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.

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

Military Honors

PURPLE HEART DAY honors the men and women who have been killed or wounded in combat.  The oldest military honor, started by General George Washington in 1782 has been bestowed on roughly 1.9 million soldiers.  We can’t thank you enough for your service, and earning one of these medals demonstrates how much you sacrificed for your country.

Our Mythological Friends

 Here’s one for the books – NATIONAL SEA SERPENT DAY.  Back in 1848, the crew of the HMS Daedalus reported seeing a 60-foot creature poking its maned head out of the water.  Scientists have theorized that it was actually a sei baleen whale.  There have been plenty of these sightings throughout history and who knows what swims in the depths of the oceans.  It is kind of fun to think that these creatures might actually exist – until you happen across one on the open water.

Education and Information

Let the beacon guide you on NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY.  It was on this day in 1789 that the government took over the maintenance and operations of all of our lighthouses.  The first of these grand structures was built sometime in the 16^th century off the coast of St. Augustine, Florida.  Sandy Hook, New Jersey has the oldest operating lighthouse, and it was built in 1764.  These unique buildings offer safe travel in dangerous waters, as well as aerial guidance from above.  Not to mention, they make for quite the aesthetically pleasing vista.

Belly up to the Bar

Next, we raise a glass to NATIONAL IPA DAY.  There is a reason this beer is extra hoppy.  When beer was shipped to India from England, in the 1700’s, extra hops were added to keep the beer from going bad.  India Pale Ale, as it was soon called, turned out to be pretty good.  Today, it seems that every microbrewer has their own version.  Pick one today and quench your thirst.

On Today’s Menu…

 Our dessert of the day brings us RASPBERRIES AND CREAM DAY.  A dainty dish with a big taste, this one’s perfect for a hot summer afternoon.

Sneak Peek at Tomorrow’s Events and Celebrations

National Braiders Day

Happiness Happens Day

Sneak Some zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day

Frozen Custard Day

Dying to Know Day

Sleep Under the Stars Night

National CBD Day

On this day…

1789 – The United States Lighthouse Establishment Act gives the federal government responsibility for all of the lighthouses

1888 – Jack the Ripper claims his first victim – in London’s East End

1946 – Booker T. Washington becomes the first African American to be commemorated on a U.S. coin – the half dollar

1948 – Alice Coachmen wins the high jump event – at the London Olympics.  She is the first African American woman to earn a gold medal in an Olympic event.

1957 – Congress passes the Civil Rights Act

1960– Abebe Bikila sets a marathon record at the Rome Olympics – running barefoot – it’s also his birthday

1987 – Lynne Cox swims 2.7 miles across the Bering Strait from Little Diomede, Alaska to Big Diomede, Russia in near freezing water

1990 – Operation Desert Shield begins

Happy Birthday to…

Dear Heavenly Father, please heal those suffering with depression.  May they know that You love them, that they are special, and they don’t have to deal with this alone.  I ask this in Your name, Jesus, Amen.

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 

#Purple Heart Day #Raspberries and Cream Day #National Lighthouse Day #NationalIPADay #SeaSerpent Day #Enjoythedayandmakeityourown

Happy Birthday to #MataHari #LouisLeakey #RalphBunche #AbebeBikila #GarrisonKeillor #JimmyWales #DavidDuchovny #CharlizeTheron