#Flag Adoption Day commemorations

[manasastuff-blog]

"National Flag Adoption Day"#trending #ytshorts #viral

Discover the importance of National Flag Adoption Day on July 22nd! This significant day celebrates the unity and history of our nation, reminding us of the values and freedoms our flag represents. National Flag Adoption Day is a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served our country and to honour the symbol that binds us together. In this video, we delve into the history, significance, and various ways people celebrate this patriotic day. Whether you're participating in parades, attending ceremonies, or simply flying the flag, National Flag Adoption Day is a time to show your pride and gratitude. Join us as we explore the rich traditions and meanings behind this special day. Don't miss out on understanding why July 22nd holds a unique place in our hearts and in our national history.

Call: 7799799221

Website: www.manasadefenceacademy.com

#NationalFlagAdoptionDay#July22nd#FlagDayImportance#PatrioticCelebration#NationalUnity#HistoricalSignificance#ProudToBeAmerican#FlagDayTraditions#HonorOurFlag#UnityAndFreedom#traning#viral#celebrations#manasadefenceacademy

[mediaheights]

India's National Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian national flag on July 22, 1947, by the Constituent Assembly, a few days before the country attained Independence from the British on August 15, 1947. #nationalflagday #flag #india

[froggibus]

Pride - Soldier 76, Pharah, Baptiste, Tracer, Venture & Lifeweaver

Pairings: Soldier 76 x gn! reader, Pharah x gn! reader, Baptiste x gn! reader, Tracer & Emily x gn! reader, Venture x gn! reader, Lifeweaver x gn! reader

Genre: fun fluffy hcs

Summary: how it would be going to pride w your queer fav

CW: nonspecific relationship w the heroes, canon sexualities/genders, lots of fun pride stuff, pride festival, Soldier being an old man

sorry hi i know pride month is over but i really wanted to include it in our event so here it is! i really wanted to include lucio & other fun characters here but it was so much writing i only did the ones who are canonically queer!

This is part of my Summer Suntacular event, come check it out!

Soldier 76:

not his first Pride, won’t be his last

he’s probably a little wistful the whole time, since he last attended with Vincent

his grumpy old man demeanor drops for a day and he actually lets himself enjoy it

all the young people there LOVE him and he ends up ‘adopting’ at least three kids

reminisces the whole time and probably says “back in my day” at least once

you may have to convince him to actually indulge in fun stuff like temp tattoos and flags

but then he gets SUPER into it and drags you around to get as much stuff as possible

gets hit on at least once by someone half his age and his face is an INFERNO for like ten minutes afterwards

wants to get drinks and appetizers at a bar after and chat about your day

will let you take one (1) picture of the two of you to commemorate it

(he’ll definitely keep the picture in his wallet—but he’ll never tell you)

Pharah:

not her first Pride either, but she doesn’t go very often cause she’s married to her work

wears her sexy ass leather jacket even though it’s probably boiling outside

“Fareeha you’re going to boil in that”

“Don’t be ridiculous, this is my summer leather”

gets one temp tattoo of the lesbian flag on her cheek and that’s it for her

shows it off in every single picture the two of you take together 

doesn’t take many of her own pictures but will indulge you for every one of yours

her strong ass will let you ride on her shoulders to see any performances you want

or if you’re not cool with that, she has no shame and will body her way through the crowd to help you get a better view

loves fruity rainbow drinks and will always have one in her hand

wears her aviators even after the sun goes down

definitely checks if Baptiste is doing anything & tries to set up a rendezvous with him at a club later

she is THE most fun to party with if you’re able to pry her away from her work

Baptiste:

more than likely his first Pride  (at least, since he’s been out of the closet)

probably ended up attending a few before and hanging out in the med tent as an ally

if he wasn’t going with you, Pharah would’ve 10000% taken him with her

super excited to be taking you with him this year 

and to actually be partaking in the celebrations

covers both of you in those cute rainbow temporary tattoos

like they’re EVERYWHERE

total mom friend—he has water, tylenol & advil, wet wipes, snacks, sunscreen & anything else you could possibly need

that doesn’t mean he’s not indulging in any fun colourful drinks at the bars later tho

indulges in any free things offered with him

and totally ends the day with like ten different friendship bracelets

wants to take pictures of EVERYTHING and ends up with a million selfies of the two of you

you’re out from 11am to 3am & you bet your ass he’s waking you up at noon the next day for brunch

wants to go next year & hand out little care bags to everyone you meet

Tracer:

her and Emily insist on taking you with them

they go every year so long as Lena isn’t working (rare)

they (Emily) have got everything figured out, so you can just chill and come along with them

Lena totally goes all out with her outfits & insists you all match somehow

they bring a digital camera to take lots & lots of pictures of everything

prepare to be outside from dawn till dusk

Lena probably gets recognized a few times and takes pictures with every person who asks

she buys a TON of memorabilia and will absolutely buy anything you look at for you

even tho she’s probably tried everything they have to offer, she wants to make sure you also try it

Emily has to stop and remind her to slow down and to eat/drink

they have some cute tradition where they go to the restaurant they want to on their first date & have some drinks and appetizers

even tho it’s their thing, they’ll gladly invite you along & make sure you’re included

and if you’re into it, Lena will absolutely try to play matchmaker for you so you’re not lonely

Venture:

huge dork ass LOVES Pride

they’re a little awkward cause of the big crowds & stuff, but deep down they thrive on it

not nearly as out there with their outfit as Tracer, but they’ll definitely dress according to theme

makes their own little bags of crystals to give out to friends they make there + coordinates them according to different pride flags

makes an extra special one for you too to thank you for coming with them

buys ice cream whenever they see a stand & offers to share with you 

at least one child asks them if they’re a boy or a girl

Sloan just shrugs at them

despite their awkwardness, everybody you meet there LOVES Sloan & they end the day with a million different pins + friendship bracelets

anytime there’s something cool, they want to take a pic with you in front of it

even just random fountains and stuff

if someone’s performing, they HAVE to go and at least check it out, but you’ll probably get dragged into watching a long ass magic show

they might take you for a drink and a snack after, but they’re not the type to go to a club or anything

more than likely they want to have a game night or marathon some movies at home to unwind afterwards

