many other seafarers’. These factors, combined with limited access to food items, led to Wenburg’s brilliant creation of Lobster Wenburg. Yes, you read that right. Lobster Newburg was originally called Lobster Wenburg.
Wenburg went on to recreate his dish in front of Charles Delmonico and Chef Charles Ranhofer, the former being the owner of New York-cafe, Delmonico’s. The chef and his team made little adjustments to the recipe before putting it up on the menu, naming it ‘Lobster a la Wenburg.’ Many of the cafe’s patrons loved the new menu addition so much that it became an instant hit. However, following an argument between Wenburg and Delmonico, the dish was sadly removed.
Yet, all was not lost at sea. After much persuasion and demand from the cafe’s customers, Delmonico brought the dish back, but this time named it ‘Lobster Newburg.’ The lobster dish once again took off bringing the business back to the cafe’s shores. It is to be noted that there is no set date for when exactly the first National Lobster Newburg Day was celebrated. People celebrate the day by indulging in the dish and reaping the benefits of the mighty lobster.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 24, 2022 21:26:36 GMT
National Medal of Honor Day – March 25, 2022~U.S.
For National Medal of Honor Day on March 25, we honor the valor that the most courageous servicemen and servicewomen in the United States military have displayed. Awarded by the President of the United States, only military members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty will receive this distinction. There are actually three different versions of the Medal of Honor, for the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, though Coast Guard members and Marines are also eligible to earn the Navy version. To date, there have been 3,468 Medals of Honor awarded to those who fight to keep our country safe – and today is the day to honor their exemplary service.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY
Going above and beyond the call of duty in the military deserves all the awards we can bestow. After all, it’s these brave people who secured and still protect the freedoms we uniquely enjoy in this country, something we often take for granted. Today, we’ll look at the history of the award to better honor those who earn it.
Though the first request for a medal of valor was submitted in 1861, at the onset of the civil war, the general-in-chief rejected the proposal on the basis that a medal of valor simply sounded too European. It wasn’t until after he retired in late 1861 that the General of the Navy adopted the idea for his branch, and the Navy soon after ordered nearly 200 medals from the US Mint in Philadelphia.
After Lincoln approved a US Navy Medal of Valor in December of 1861, the US Army Medal of Honor was approved less than a year later. It was in 1863, during the Civil War, that the first Medal of Honor was given. A Union raiding party had recently destroyed Confederate railways and important transportation in Tennessee and Georgia – these six men became the first recipients of the award.
During the course of the Civil War, 40% of the Medals of Honor that have been given up until now were distributed. During this time, the first Black recipients of the Medal of Honor were designated; sixteen Navy and sixteen Army soldiers were honored for their bravery during the Civil War. The only woman ever awarded the Medal of Honor was Mary Edwards Walker, who served during the Civil War as a surgeon in the Army.
The Army Medal went through a redesign process in 1904 but otherwise has remained largely unchanged for the majority of its existence. In 1917, 911 recipients, including Buffalo Bill, had their medals rescinded, as they were awarded inappropriately. In 1977, an investigation of this act began, and the medal was restored to Buffalo Bill and 4 other civilian scouts in 1989.
Other branches of the military have been designated, but only some came to fruition. The Air Force successfully created their own version of the Medal of Honor, which was formally adopted on April 14, 1965, after having been authorized in 1960. Though a similar honor for the Coast Guard was designated in 1963, the medal has never been awarded. Most recently, Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Master Sergeant Matthew O. Williams, for acts of conspicuous gallantry in 2008.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 24, 2022 21:28:23 GMT
International Waffle Day – March 25, 2022~World
International Waffle Day on March 25 and celebrates waffles, their history, and a surprising religious holiday. A holiday that is best celebrated by eating waffles is our kind of holiday. Unsurprisingly the day has become a bit of a hit. It was originally celebrated in Sweden but now eager stomachs all over the world embrace International Waffle Day. Plug in your waffle maker and tuck into some mouth-watering treats.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL WAFFLE DAY
Waffles came to Sweden near the early 1600s and quickly spread to nearby lands. They were often eaten with jams and fruits, establishing themselves as a beloved treat to be eaten at all times of the day. The event in celebration of them was called Våffeldagen which sounded remarkably close to the religious Vårfrudagen and the traditions merged.
