Category: History

National Wildlife Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is the second National Wildlife Day of 2021. Held annually on February 22nd as well as September 4th, Wildlife Day was founded in 2005. Colleen Paige, an animal behaviorist, created this day to bring awareness to endangered animals that need to be preserved and rescued.

It is also meant to bring awareness and support to zoos and outstanding animal sanctuaries that operate nationally and globally; working to educate the public about wildlife conservation is the key to the future of animals. Visit the official National Wildlife Day website for more information such as history, endangered animal lists, ways to celebrate, and more!

Celebrating Dogs!

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is National Dog Day! It was founded by Colleen Paige in 2004 to celebrate ALL dogs, be they mutts, mixed, or purebred. Paige wanted to bring awareness to the number of dogs in need of rescuing every year. It is also a day meant to educate the public on fostering, adopting, healthcare, petcare, and the danger of dog breeding. 

Visit the National Dog Day website for more information, and hug a dog today!

Greenwood’s Historic Structures

Debbie Roney Smith on

Settled by travelers from Georgia and the Carolinas around 1824, Greenwood remains one of the most historic and picturesque small Florida towns. Make a day of going to the lovely community, and perhaps stop to see some historic sites. There are a number of preserved historic structures; among the most infamous are those listed below:

Great Oaks, 1860: Greek Revival mansion; owned by Bryan family. (Private)

Hayes Long Mansion, ca. 1840: antebellum structure. A historical marker details the rich history of the home. (Private)

Erwin House, ca. 1830s: oldest standing home in the region. A historical marker on Fort Road provides an outline of its history. (Private)

Pender Store, 1896: one of the oldest operating stores in Florida. (Open to Public)

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

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Every year both America and South Korea observe National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27th. This annual event commemorates the peace treaty that triggered a cease-fire in the Korean War. It was a war that lasted three years (June 1950 to July 1953). It claimed the lives of millions of civilians and military personnel alike, and without the cease-fire could have evolved into a world war with unimaginable consequences. This National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, take some moments for reflection on the service and sacrifices of everyone involved in this conflict.

 

Fourth of July

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Today is Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July! It is the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and is celebrated annually on July 4th. It has been a federal holiday since 1941. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States in order to celebrate, so gather your friends and family for an enjoyable day outside!

Father’s Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Happy Father’s Day!!! Did you know that Father’s Day was directly inspired by Mother’s Day? Mother’s Day was made an official holiday in 1914; the first Father’s Day, meanwhile, was officiated in 1972 – 58 years later. Now, the annual observance day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in the United States. Learn more about Father’s Day HERE. 

Juneteenth

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Today is Juneteenth, an annual observation of the events of June 19, 1865 – it was the day that the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were brought news of their freedom due to the Emancipation Proclamation. They were not made aware of their freedom until two years after the Proclamation went out in 1863. As of this June, it has been made a federal holiday – Juneteenth National Independence Day. 

World Environment Day

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Today is the annual U.N. World Environment Day! 2021’s focus is on ecosystem restoration and its theme is “Reimagine. Recreate.Restore.” Ecosystem restoration is the act of preventing, halting, and reversing the damage done to the planet. Ecosystem restoration is incredibly important to the health of the planet and of humanity. Take for instance the emergence of COVID-19; the loss of natural habitats for animals has helped create the ideal conditions for pathogens – like the coronaviruses – to spread. For more detailed information as well as ways you can take action this World Environment Day, visit the U.N. website or the World Environment Day 2021 website. 

REIMAGINE. RECREATE. RESTORE.

Debbie Roney Smith on

Tomorrow is World Environment Day 2021! An annual event started in 1974 by the United Nations, it is a global event designed to raise awareness and take action on urgent issues such as marine pollution, wildlife crime, and the climate crisis. It was created to mark the beginning of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. The first official slogan was “Only One Earth” in 1974; 2021’s slogan is “Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.” For more detailed information as well as ways you can take action this World Environment Day, visit the U.N. website or the World Environment Day 2021 website. 

Memorial Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is Memorial Day! A federal holiday, it was declared to occur annually on the last Monday in May in order to give federal workers a three-day weekend. It’s been a cultural and social event since the 1860s and was previously known as Declaration Day. It is meant to honor and remember military personnel who lost their lives to war. Read more about Memorial Day HERE!