Lifeweaver:

not his first Pride, but the first one he’s been able to enjoy since leaving Vishkar

the most well dressed & insists on dressing you as well

weaves flowers & plants through his hair to make a pretty rainbow (and will do the same for you if you ask!)

lots & lots of biodegradable glitter that he made himself

wants to get there super early to offer his aid to any of the med stations set up & give them his number incase they need him

brings his own biodegradable confetti and gives bags to all the stands to hand out

loves live performances & wants to attend each one

he WILL be dancing and expects you to dance with him, no matter how awkward you feel

usually the best at remembering his sunscreen & water but probably forgets until he starts to feel the effects

wants to stay until everything shuts down and make sure everything is cleaned up correctly

so many pictures that your face will hurt from smiling for the cameras by the end of the day

his Instagram story is probably filled with those same pics

if anyone compliments his hair, he WILL offer to braid theirs with flowers for them on the spot

takes you out to a nice dinner before you guys go home

Summer Suntacular | Masterlist | Overwatch Masterlist

(if you enjoy content like this, interactions go a long way! comments, likes & rbs are always greatly appreciated ^-^ !!)

[sgtgrunt0331-3]

June 14th is Flag Day! 🇺🇸

It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

Pictured above: U.S. Marines from Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, pose holding an American flag shortly before leaving Patrol Base Khodi Rhom in Garmsir District of Helmand province in Afghanistan, April 20, 2010.

(Photo by Lance Cpl. Dwight A. Henderson)

[rabbitcruiser]

Texas Independence Day

Texas Independence Day on March 2 commemorates the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence on the same date in 1836. Inhabitants of Texas proclaimed independence from Mexico and established the Republic of Texas with the signing of this declaration by over 59 delegates.

Children’s events, re-enactments, live band music, and cook-offs are all part of the festivities. Storytelling sessions about how Texas gained independence from Mexico and became a republic are among the other activities.

History of Texas Independence Day

A congress of Texians and Tejanos convened at Washington-on-the-Brazos during the Texas Revolution and declared Texas’ independence from Mexico, and they became known as Texans. The delegates elected David Burnet as interim president and confirmed Sam Houston as commander-in-chief of all Texas armies.

In addition, the Texans adopted a constitution that guaranteed the unrestricted practice of slavery, which had previously been banned by Mexican law. In the meantime, in San Antonio, the Alamo was still under siege by Mexican General Antonio de Santa Anna, and the fort’s defenders awaited the last Mexican attack.

Santa Anna ordered his troops to invade the Alamo on March 6. The first and second Mexican charges were defeated by Travis’ artillery, but the Texans were overpowered in less than an hour, and the Alamo was seized. All of the Texan and American defenders were murdered in fierce hand-to-hand combat when Santa Anna instructed that no prisoners should be taken. The Alamo’s only survivors were a small group of civilians, chiefly women and children. During the siege and storming of the Alamo, hundreds of Santa Anna’s soldiers died.

Six weeks later, at San Jacinto, a huge Texan army led by Houston surprised Santa Anna’s forces. The Texans overpowered the Mexicans and took Santa Anna. The dictator was forced to acknowledge Texas’ independence and withdraw his troops south of the Rio Grande. Nine years after the Texas Declaration of Independence was written, the Republic of Texas was annexed to the United States by the collective agreement of the United States Congress.

On December 29, 1845, the United States Congress officially recognized Texas as a member of the Union. Sam Houston Day and Texas Flag Day are also celebrated on March 2, albeit they are not legal holidays.

Texas Independence Day timeline

1835

The Texas Revolution Begins

The revolution begins on October 2 as a rebellion instigated by colonists from the U.S., supported by Tejanos, to oppose Mexico’s centralist government.

1836

The San Jacinto Battle

The Republic of Texas wins its independence on April 21 with victory at the San Jacinto River.

1845

Texas Joins the Union

On December 29, the United States Congress recognizes Texas as a constituent state.

1846

The Mexican-American War Begins

Mexico goes to war with the United States over the Republic of Texas’ annexation.

Texas Independence Day FAQs

How do Texans greet one another?

“Howdy,” the official Texas greeting, is much more than a witty remark voiced by Woody, the “Toy Story” cowboy. True Texans use the word as a popular greeting.

Can Texas leave the U.S. legally?

Texas v. White, a landmark Supreme Court ruling, says that states cannot leave the union by state legislation.

What is the slogan of Texas?

In February 1930, the Texas state motto of friendship was established. The slogan was probably chosen because Texas, or Tejas, was the Spanish translation of the native Indian tribe’s “thecas or teyshas”, which means “friends or allies.”

How to Celebrate Texas Independence Day

Attend a festival: Attend one of the festivals held on Texas Independence Day to celebrate. There are tons of activities for children and adults to have a fun time.

Participate in a reenactment: Join a reenactment of the famous events during the Texas Revolution. Play dress-up and reenact the battle of the Alamo with friends.

Learn more about Texas: Texas has a lot to offer. From excellent barbecues to live music, the Lone Star State has tons of attractions and rich history.

5 Facts About Texas That Will Blow Your Mind

Dr Pepper was made in Texas: Dr Pepper was first publicly introduced in 1904 and is now distributed all over the world; it was invented in 1885 by Charles Alderton in Waco, Texas.

First frozen margarita: Mariano Martinez, a Dallas restaurateur, invented the first frozen margarita machine.

Six flags: Texas’ Six Flags theme park is named after the six countries that have presided over Texas; Mexico, Spain, the U.S., France, the Confederate States of America, and the Republic of Texas.

Powers that be: Texas has an independent power grid, it is separated from the rest of the United States.

Nightcrawlers: Bracken Cave in Texas houses North America’s largest bat colony.

Why We Love Texas Independence Day

It’s a source of inspiration: The story of the Texas Revolution is the perfect example of snatching victory against the odds. The Texans made the impossible a reality when they defeated their Mexican rivals who far outnumbered them.

It’s a crucial page in the history books: The road to independence is a story that will be passed down for generations in Texas. The legendary battles and tales of bravery will be remembered for years to come.

