On This Day: September 17th … Strange Holidays
National Apple Dumpling Day
National Monte Crisco Day
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
International Country Music Day
Citizenship Day
Constitution Day
I think this time I go for the serious ones.
Constitution Day
The Constitutional Congress of the United States of America held it’s final meeting on September 17, 1787. Do you have any idea why? That’s right! It was to sign the Constitution of the United States of America, a document for which they so painstakingly labored to create and perfect.
After the meeting there was still much to do. Individual states then had to meet and vote on it. The U.S. Constitution did not go into effect until two years later on March 4, 1789.
“Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.
It is in adequate to the government of any other.”—President John Adams
(Well, that quote just told me the constitution wasn’t made with me in mind) … 8=)
Citizenship Day
Today celebrates being a citizen of the United States of America, the greatest country the world has ever seen. Our great country (and it’s people which include you) is something every American should be proud of. America is filled with outstanding citizens, many of whom have played a direct or indirect role in making this country and what it stands for, a beacon of hope, promise and success
This special day is for all citizens, both native born, and those who chose to become Americans. It is a day to be proud to be an American. It is a day to appreciate being a citizen of this country and the rights and freedoms it brings. We suggest American citizens never take for granted the rights, freedoms, and privileges afforded us, as citizens of the United States of America.
Express your citizenship in some way. It’s the sum of all of the actions and deeds by famous and “ordinary” citizens, that makes this country so great. Regardless the times we now are in, I may want to visit our countries, but when it’s time, I will come back to the only place I call home.
On February 29, 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill establishing Citizenship Day on September 17 of each year. The roots of this holiday go back to ‘I Am an American Day’, which was established in 1940 by Congress as the third Sunday in May.
This day was moved and renamed to Citizenship Day to coincide with the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.
To me, “Drink responsibly” means don’t spill it!
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Three years ago, I wrote a post about the POW’s/Mia’s. If you care to read it: https://theprose.com/post/211132/pow-s-mia-s
Each year since 1989, a presidential proclamation brings the nation together to remember and honor the members of the Armed Forces who remain missing in action or are prisoners of war. The day serves as a call to action, reminding the nation to rededicate our efforts. We’re responsible for bringing our patriots home and for caring for our military families awaiting word of their loved ones.
The POW/MIA Flag is flown this day over significant national landmarks and government buildings across the country. Not only do the Capitol, the White House, and the Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorials fly the flag, but so do the offices of the secretaries of State, Defense and Veterans Affairs, and of the Selective Service System. Additionally, the POW/MIA Flay flies on the grounds or in the lobbies of every major military installation, post office, and all VA Medical Centers and national cemeteries.
Congress established National POW/MIA Recognition Day with the passage of Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act. This day is one of the six days that Federal Law requires government facilities to fly the POW/MIA Flag. The U.S, Secretary of Defense lists all places designated to fly the POW/MIA Flag.
Around the nation, events, and ceremonies recognize POWs, MIA, and their families. Loved ones and supporters gather for candlelight vigils, walks, and other events to show honor and support of their sacrifice. Join a service near you and show your support. Visit pow-miafamilies.org for more information.
Recognize the men and women who are POW and MIA. Remember them and bring them home.
Semper Fi.
POW/MIA - Del “Abe” Jones
So many fates are left unknown
And so many rumors that abound
So many families ask the question
“When will, the answers be found?”
So many years have come and gone
Sometimes, hope is hard to keep
There’s some who feel there’s none
And in some, it’s buried deep.
The pain, is in not knowing
How, to put loved ones’ to rest
When there is no way to prove
They have passed, the final test.
But, no matter what the answers
We can’t let this cause alone
Until, each and every one of them
Is found, and brought back home.
More Strange Holidays Coming!