As time passed a wider variety of waffles emerged. They became sweeter in the 1700s after more butter and sugar were added to the recipes. In 1839, the Belgian waffle was created much thicker than regular waffles and with deeper grids. The Belgian variation was more filling and held more jam and cream too.
International Waffle Day itself is the result of a mispronunciation that brought two holidays together. In Sweden, this Waffle Day is known as Våffeldagen, which sounded a lot like Vårfrudagen (Our Lady Day), a day that celebrated the Virgin Mary’s conception. Because of this lingual connection, it became customary for Swedish families to celebrate Vårfrudagen with waffles on Our Lady Day. That’s how International Waffle Day ended up being celebrated on March 25.
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Post by pennmom on Mar 24, 2022 21:30:34 GMT
National Dante Day – March 25, 2022~Italy
National Dante Day, or Dantedi as the Italians call it, celebrates the life and works of the incredible Italian writer, Dante Alighieri, on March 25. Alighieri is most famous for his masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy,” which chronicled his journey to Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise.
Alighieri is a great symbol of Italian genius. In fact, his work helped to create and promote the Italian language. On National Dante Day, hundreds of readings and exhibitions are held all over Italy to honor the man who wrote perhaps the greatest literary work in the Italian language.
If you’re a lover of great literature, divinity, or Italy, you simply have to join Italy in celebrating the man they refer to as ‘il Sommo Poeta,’ which means ‘the Supreme Poet.’
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DANTE DAY
National Dante Day, or Dantedi, was created by the Italian government in 2020 in honor of the talented poet, Dante Alighieri.
Alighieri wrote what is considered to be one of the most important poems of the Middle Ages and the single greatest literary work written in the Italian language. He is part of the ‘tre corone’ or ‘three crowns’ of Italian literature, alongside Petrarch and Boccaccio.
Poetry wasn’t Alighieri’s only contribution to the Italian heritage. His work was actually instrumental in establishing the modern-day standardized Italian language. He is often referred to as the father of the Italian language. He wrote in vernacular Italian at a time when most poetry was only written in Latin, which was only accessible to educated readers. His work set a precedent for other Italian writers to follow.
In March 1302, Alighieri was condemned to exile for two years and ordered to pay a large fine because of his affiliation with the White Guelph at a time when the Black Guelphs had taken over the government. He was also accused of corruption and financial wrongdoing. Alighieri did not pay the fine because he did not believe he was guilty and his assets in Florence were seized by the Black Guelphs. This meant he was condemned to perpetual exile — unless he paid the fine, he would be burnt at the stake if he returned to Florence.
It was during this exile that Alighieri wrote the Divine Comedy, as well as most of his other work. He spent his last days in Ravenna, where he had been invited to stay by the prince of the city.
The city of Florence came to regret having exiled Alighieri, and they made many requests for the return of his body, but their requests were denied.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Mar 24, 2022 21:32:31 GMT
Maryland Day – March 25, 2022~U.S.
Maryland Day is on March 25 and the story behind it is one for the ages. Many people think of seafood when they think about Maryland, but it has a rich history with surprising details. The name came from Queen Henrietta Maria of England who was married to King Charles I, though there are some historians who believe that it was named after Jesus’ mother Mary.
HISTORY OF MARYLAND DAY
On June 20, 1632, King Charles I of England authorized the charter that granted the settlement of Maryland to Cecilius Calvert, the Baron of Baltimore. The settlers took two ships: one was a large ship named Ark and the other was a smaller one named Dove. Cecilius’s brother, Leonard Calvert traveled on the former and led the Maryland settlers.
The ships set sail November 22, 1634 from Cowes on the English Isle of Wight. After several days, a storm came upon them and separated the ships. The Ark went onto the Fortunate Islands, now known as the Canary Islands, then sailed westward across the Atlantic where they landed on Barbados in the West Indies on January 3. While stationed there for three weeks, the Dove returned to them and the ships sailed northward to Virginia on February 27. They stocked up on supplies then traveled to Chesapeake Bay north to the Potomac in early March.
They arrived on Maryland’s shores much to the concern of the Native Americans. Leonard Calvert sailed to Piscataway and met with the Conoy Indian Chief and negotiations were made to keep the peace. He sailed back down the Potomac and on March 25, English settlers rowed to the island of the soon-to-be-named St. Clements and had a thanksgiving feast for their accomplishment.