Appreciating the war heroes: Texas Independence Day is an opportunity to honor the sacrifice of those who fought for Texas’ independence. Their names are not forgotten and their deeds remain fresh in the memories of their successors.

Source

[scariusaquarius]

green, green, green.

Thorin Oakenshield x Fem! Reader

A/n: this is a bit short, but I'm feeling unwell so I'm sleeping a lot sjwbsjdbdi im sorry! I'm trying to keep up the best I can!

WEEK ONE: Mythology, Day 6 - Leprechaun

-

Genre: Humor

Rated: Everyone

Warning: none <3

-

Author: ScariusAquarius

-

When Thorin awoke that morning, he had not expected his human guest to be dressed in all green with a silly hat upon her head. In his arrival to this strange realm, Thorin had been introduced to many strange holidays that the modern world had adopted: from Valentine's Day to Easter to...whatever was happening right now.

The whole house was decorated with that infernal green: bouquets of clovers, images of pots of gold, and some strange sticky gel that wrote out "Happy Saint Patrick's Day!" on the windows. Already, Thorin didn't know if he wanted to know what ungodly holiday this day entailed.

Thorin walked to the kitchen and grabbed a large mug, filling it with coffee that he had come to enjoy in his time being stuck in this modern, alternate world.

"What in Mahal's name are you doing?"

The human woman who had given him a safe haven within her home turned to look at him, a wide grin on her face, and it was then that Thorin noticed there was a kiss mark on her cheek....tinted green.

"It's Saint Patricks Day!"

Thorin's brows knitted, and he asked while taking a sip of his black coffee, unimpressed.

"And who exactly is that? Why is everything green?"

(Y/n) laughed and sat down beside Thorin, explaining as her eyes lit up, Thorin's harsh exterior melting just the slightest.

"Saint Patrick's Day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity to Ireland. It also celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general, but a lot of countries take-part in the celebration."

Thorin hummed, frowning slightly.

"I see. Is that why you are wearing such an ungodly shade of green....and why everything is now green?"

The woman chuckled, shrugging.

"Some say it was the color he always wore, but the Irish flag is mainly green. I think that's why, but hey, you should enjoy this holiday! Saint Patricks Day entails a lot of alcohol, which, my lovely King, I have purchased plenty."

Thorin shook his head slightly as the woman began to take out bottles upon bottles of alcohol from the contraption she called a 'fridge' and asked in a monotone voice.

"So, it's an excuse to drink?"

"Some might say so, yeah."

Thorin chuckled, stating.

"Sounds like the idea of dwarves."

Thorin glanced over at some of the decorations (Y/n) had hung up before noticing the image of a man sitting on a pot of gold with a rainbow shooting out of it.

"What is that?"

The woman turned, intrigued before she perked up.

"Oh, that's a Leprechaun!"

"A lepre-what?"

The woman giggled, and Thorin huffed, feeling as though she was laughing at him.

"A Leprechaun. In Irish folklore, a Leprechaun is like a....a small fairy, I guess. They usually guard a pot of gold, but are said to be very mischievous. They kind of became a symbol for Saint Patrick's Day a long time ago. I'm not entirely sure how though."

Thorin shook his head, almost exasperated as he rubbed his forehead.

"Your world is so strange."

(Y/n) giggled before pinching his arm and placing a string of green beads around his neck as the dward hissed and rubbed the smarting skin.

"What in Mahal was that for?!"

"Wear green if you don't want to get the life pinched out of you!"

And Thorin became confused all over again.

"Do I want to know?"

"You seem like I already fried your brain for today, so I guess we can skip the history lesson and go straight to drinking."

Thorin grabbed a mug, muttering.

"Aye, that sounds like a good idea."

He was gonna need all the drinks he could get to get through this strange day.

[END DAY 6]

[nocternalrandomness]

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution stated "That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 4.19

Holidays

Americas’ Day (Honduras)

Army Day (Brazil)

Bicycle Day (LSD)

Bitcoin Halving Day

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Action Day

Day of the Indian (Venezuela)

Dutch-American Friendship Day

Electrical Load Shedding Day (Ecuador)

419 Day

Global Day of Action Against Spyware

Hanging Out Day

Holocaust Remembrance Day (Poland)

Horseless Carriage Day

Humorous Day

Indian Day (Brazil)

International Day of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness

International Spandex Day

John Parker Day

King Mswati III Day (Eswatini)

Landing of the 33 Patriots Day (Uruguay)

Leucothea Asteroid Day

Lexington & Concord Day

Lydia Asteroid Day

National Canadian Film Day (Canada)

National Day of Silence

National Fingering Day

National Hanging Out Day

National Health Day (Kiribati)

National Indigenous People’s Day (Brazil)

National North Dakota Day

National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day

National Poker Day

National Slow Down Day (Ireland)

National Spice Smoking Day

Night of Destiny (Bangladesh)

Navpad Oli (a.k.a. Ayambil Oli; Jain)

Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day

Patriots’ Day (Florida)

Plastic Free Lunch Day

Poetry and the Creative Mind Day [also 4.30]

Printing Industry Day (Russia)

Refresh Your Goals Day

Republic Day (Sierra Leone)

The Simpsons Day

Snakes Return to Ireland Day

Snowdrop Day

Stoner’s Eve [Day before 4.20] (a.k.a. ... 

4/20 Eve

Got a Minute Day

Gotta Day

The Pre-Bake

Ursine Garlic Day

Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Remembrance Day

World Day of Action in Solidarity with Venezuela

World IBS Day

World Liver Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Garlic Day

National Amaretto Day

National Chicken Parmesan Day

National Rice Ball Day

Nature Celebrations

Blue Jay Day

Dog Parent Appreciation Day

National Cat Lady Day

National Paw Parent Appreciation Day

Primrose Day (UK)

Ursine Garlic Day (Allium Ursinum)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

Independence Declaration Day (Venezuela)

Kuban (Adoption into Russia; 2018)

Lexmark (Declared; 2019) [unrecognized]

Taman (Adoption into Russia; 2018)

Zimbabwe (Independence Day Holiday)

New Year’s Days

New Years Holidays (Myanmar)

3rd Saturday in April

California Poppy Festival begins [3rd Saturday]

