Special Days of Recognition
These messages show how national holidays or special days came about.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) came at a turbulent time in American history. Following his assassination, major civil rights legislation was passed, but there were those who felt that MLK deserved more recognition. Labor unions were the first group...
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Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day began in the 16th Century. In Germany, February 2nd was known as Badger Day. The date of February 2nd was known as Candlemas, a religious holiday. Like Groundhog Day in the U.S., if the Badger saw his shadow, it would retreat to their den for additional...
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Presidents’ Day
By an 1879 Act of Congress, federal offices in Washington DC closed to celebrate the birthday of George Washington. Six years later, the holiday was extended to all federal offices. The date selected was to be George Washington’s birthday. And that presented a...
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St. Patrick’s Day
According to his own written words, Saint Patrick was born in Britain in the 4th Century to a wealthy family who were leaders in the Christian church. When he was 16, he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. He underwent a religious experience while he was in...
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April Fools’ Day
The beginning of April Fools’ Day is uncertain. Some believe it began in 1582 when France changed from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian calendar. The start of the New Year on the Julian Calendar was April 1. Some people, unaware of the change, continued to...
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Black History Month
Carter Washington was born in Virginia in 1875. Both of his parents had been slaves. His father was illiterate but his mother had been taught to read by her mistress. As a child, Carter did not attend school so that he could help out on a small farm they were able to...
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Thanksgiving Day
We think of Thanksgiving as being a uniquely American holiday. Its origins are much different from our conventional thinking. Most religions have a designated day of thanks, especially after the harvest season is over. In England, church holidays became so...
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New Year’s Day
Who decided that January 1 is the beginning of the new year? That’s a tricky question because not everyone agrees with that date. In fact, the start of the new year has been determined by religious and political forces. There is actually no rationale that can be used...
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