The State Board of Education chose one day in the school year to acknowledge the history of Maryland which began in 1903, and they named March 25 as Maryland Day. The General Assembly authorized it as a legal holiday in 1916. Today, Maryland Day is celebrated as a day of learning, fun, and discovery with events and activities based on exploration.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Mar 24, 2022 21:34:22 GMT
Greek Independence Day – March 25, 2022~Greece
Greek Independence Day falls on March 25 and has been celebrated annually since the end of the Greek Revolution in 1921. It is also known as the Celebration of the Greek Revolution, and honors the Greeks’ fight for freedom after being occupied by the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. This day is also when the Feast of the Annunciation is commemorated.
HISTORY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY
Greek Independence Day, or the Celebration of Greek Revolution, is celebrated in Greece, Cyprus, and the Greek diaspora annually on March 25. This public holiday honors the Greek Revolution of 1821, and the Feast of the Annunciation.
The Feast of Annunciation is a religious holiday that celebrates the archangel Gabriel appearing to the maiden Mary to inform her that she was pregnant with the divine child. However, the major celebrations center around the independence of the Greek people, after being colonized by the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years.
Greece came under Ottoman rule in the 15th century, in the decades before and after the fall of Constantinople. In 1814, a secret organization called Filiki Eteria (Society of Friends) was founded with the aim of liberating Greece. They planned to launch revolts in the Peloponnese, the Danubian Principalities, and Constantinople, and the date was set on the Feast of Annunciation in 1821 but had to begin earlier due to them being exposed. The Greek War of Independence lasted for eleven years from 1921 and 1932.
After the involvement of the Egyptians and the Turks by the Ottoman Empire in 1825 and 1826 respectively, the revolution looked all but lost. That was until Russia, Britain, and France intervened on the side of the Greeks, sending their squadrons in 1827. In 1828 the Egyptian army withdrew under the pressure of a French expeditionary force. Russia then invaded the Ottoman Empire, forcing it to accept Greek autonomy in the Treaty of Adrianople in 1829.
After nine long years of war, Greece was finally recognized as an independent state under the London Protocol of February 1830. In 1832, the final borders of the new state were established, and Prince Otto of Bavaria became the first king of Greece.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Mar 24, 2022 21:35:00 GMT
Feast of the Annunciation – March 25, 2022~International
The Feast of the Annunciation, which is celebrated on March 25 every year, goes by many names. It is known as the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the Feast of the Incarnation, Conceptio Christi, or Lady Day. It is a Christian holiday commemorating the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, where he announced that she would give birth to Jesus Christ.
The Feast of the Annunciation cuts across many factions of Christianity, but it is specially celebrated in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. The holiday is counted as one of the eight great feasts of God in Orthodox Christianity, and it is a major Marian feast.
HISTORY OF FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION
The Feast of the Annunciation was celebrated as far back as the 4th or 5th century, but the first certain mention of the feast was in the “Canons of the Councils of Toledo” and Constantinople. In 656 A.C., the Feast of the Annunciation was said to have been celebrated throughout the church in Toledo.
The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25 every year in the Roman Catholic Church, except when the day falls during the Easter Triduum – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday – in which case the feast is transferred to the most suitable day during Easterside. However, the date never changes in Eastern Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholicism, even if it falls during Easter. When Easter and the Feast of the Annunciation fall on the same day, it is called Kyriopascha.
The Annunciation is narrated in the Bible in the Book of Luke Chapter 1, from verses 26 to 38. According to the Bible, the angel Gabriel was sent to meet Mary, a virgin in Nazareth, Galilee. Mary was betrothed at the time to a man named Joseph.
Angel Gabriel hailed Mary and told her not to fear because she had found grace with God. He told her she would give birth to the Son of God. When she replied that she was a virgin, he reassured her that the Holy Ghost would come upon her. He also informed her that her barren cousin, Elizabeth, would conceive a son as well, even in her old age. Mary responded, “be it done to me according to thy word.” Joseph also received an annunciation later, as detailed in Matthew 1:18.
The Feast of the Annunciation celebrates God’s entrance into the human world through Jesus and Mary’s willingness to accept God’s command.
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sauce, peaches, and vanilla ice cream, also known as ‘Melba peaches.’ What’s more, the legendary cook concocted ‘Melba sauce’ of