Hardware Freedom Day [3rd Saturday]

Husband Appreciation Day [3rd Saturday]

International Reconciliation Day [3rd Saturday]

National Auctioneers Day [3rd Saturday]

Record Store Day [3rd Saturday]

Sandwich Saturday [Every Saturday]

Sentimental Saturday [3rd Saturday of Each Month]

Six For Saturday [Every Saturday]

Spaghetti Saturday [Every Saturday]

Steak Saturday [3rd Saturday of Each Month]

World Circus Day [3rd Saturday]

Weekly Holidays beginning April 19 (2nd Full Week of April)

Four-Twenty Weekend [Weekend Closest to 4.20]_

International Wildlife Film Week (thru 4.23)

National Park Week (thru 4.27)

Festivals On or Beginning April 19, 2025

The Big Taste (Seattle, Washington)

Brew Woo (Worcester, Massachusetts)

Cartersville BBQ & Brews Festival (Cartersville, Georgia)

Earth Day Clean-Up - Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Great New Mexico Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Medieval Market in Kungsträdgården (Stockholm, Sweden) [thru 4.20]

Petaluma Butter & Egg Days (Petaluma, California)

Rouketopolemos or Rocket War (Vrontados, Chios Island, Greece)

Stuttgart Spring Festival (Stuttgart, Germany) [thru 5.11]

Weifang International Kite Festival (Weifang, China) [thru 4.21]

World Class Crab Races & Crab Feed (Westport, Washington)

World's Biggest Fish Fry (Paris, Tennessee) [thru 4.27]

Christian Liturgical Holidays

Saturday before Easter (a.k.a. ... 

Black Saturday (Philippines)

Easter Saturday (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles)

Holy Saturday

Feast Days

Ælfheah of Canterbury (Anglican, Catholic; Saint)

Alphege (Christian; Saint)

Bandage and Lozenge-Sucking Competition (Shamanism)

Bendideia (Ancient Greece)

Cerealia (Roman Festival to Ceres, Goddess of Barley & Agriculture)

Conrad of Ascoli (Christian; Saint)

David Koresh Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Elphege, Archbishop of Canterbury (Christian; Saint)

Emma of Lesum (Christian; Saint)

Expeditus of Melintine (Christian; Saint) [Hoodoo; Nerds; Santerians]

George of Antioch (Christian; Saint)

Geroldus (Christian; Saint)

Lager Day (Pastafarian)

Leo IX, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Ma Zu (Goddess of the Sea's Birthday; Taoism)

Olaus and Laurentius Petri (Lutheran; Saint)

Persephone’s Return (Pagan)

Pierre (Muppetism)

Strabo (Positivist; Saint)

Start of Pastover (Pastafarian)

Ursmar (Christian; Saint)

Zoot’s Day (Muppetism)

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 3 (Geng-Chen), Day 22 (Wu-Wu)

Day Pillar: Earth Horse

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Full Day (满 Man) [Inauspicious]

Holidays: None Known

Secular Saints Days

Fernando Botero (Art)

Tim Curry (Entertainment)

Willem Drost (Art)

Kate Hudson (Entertainment)

Richard Hughes (Literature)

Ashley Judd (Entertainment)

Bohumil Konečný (Art)

Jayne Mansfield (Entertainment)

Dudley Moore (Entertainment)

Amanda Sage (Art)

Glenn Seaborg (Science)

Veronese (Art)

Dar Williams (Music)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Prime Number Day: 109 [29 of 72]

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [19 of 37]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 18 of 60)

Premieres

ABC (TV Network; 1948)

Alvin’s Solo Flight (Little Lulu Noveltoons Cartoon; 1961)

Bob & Doug (Animated TV Series; 2009)

Boston Marathon (Race; 1897)

Cake Boss (TV Series; 2009)

Carousel (Broadway Musical; 1945)

Drop Dead Fred (Film; 1991)

Fast Color (Film; 2019)

Frog’s Legs (Little Lulu Cartoon; 1961)

Goodie the Gremlin (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1961)

Goofy Groceries (Blue Ribbon Hit Parade Cartoon; 1947)

The Greyhound and the Rabbit (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1940)

The Harder They Come, by T. Coraghessan Boyle (Novel; 2015)

Hound About That (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1961)

Illmatic, by Las (Album; 1994)

Iphigenia in Aulis, by C.W. Glucks (Opera; 1774)

Just a Little Bull (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1940)

King of Jazz (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1930)

Kismet (Broadway Play; 1911)

Ko-Ko’s Knock Down (Fleischer Inkwell Imps Cartoon; 1929)

The Land of Fun (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1941)

The Last Battle, by Cornelius Ryan (Novel; 1966)

L.A. Woman, by The Doors (Album; 1971)

Magoo Goes West (Mr. Magoo UPA Cartoon; 1956)

Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of …), by Lou Bega (Song; 1999)

Man for Himself: An Inquiry Into the Psychology of Ethics, by Erich Fromm (Philosophy Book; 1947)

Man Plus, by Frederik Pohl (Novel; 1976)

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (Film; 2024)

Miss World Contest (Beauty Pageant; 1951

Money Doodles (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1960)

Moosylvania Saved, Part 1 (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 363; 1965)

Moosylvania Saved, Part 2 (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 364; 1965)

Mrs. Winterbourne (Film; 1996)

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Film; 2002)

National Barn Dance (Radio Music Series; 1924)

Oblivion (Film; 2013)

Olio for Jasper (Madcap Models George Pal Cartoon; 1946)

Oxford English Dictionary, 1st Edition (Dictionary; 1928)

Peg Leg Pete, the Pirate (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1935)

Pickled Puss (Columbia Favorites; 1956)

Plenty Below Zero (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1943)

Porky’s Preview (WB LT Cartoon; 1941)

The Producers (Broadway Musical; 2001)

Ring of Fire, by Johnny Cash (Song; 1963)

The Scorpion King (Film; 2002)

The Secret Life of Plants: A Fascinating Account of the Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Relations Between Plants and Man, by Peter Tompkins (Science Book; 1973)

Service with a Guile (Fleischer/Famous Popeye Cartoon; 1946)

Sing, Sing Prison (a.k.a. Sing Sing Song; Terrytoons Cartoon; 1931)

