Welcome to our feature celebrating Unique Holidays: September 16th, 2022. Would you take a look at the Holidays being celebrated today and let me know which Holiday you most want to celebrated and why. Charlie and I will be celebrating Rocks this evening when we go on our walk. Would you like to go with us?
American Legion Day– always observed on September 16th
Today is American Legion Day. The American Legion was granted its federal charter by Congress on this holiday in 1919. The American Legion was established to support and assist Veterans returning from World War I. Since then, the American Legion has grown and supported Veterans of all Wars, and Veterans of peacetime as well.
There are currently over 3 million member Veterans, at more than 14,000 posts worldwide. They provide a Social Community and mutual aid to all members.
History and Origin of American Legion Day
The American Legion was formed, in 1919, this holiday was created 90 years later in 2009. On September 15th, 2009, Congress proclaimed September 16th as American Legion Day.
Collect Rocks Day– always observed on September 16th.
Collect Rocks Day is a holiday to enjoy and add to your rock collection. If your not a child then wouldn’t it be fun too be a kid again? Having a rock collection. We have good news for you. No one ever said you had to give up your rock collection when you became an adult. We hope you always keep and cherish your rock collection. Undoubtedly, young girls who collect rocks will trade in their rock collection as they get older. The kind of rocks a woman seeks are called “gems”. Where do the ladies often get those gems? From men although they could purchase there own gems.
Kids collect rocks because it is a fun thing to do and kids can even trade rocks among other young rock collectors. There are no books on what rocks to collect, or how much each rock is valued at. Rather, rocks are selected for a collection based upon a wide range of attributes. A lot of rock collecting is an individual appeal. The rock could be big or small, a particular color or range of colors. smooth or rough or display a unique characteristic. When it comes to rock collecting, beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder.
Don’t forget to treat yourself with a Scoop of Rocky Road Ice Cream.
If you or someone you know is having a baby don’t forget about these names celebrating Rocks: Rock, Rocky, Stone, and if it’s a girl Pebbles!
History and Origin of Collect Rocks Day
We found no factual information about Collect Rocks Day. However, we will leave no rock unturned in our search for the creator of this holiday. Kids young and old have been collecting rocks for hundreds, if not thousands of years. It is likely that someday the origin of this holiday will be found written upon stone tablets, or on the rock wall inside of an ancient cave.
Step Family Day was established to recognize and show appreciation for the importance and value of step-parents and extended families. Our research discovered that this holiday was founded by Christy Borgeld of Grand Rapids, Michigan. We also found some references to this event as “National” Step Family Day but we found no documentation that this holiday is a true “national holiday”, which requires an act of Congress.
Step Family Day was first celebrated with a picnic on September 16th, 1997. The suggested method of celebration is a picnic at a park. Since it’s inception, it has slowly gained recognition and popularity.
Step families are created through death of a parent, divorce or separation. A step mom or dad comes into our life, often accompanied by a step brother or sister.
Decades ago, most marriages lasted for life. Separation and divorce was often looked down upon. In today’s Society divorce and remarriages are commonplace. Over 50% of all marriages end up in divorce. That means over half of us are divorced and/or children of divorce which gives us cause to recognize the extended family, and how they can enrich our lives.
Mayflower Day– always observed on September 16th
Mayflower Day celebrates the date the Mayflower sailed from Plymouth, England to America. On September 16th, 1620, 102 men, women, and children set sail from Plymouth, England. Their destination was the New World, where they could have religious freedom, and continue using their native language, culture, and customs. Every Mayflower Day, we commemorate these early settlers who were the very first immigrants and helped to pave the way for millions more to follow, in search of freedom and the dreams and promises of a New World.
Key Facts About the Mayflower
- The Mayflower set sail from Plymouth England on September 16th, 1620.
- The Pilgrims were headed to the settlement in Virginia where they had an agreement to settle there.
- The voyage took 66 days and they landed at Plymouth Rock on December 21th, 1621.
- 102 passengers were on board which included three pregnant women. One of these women gave birth just before landing.
- On November 21st, 1620, the passengers signed the Mayflower Compact, which set forth the rules of governance of the fledgling colony.
History and Origin of Mayflower Day
There is a lot of information, writing, and stories about the Mayflower which we certainly know all about the Mayflowers departure from England, and the Mayflowers voyage to the New World, and its famous landing.
We know little about the Mayflower Day holiday. Obviously, we know why this holiday was created but, we do not know who created Mayflower Day or even when
Mexican Independence Day celebrates Mexico’s Independence from Spain. Like the U.S. Independence Day, this holiday is celebrated in Mexico with Parades, Fiestas, fireworks, and Picnics.
Mexican Independence Day History:
In 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo of Dolores, Mexico was planning a revolt to free the Country from Spanish rule. On September 15th, 1810, at 11:00 pm, Father Hidalgo rang his church bell to call his parishioners and rally them to fight off Spanish rule. Then Father Miguel Hidalgo of Dolores made a speech to his congregation, and the fight for freedom began.
