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.
In 1777 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 then, 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!!
Military Honors
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!
Celebrate You with…
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.
Education and Information
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.
For Fun
MONKEY AROUND DAY is not to be observed in conjunction with yesterday’s forklift safety day – 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.
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.
Belly up to the Bar
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.
On Today’s Menu…
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.
Sneak Peek at Tomorrow’s Events and Celebrations
Career Nurse Assistants Day
Smile Power Day
National Prune Day
Sneak a Kiss Day
Megalodon Day
Nature Photography Day
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 now belonged 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 10th 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 45th President – never a politician, always a businessman, never without controversy. I did vote for him the first time, and am not ashamed of that, but I will say he has no business being in the White House this time. My opinion.
King Diamond (1956- )
Heavy metal singer for the band Merciful Fate
Eric Heiden (1958- )
This athlete kicked butt at the 1980 Winter Olympics becoming the first skater to win gold in all speed-skating events
Boy George (1961- ) Flamboyant frontman for the pop group Culture Club – known for their hit Karma Chameleon
Steffi Graf (1969- )
She knows her way around the tennis court seeing as how she won 22 Grand Slam titles
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God. Matthew 5:7-8
Enjoy the day and make it your own
Thank you to National Day Calendar; National Today; History.com; Britannica.com; Wikipedia; on this day.com
#ArmyBirthday, #FlagDay, #BloodDonorDay, #StrawberryShortcakeDay, #BourbonDay, #MonkeyAroundDay, #PopGoesTheWeaselDay, #BathDay, #Enjoythedayandmakeityourown
Happy Birthday to #HarrietBeecherStowe, #KarlLandsteiner, #IdaMaclean, #FredBaur, #DonaldTrump, #KingDiamond, #EricHeiden, #BoyGeorge, #SteffiGraf
Kev's daily take 
Leave a comment