Sinkin’ in the Bathtub, featuring Bosko (Looney Tunes Cartoon; 1930) [1st Warner Bros. cartoon]

A Small Town in Germany, by John le Carre (Novel; 1969)

Stand Up & Cheer (Film; 1934) [1st Shirley Temple film]

Stripes and Stars (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1929)

Symphony No. 6, by Jean Sibelius (Symphony; 1923)

Telefilm (Fleischer Out of the Inkwell Cartoon; 1928)

Ticket to Ride, by The Beatles (Song; 1965)

Timid Tabby (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1957)

Tortured Poets Department, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2024)

The Trip (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1967)

Triplet Trouble (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1952)

Water, Water Every Hare (WB LT Cartoon; 1952)

Wings (TV Series; 1990)

Young and Healthy (WB MM Cartoon; 1933)

The Zürau Aphorisms Franz Kafka

Today’s Name Days

Gerold, Leo, Marcel (Austria)

Ema, Konrad, Rastislav (Croatia)

Rostislav (Czech Republic)

Daniel (Denmark)

Aalike, Aleksandra, Alli, Allo, Andra, Sandra (Estonia)

Pälvi, Pilvi (Finland)

Emma (France)

Emma, Gerold, Leo, Timo (Germany)

Haroula, Theoharis, Theoharoula (Greece)

Emma (Hungary)

Emma, Ermogene, Espedito (Italy)

Fanija, Liba, Vēsma (Latvia)

Aistė, Eirimas, Leonas, Leontina, Simonas (Lithuania)

Arnfinn, Arnstein (Norway)

Adolf, Adolfa, Adolfina, Alf, Cieszyrad, Czech, Czechasz, Czechoń, Czesław, Leon, Leontyna, Pafnucy, Tymon, Werner, Włodzimierz (Poland)

Ioan (Romania)

Jela (Slovakia)

Expedito, León (Spain)

Ola, Olaus (Sweden)

Garey, Garett, Garret, Garrett, Garvey, Garvin, Gary, Gerald, Geraldine, Geri, Gerry, Jared, Jarod, Jarred, Jarrett, Jarrod, Jerald,Jeri, Jerod, Jerri, Jerrod, Jerry (USA)

Today’s National Name Days

National Hayden Day

National Jayne Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 109 of 2025; 256 days remaining in the year

ISO Week: Day 6 of Week 16 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Saille (Willow) [Day 5 of 28]

Chinese: Month 3 (Geng-Chen), Day 22 (Wu-Wu)

Chinese Year of the: Snake 4723 (until February 17, 2026) [Ding-Chou]

Coptic: 11 Barmundah 1741

Druid Tree Calendar: Maple (April 11-20) [Day 9 of 10]

Hebrew: 21 Nisan 5785

Islamic: 20 Shawwal 1446

Julian: 6 April 2025

Moon: 65%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 25 Archimedes (4th Month) [Strabo]

Runic Half Month: Man (Humanity) [Day 6 of 15] (thru 4.28)

Season: Spring (Day 30 of 92)

SUn Calendar: 20 Cyan; Sixthday [20 of 30]

Week: 2nd Full Week of April

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aries (Day 30 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Aries (Day 6 of 31)

Schmidt Zodiac: Aries (Day 4 of 31)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Aries (Day 1 of 25)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Aries (Day 1 of 25)

Calendar Changes

Aries (The Ram) begins [IAU Current Boundaries Zodiac Sign 4; thru 5.13]

Aries (The Ram) begins [1977 IAU Current Boundaries Zodiac Sign 4; thru 5.13]

[mariacallous]

Bulgarian photojournalist Anastas Tarpanov captured the tensions as ideological opponents staged rallies in Sofia over the weekend amid a heavy police presence.

Nationalist and anti-fascist marches were held in Sofia on Saturday as far-right factions  gathered to commemorate the memory of controversial Bulgarian general Hristo Lukov (1887-1944) in the annual so-called Lukov March.

Despite being banned by the Sofia municipality since 2020, the organisers have continued to stage the event, with supporters marching in the evening carrying torches, passing by Lukov’s house in the capital.

Earlier on Saturday, an anti-fascist demonstration was held in the Bulgarian capital under the slogan “No Nazis on our streets”.

The participants not only protested against the Lukov march but also expressed anger at the war in Gaza. They also highlighted women’s rights and feminist causes and the passing of bills limiting LGBTQ+ rights in Bulgaria.

Like the Lukov march, the anti-fascist protest attracted several hundred people.

The anti-fascist march also passed by the European Commission headquarters in Sofia. Later the same day, the building was attacked during a separate protest by the pro-Russian, right-wing Revival party against Bulgaria adopting the euro currency. 

Revival supporters set the entrance door of the European Commission building on fire, threw red paint on the facade of the building and burned the flag of the European Union.

[brookston]

Holidays 4.19

Holidays

Americas’ Day (Honduras)

Army Day (Brazil)

Bicycle Day (LSD)

Bitcoin Halving Day

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Action Day

Day of the Indian (Venezuela)

Dutch-American Friendship Day

Electrical Load Shedding Day (Ecuador)

419 Day

Global Day of Action Against Spyware

Hanging Out Day

Holocaust Remembrance Day (Poland)

Horseless Carriage Day

Humorous Day

Indian Day (Brazil)

International Day of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness

International Spandex Day

John Parker Day

King Mswati III Day (Eswatini)

Landing of the 33 Patriots Day (Uruguay)

Leucothea Asteroid Day

Lexington & Concord Day

Lydia Asteroid Day

National Canadian Film Day (Canada)

National Day of Silence

National Fingering Day

National Hanging Out Day

National Health Day (Kiribati)

National Indigenous People’s Day (Brazil)

National North Dakota Day

National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day

National Poker Day

National Slow Down Day (Ireland)

National Spice Smoking Day

Night of Destiny (Bangladesh)

Navpad Oli (a.k.a. Ayambil Oli; Jain)

Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day

Patriots’ Day (Florida)

Plastic Free Lunch Day

Poetry and the Creative Mind Day [also 4.30]

Printing Industry Day (Russia)

Refresh Your Goals Day

Republic Day (Sierra Leone)

The Simpsons Day

Snakes Return to Ireland Day

Snowdrop Day

Stoner’s Eve [Day before 4.20] (a.k.a. ... 

