HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARMY!!

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Events and Celebrations

When Massachusetts militiamen and British soldiers started shooting at each other, soldiers from Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire rushed to their aid.  It was soon realized that more forces would be needed so the other 9 colonies responded with their volunteers and the Continental Army was formed.  It was on this day in 1775, that the Army was officially created to fight the Revolutionary War.  This, the largest of the military branches, has grown from 48,000 to over 2 million soldiers dedicated to serving our country. Their motto, “This we’ll defend”, says it all.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARMY! HOOAH!

Two years later, Congress adopted our first official flag.  NATIONAL FLAG DAY honors our standard and emblem that identifies our great country.  The design has changed 26 times since 1777, but the meaning and respect given to it have never wavered.  If you fly the flag, remember to never let it touch the ground, never fly any other flag higher, and only leave it out 24 hours if there is a dedicated light for it and it is an all-weather flag. Happy Birthday to Old Glory!!

WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY falls on the birthday of Karl Landsteiner – the guy who came up with the blood-type identification system.  We all know how important blood donating is, so if you can, schedule an appointment and help save some lives.

This one may not apply to all of us, but for those that it does, NATIONAL FORKLIFT SAFETY DAY is pretty important.  Drivers, make sure you know the specs on your machine, what your load weighs, that you have an unobstructed view of where you are driving, to honk at every corner and intersection and to wear your seatbelt – also NO riders.  People walking around forklifts need to be aware of what is around them, make eye contact with the driver- if possible, and NEVER walk under the forks.  You do have the right of way but, If any mishap takes place, it will be the drivers fault – but please, speaking as a driver and a trainer, watch where you are going and STAY OFF THE DAMN PHONE!!

MONKEY AROUND DAY is not to be observed in con junction with forklift safety – just so we are clear.  However, this day encourages us to not take ourselves and life too seriously.  So, at the appropriate time and place, let loose, have fun and go bananas.

Bright Pink sponsors NATIONAL CALL YOUR DOCTOR DAY to remind women to make their Well-Woman exam appointment.  Today is roughly halfway through the year and a good time to schedule this.  If you have already done so, call your physician anyway and give them a good “What’s up doc?”

Don’t know why, but today is NATIONAL POP GOES THE WEASEL DAY.  So, if you want to celebrate and get this nursery rhyme stuck in your head – go for it.

INTERNATIONAL BATH DAY encourages cleanliness with suds – whether that’s soap or having a beer while bathing.  Supposedly on this day around 200 BCE, Archimedes discovered you could determine the volume of an object by submerging it in water.  He got so excited, he jumped out of the tub and ran down the street yelling Eureka! Eureka!  I wonder if the person who figured out what day this was, did the same thing.

Let’s pour a glass to America’s Official Spirit on NATIONAL BOURBON DAY.  This smooth drink must be made from 51% corn, stored in new charred-oak barrels, distilled at no more than 160 proof and ensured that it is no more than 125 proof in the barrel – to be considered true bourbon.  Jack Daniels, Jim Beam and Evan Williams are just some of the favs – along with Wild Turkey, Makers Mark and my dad’s go-to – Old Crow.

Our dessert of the day is a real summer treat.  NATIONAL STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE DAY once again brings the sweetness of strawberries but this time they are on top of little sponge cakes.  Biscuits will do in a pinch but just make sure and top it off with whipped cream – that’s what I’m talkin’ about.

On this day…

1775 – Congress officially creates our Army – see above

1777 – Congress officially adopts our flag – see above

1846 – A group of American settlers in Mexican controlled California rush the annexation of the state by winning small skirmishes with Mexican Forces.  Led by John C. Fremont, they captured the Presidio in San Francisco only to learn, six days later, that the whole state would belong to the U.S.  Known as the “Bear Flaggers”, their flag with a bear and a red star was adopted by the state of California

1919 – Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown begin the first non-stop Trans-Atlantic Flight – does non-stop have to be part of the description – where were they gonna stop?

1954 – The words “under God” are added to the Pledge of Allegiance

2009 – Coach Phil Jackson gets the slam dunk for leading the LA Lakers to a record-setting 10^th NBA Championship

Happy Birthday to…

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) – Educator and writer who gave us “Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Karl Landsteiner (1868-1943) – He received the Nobel Prize for that system on identifying blood types

Ida Maclean (1877-1944) – This British Biochemist was the first woman admitted to the London Chemical Society

Fred Baur (1918-2008) – Gave us the Pringle’s Can – and upon his wishes- had his cremated remains sealed in one

Donald Trump (1946- ) – Our 45^th President – never a politician, always a businessman, not sure about his golf game and I thought he did fine as President – until Jan 6^th – may hear some feedback on this one

Eric Heiden (1958- ) – This skater kicked butt at the 1980 Winter Olympics becoming the first skater to win gold in all speed-skating events

Steffi Graf (1969- ) She knows her way around the tennis court seeing as how she won 22 Grand Slam titles

Enjoy the day and make it your own

Most Awesome God, we ask for an end to this COVID and that you would protect everyone of these readers.  Bless them and care for them.  Thank you for everything you have done and for who you are.  Heal those who are suffering from this disease and let us turn towards you and not away from you.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Thank you to National Day Calendar; National Today; History.com; Britannica.com; Wikipedia;