How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day
Today, Mexican people mark this holiday, by repeating the ringing of the bells at 11:00 pm on the 15th which is followed by a day of celebrations on the 16th.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with parties, dancing, music, and a lavish meal.
Here’s a holiday that just can’t be limited to being “national” in scope. Play-Doh is a popular child’s toy around the world. Originally, the holiday was named National Play-Doh Day which however, in 2015, Hasbro Toys, the creator of this holiday, wisely changed the title of this holiday to World Play-Doh Day.
Both World Play-Doh Day and National Play-Doh Day celebrate a great childhood play toy. Play-Doh was invented in the mid-1950s. Play-Doh has entertained millions of children, allowing them to express their creativity, both at home and in the classroom.
The invention was simple. A schoolteacher wanted a safe modeling clay for her pre-schoolers. She asked her brother-in-law Joseph McVicker, who worked at a chemical company, to come up with something. The result was simple ingredients Flour, Water, and food coloring.
Play-Doh was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame
How to Celebrate World Play-Doh Day
It’s fun and easy to celebrate World Play-Doh Day and National Play-Doh Day pull out the Play-Doh and Play! There are other brands of play clay on the market but there has never seen a better brand than Play-Doh.
Another way to celebrate is to give Play-Doh out to children you know.
History and Origin of Play-Doh Day
Joseph McVicker of Kutol Chemicals in Cincinnati, Ohio created Play-Doh in 1955. Play-Doh hit the market in 1956 and has been a popular play toy ever since. Play-Doh was created because McVicker’s sister-in-law wanted a safe, clay-like product for her nursery school children to use. Noah and Joseph McVicker received U.S. Patent No. 3,167,440 for Play-Doh.
Hasbro Toys, the current makers of Play-doh, say it a little differently. On their website, they state: “The story of PLAY-DOH modeling compound begins in 1956 when Scientists at Rainbow Crafts, a Cincinnati soap and cleaning compound company, stumbled upon a new use for the unique dough-like cleaning product. The company realized this product’s potential as a child’s modeling compound; and thus, the original, reusable compound was born.”
Also, in 2006, Hasbro changed the title to World Play-Doh Day, to recognize the toy’s popularity around the world.
In the years that the Holiday was titled a national day, we found no congressional or presidential proclamation making it a true national holiday.
POW/MIA Recognition Day is a day of remembrance and hope for the speedy and safe return of American Prisoners of War, and those still Missing in Action. This applies to service members from all wars and Military operations. The Holiday also seeks the return of the remains of fallen soldiers.
The first official commemoration of POW/MIAs was on July 18th, 1979. Which was the result of resolutions passed in Congress. The first national ceremony was held on this date. Over the next several years, the holiday was held at varying dates of the year. Finally, in 1986, The National League of Families proposed the third Friday in September as a day to recognize and remember POW/MIAs. This date was selected, as it is not associated with any Wars. Each year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation on this holiday.
Did you know? Federal law requires facilities to fly the POW/MIA flag on the following days:
- Armed Forces Day, May 16
- Memorial Day, May 25
- Flag Day, June 14
- Independence Day, July 4
- POW/MIA Day, 3rd Friday of September
- Veterans Day, Nov. 11
You will also notice the POW/MIA flag flown at all US Post office buildings, Veterans Administration, Military Memorial facilities, and many U.S. Government buildings.
How to Observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day
- Take a few moments today, to remember missing Soldiers, and those held as Prisoners of War (POW).
- Attend a ceremony in your area.
- Say a prayer for POWs and MIAs.
- Also, write to your Senators or Congressman to urge continued and increased effort towards bringing every serviceman and servicewoman home.
- Fly the POW/MIA flag.
September 16th celebrates Working Parents Day, a holiday that gives recognition to moms and dads who work hard to provide for their children. Working parents have two jobs. First, they are raising kids and taking care of the family. Then, everyday dad, and often mom, go off to work. These parents work hard to earn money to make ends meet. Parents work hard to be able to afford the extras that kids want and need. This includes things like school trips, funding the proms, athletics, music, dance classes, clubs, and more.
Today is a chance for the kids to show a little appreciation. We suggest doing the dishes, and doing extra chores around the house. If you are old enough, make dinner for the folks.
This holiday speaks to “working parents” which we believe that “stay at home moms and dads” fit this classification, too and they just might work harder than anyone.
How to Celebrate Working Parents Day
- Today is not a day of gift-giving but it is a day to show appreciation and to help out.
- Kids, let mom and dad know you appreciate all that they do.
- Don’t add any additional burden on this day.
- Make dinner f you are old enough.
History and Origin of Working Parents Day
We found no factual information about this holiday which most likely originated from a child, or a group of children, who wanted to give some thanks and appreciation to their hard-working parents.
Or, perhaps it was a working parent who needed a break. When it came time to document this holiday and claim ownership of it, they were too tired to write about it.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