4/20 Eve

Got a Minute Day

Gotta Day

The Pre-Bake

Ursine Garlic Day

Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Remembrance Day

World Day of Action in Solidarity with Venezuela

World IBS Day

World Liver Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Garlic Day

National Amaretto Day

National Chicken Parmesan Day

National Rice Ball Day

Nature Celebrations

Blue Jay Day

Dog Parent Appreciation Day

National Cat Lady Day

National Paw Parent Appreciation Day

Primrose Day (UK)

Ursine Garlic Day (Allium Ursinum)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

Independence Declaration Day (Venezuela)

Kuban (Adoption into Russia; 2018)

Lexmark (Declared; 2019) [unrecognized]

Taman (Adoption into Russia; 2018)

Zimbabwe (Independence Day Holiday)

New Year’s Days

New Years Holidays (Myanmar)

3rd Saturday in April

California Poppy Festival begins [3rd Saturday]

Hardware Freedom Day [3rd Saturday]

Husband Appreciation Day [3rd Saturday]

International Reconciliation Day [3rd Saturday]

National Auctioneers Day [3rd Saturday]

Record Store Day [3rd Saturday]

Sandwich Saturday [Every Saturday]

Sentimental Saturday [3rd Saturday of Each Month]

Six For Saturday [Every Saturday]

Spaghetti Saturday [Every Saturday]

Steak Saturday [3rd Saturday of Each Month]

World Circus Day [3rd Saturday]

Weekly Holidays beginning April 19 (2nd Full Week of April)

Four-Twenty Weekend [Weekend Closest to 4.20]_

International Wildlife Film Week (thru 4.23)

National Park Week (thru 4.27)

Festivals On or Beginning April 19, 2025

The Big Taste (Seattle, Washington)

Brew Woo (Worcester, Massachusetts)

Cartersville BBQ & Brews Festival (Cartersville, Georgia)

Earth Day Clean-Up - Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Great New Mexico Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Medieval Market in Kungsträdgården (Stockholm, Sweden) [thru 4.20]

Petaluma Butter & Egg Days (Petaluma, California)

Rouketopolemos or Rocket War (Vrontados, Chios Island, Greece)

Stuttgart Spring Festival (Stuttgart, Germany) [thru 5.11]

Weifang International Kite Festival (Weifang, China) [thru 4.21]

World Class Crab Races & Crab Feed (Westport, Washington)

World's Biggest Fish Fry (Paris, Tennessee) [thru 4.27]

Christian Liturgical Holidays

Saturday before Easter (a.k.a. ... 

Black Saturday (Philippines)

Easter Saturday (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles)

Holy Saturday

Feast Days

Ælfheah of Canterbury (Anglican, Catholic; Saint)

Alphege (Christian; Saint)

Bandage and Lozenge-Sucking Competition (Shamanism)

Bendideia (Ancient Greece)

Cerealia (Roman Festival to Ceres, Goddess of Barley & Agriculture)

Conrad of Ascoli (Christian; Saint)

David Koresh Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Elphege, Archbishop of Canterbury (Christian; Saint)

Emma of Lesum (Christian; Saint)

Expeditus of Melintine (Christian; Saint) [Hoodoo; Nerds; Santerians]

George of Antioch (Christian; Saint)

Geroldus (Christian; Saint)

Lager Day (Pastafarian)

Leo IX, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Ma Zu (Goddess of the Sea's Birthday; Taoism)

Olaus and Laurentius Petri (Lutheran; Saint)

Persephone’s Return (Pagan)

Pierre (Muppetism)

Strabo (Positivist; Saint)

Start of Pastover (Pastafarian)

Ursmar (Christian; Saint)

Zoot’s Day (Muppetism)

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 3 (Geng-Chen), Day 22 (Wu-Wu)

Day Pillar: Earth Horse

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Full Day (满 Man) [Inauspicious]

Holidays: None Known

Secular Saints Days

Fernando Botero (Art)

Tim Curry (Entertainment)

Willem Drost (Art)

Kate Hudson (Entertainment)

Richard Hughes (Literature)

Ashley Judd (Entertainment)

Bohumil Konečný (Art)

Jayne Mansfield (Entertainment)

Dudley Moore (Entertainment)

Amanda Sage (Art)

Glenn Seaborg (Science)

Veronese (Art)

Dar Williams (Music)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Prime Number Day: 109 [29 of 72]

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [19 of 37]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 18 of 60)

Premieres

ABC (TV Network; 1948)

Alvin’s Solo Flight (Little Lulu Noveltoons Cartoon; 1961)

Bob & Doug (Animated TV Series; 2009)

Boston Marathon (Race; 1897)

Cake Boss (TV Series; 2009)

Carousel (Broadway Musical; 1945)

Drop Dead Fred (Film; 1991)

Fast Color (Film; 2019)

Frog’s Legs (Little Lulu Cartoon; 1961)

Goodie the Gremlin (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1961)

Goofy Groceries (Blue Ribbon Hit Parade Cartoon; 1947)

The Greyhound and the Rabbit (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1940)

The Harder They Come, by T. Coraghessan Boyle (Novel; 2015)

Hound About That (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1961)

Illmatic, by Las (Album; 1994)

Iphigenia in Aulis, by C.W. Glucks (Opera; 1774)

Just a Little Bull (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1940)

King of Jazz (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1930)

Kismet (Broadway Play; 1911)

Ko-Ko’s Knock Down (Fleischer Inkwell Imps Cartoon; 1929)

The Land of Fun (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1941)

The Last Battle, by Cornelius Ryan (Novel; 1966)

L.A. Woman, by The Doors (Album; 1971)

Magoo Goes West (Mr. Magoo UPA Cartoon; 1956)

Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of …), by Lou Bega (Song; 1999)

Man for Himself: An Inquiry Into the Psychology of Ethics, by Erich Fromm (Philosophy Book; 1947)

Man Plus, by Frederik Pohl (Novel; 1976)

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (Film; 2024)

Miss World Contest (Beauty Pageant; 1951

Money Doodles (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1960)

Moosylvania Saved, Part 1 (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 363; 1965)

Moosylvania Saved, Part 2 (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 364; 1965)

Mrs. Winterbourne (Film; 1996)

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Film; 2002)

National Barn Dance (Radio Music Series; 1924)

Oblivion (Film; 2013)

Olio for Jasper (Madcap Models George Pal Cartoon; 1946)

Oxford English Dictionary, 1st Edition (Dictionary; 1928)

Peg Leg Pete, the Pirate (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1935)

Pickled Puss (Columbia Favorites; 1956)

Plenty Below Zero (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1943)

Porky’s Preview (WB LT Cartoon; 1941)

The Producers (Broadway Musical; 2001)

Ring of Fire, by Johnny Cash (Song; 1963)

The Scorpion King (Film; 2002)

The Secret Life of Plants: A Fascinating Account of the Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Relations Between Plants and Man, by Peter Tompkins (Science Book; 1973)

Service with a Guile (Fleischer/Famous Popeye Cartoon; 1946)

Sing, Sing Prison (a.k.a. Sing Sing Song; Terrytoons Cartoon; 1931)

Sinkin’ in the Bathtub, featuring Bosko (Looney Tunes Cartoon; 1930) [1st Warner Bros. cartoon]

A Small Town in Germany, by John le Carre (Novel; 1969)

Stand Up & Cheer (Film; 1934) [1st Shirley Temple film]

Stripes and Stars (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1929)

Symphony No. 6, by Jean Sibelius (Symphony; 1923)

Telefilm (Fleischer Out of the Inkwell Cartoon; 1928)

Ticket to Ride, by The Beatles (Song; 1965)

Timid Tabby (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1957)

Tortured Poets Department, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2024)

The Trip (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1967)

Triplet Trouble (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1952)

Water, Water Every Hare (WB LT Cartoon; 1952)

Wings (TV Series; 1990)

Young and Healthy (WB MM Cartoon; 1933)

The Zürau Aphorisms Franz Kafka

Today’s Name Days

Gerold, Leo, Marcel (Austria)

Ema, Konrad, Rastislav (Croatia)

Rostislav (Czech Republic)

Daniel (Denmark)

Aalike, Aleksandra, Alli, Allo, Andra, Sandra (Estonia)

Pälvi, Pilvi (Finland)

Emma (France)

Emma, Gerold, Leo, Timo (Germany)

Haroula, Theoharis, Theoharoula (Greece)

Emma (Hungary)

Emma, Ermogene, Espedito (Italy)

Fanija, Liba, Vēsma (Latvia)

Aistė, Eirimas, Leonas, Leontina, Simonas (Lithuania)

Arnfinn, Arnstein (Norway)

Adolf, Adolfa, Adolfina, Alf, Cieszyrad, Czech, Czechasz, Czechoń, Czesław, Leon, Leontyna, Pafnucy, Tymon, Werner, Włodzimierz (Poland)

Ioan (Romania)

Jela (Slovakia)

Expedito, León (Spain)

Ola, Olaus (Sweden)

Garey, Garett, Garret, Garrett, Garvey, Garvin, Gary, Gerald, Geraldine, Geri, Gerry, Jared, Jarod, Jarred, Jarrett, Jarrod, Jerald,Jeri, Jerod, Jerri, Jerrod, Jerry (USA)

Today’s National Name Days

National Hayden Day

National Jayne Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 109 of 2025; 256 days remaining in the year

ISO Week: Day 6 of Week 16 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Saille (Willow) [Day 5 of 28]

Chinese: Month 3 (Geng-Chen), Day 22 (Wu-Wu)

Chinese Year of the: Snake 4723 (until February 17, 2026) [Ding-Chou]

Coptic: 11 Barmundah 1741

Druid Tree Calendar: Maple (April 11-20) [Day 9 of 10]

Hebrew: 21 Nisan 5785

Islamic: 20 Shawwal 1446

Julian: 6 April 2025

Moon: 65%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 25 Archimedes (4th Month) [Strabo]

Runic Half Month: Man (Humanity) [Day 6 of 15] (thru 4.28)

Season: Spring (Day 30 of 92)

SUn Calendar: 20 Cyan; Sixthday [20 of 30]

Week: 2nd Full Week of April

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aries (Day 30 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Aries (Day 6 of 31)

Schmidt Zodiac: Aries (Day 4 of 31)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Aries (Day 1 of 25)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Aries (Day 1 of 25)

Calendar Changes

Aries (The Ram) begins [IAU Current Boundaries Zodiac Sign 4; thru 5.13]

Aries (The Ram) begins [1977 IAU Current Boundaries Zodiac Sign 4; thru 5.13]

[californiastatelibrary]

Established in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the US flag in 1777 by the Second Continental Congress. This photo shows patriotic produce from Fontana at the San Bernardino County Orange Show, date unknown. 🇺🇸

[consumerguide]

Celebrating the 4th of July: A Day of Freedom, Festivities, and Practical Necessities

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is a cherished holiday in the United States, marking the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It's a day filled with patriotism, family gatherings, fireworks, parades, and barbecues. As we prepare to celebrate this significant day, let’s delve into some of the best ways to enjoy the holiday and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for all.

A Day of Historical Significance

Independence Day is more than just a summer celebration; it’s a day to reflect on the freedoms and rights we enjoy as Americans. The history behind the 4th of July is rich and profound. On this day, we commemorate the courage and vision of our founding fathers who declared independence from British rule. Across the nation, historical reenactments and educational events offer an opportunity to learn more about the origins of this important day.

Festive Activities and Traditions

Fireworks

One of the most iconic 4th of July traditions is the fireworks display. These dazzling shows light up the night sky in cities and towns across the country, symbolizing the joy and excitement of the nation's independence. Whether you’re watching a professional display or setting off your own fireworks (where permitted), it’s a magical experience that brings communities together.

Parades

Parades are another staple of Independence Day celebrations. From small town processions to grand city spectacles, parades feature marching bands, decorated floats, and local organizations showcasing their patriotic spirit. It’s a time to wave flags, cheer for participants, and feel a sense of unity with fellow Americans.

Barbecues and Picnics

No 4th of July is complete without a barbecue or picnic. Families and friends gather to enjoy delicious food, from grilled burgers and hot dogs to fresh salads and pies. It’s a day of outdoor dining, laughter, and making memories.

Practical Necessities for Outdoor Events

When planning for large gatherings, especially in public parks or open spaces, certain practical considerations can make the day more comfortable for everyone. Amidst the fun and festivities, it’s important to think about amenities like seating, shade, and sanitation.

Speaking of sanitation, one often overlooked but essential aspect of any large outdoor event is the availability of restrooms. Portable toilets, or porta-potties, provide a convenient solution. They ensure that everyone has access to clean and functional facilities, which is crucial for maintaining hygiene and comfort during the celebrations. By strategically placing porta-potties around event areas, organizers can enhance the overall experience and keep the focus on fun.

Staying Safe and Responsible

While enjoying the 4th of July, it’s important to stay safe. This includes following local regulations regarding fireworks, being mindful of fire hazards, and ensuring children and pets are kept at a safe distance from fireworks and grills. Additionally, staying hydrated and using sunscreen can help protect against the summer heat.

Reflecting on Freedom

As the day winds down and the last fireworks burst in the sky, take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we celebrate. The 4th of July is a reminder of the values of liberty, democracy, and unity. It’s a day to appreciate the sacrifices made by those who fought for our independence and to consider how we can continue to uphold these principles in our daily lives.

In conclusion, the 4th of July is a time for joy, celebration, and reflection. By blending fun activities with practical considerations like porta-potties, we can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. So, gather your loved ones, celebrate safely, and cherish the freedoms that make this nation special. Happy Independence Day!

[bu1410]

Good afternoon TUMBLR - June 4th - 2024

“Mr. Plant has owed me a shoe since July 5, 1971.”

IRAQ – RUMAILAH - Sept 2014 – Mar 2016.

Part 2

The worst period was the month of Muharram - Ashura which marks the culmination of the Remembrance of Muharram, the annual commemoration of the death of Profet Husayn and his family and supporters in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th Muharram of the year 61 AH (in the Gregorian calendar the 10 October 680 AD). Popular elegies were written by poets to commemorate the Battle of Karbala during the Umayyad and Abbasid eras, and the first public mourning rituals occurred in 963 AD. during the Buyid dynasty. In Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, Pakistan, India, Ashoora has become a national holiday and many ethnic and religious communities participate in it. Ashoora also known as Yawm Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. For most Muslims - except Shia Muslims - Ashura marks the day when Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by God creating a path in the sea. The World Sunni Movement celebrates this day as National Martyrs' Day of the Muslim nation. For Shiite and Sufi Muslims it marks the day when Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of the first Islamic Prophet Muhammad, was martyred in the Battle of Karbala. Ashura is an important holy day and occasion of pilgrimage in Shia Islam, as well as a recommended but not obligatory day of fasting in Sunni Islam.

Well, we Westerners were warned by our Security Service about the particular behaviors to adopt in this particular month. During this period, numerous temporary tents are set up by various communities along the roads leading to the Holy Places, to allow pilgrims to refresh themselves during their journeys towards the two holy cities of Kerbala and Najaf. We were instructed never to stop at the exhortations of individuals along the streets. And above all, accept and thank any offer of symbols, portraits, flags, stickers that the Iraqis ask to be placed on our vehicles, cars, offices. The Shiites, unlike the Sunnis who are forbidden to do so, have developed a series of symbolic images of the Profet Husain ibn Ali, and sometimes depict him astride a white steed, looking towards the future, in an iconography that sometimes recalls images of Jesus Christ. Failure to accept these manifestations of faith sometimes gives rise to retaliation that can take on the character of violence. As we learned with the episode that happened to an English ''Security Officer'' who worked in the Schlumberger compound, not far from ours. One Muharram morning, some Shiite flags installed on the Land Cruiser owned by this British guy for several days showed signs of tearing under the action of the wind and sun. The Officer thought it was time to change them, so he removed them from the roof and sides of the SUV. From afar a local guard watched him, and immediately shouted to draw the attention of other Iraqis to the fact that ''the infidel was removing the sacred Shiite signs from the vehicle'' without first asking permission. The British guy was soon surrounded, first pushed to the ground, insulted, a hail of kicks and punches hit him, without giving him time to explain his gesture. Someone brought sticks, and the poor Officer was beaten until all that remained of him were bloody remains. As we were told, everything happened in the early hours of dawn, so quickly in the parking lot of the vehicles, and there was no way for Security to intervene to prevent this massacre.

THE PROJECT. M091 Gathering Lines was a project aimed at connecting 4 oil production areas to the oil/gas separation units. Once completed, it guaranteed an increase in production by as much as 100,000 barrels/day. In essence, new 24-inch lines were installed, for a total of 90 km. In another context, outside of Iraq, a fairly simple job. In Iraq everything was much more complicated. Objective reasons caused wasted time and delays that affected daily progress. Furthermore, the advance of ISIS towards the South in that period made everything more difficult from a security point of view.

Colleagues As had been anticipated to me by Mrs. Pizzolitto (who at the time was in charge of the management of the On Shore SAIPEM shipyards) in Rumailah, from a human point of view, I found the best thing I have ever had the opportunity to experience in many years of SAIPEM. I don't know to what extent the place in which we found ourselves operating (with its great limitations in terms of individual freedom) influenced people's behavior in a positive way. This undoubtedly combined with the human and professional qualities of all the staff present on the base and on the various ongoing projects.

Zacchei Marco

He held the position of Iraq Country Manager, resided in Dubai but spent at least 3 days a week at the Rumailah base. Young and of great elegance and professionalism, he left SAIPEM following the example of many other talented managers in recent years.

Michele Petracca Projects Director, Apulian transplanted to Milan for years. He is also young but already has great international experience. Hired in SNAMPROGETTI after he had presented his thesis at the Polytechnic of Milan, he then moved to SAIPEM at the time of the merger by incorporation of the two companies. Great professionalism and great human energy, the best Project Director I have met. He didn't just give orders and advice, but he liked to ''get his hands dirty'' in the field, alongside those who worked. Tireless, Michele also left SAIPEM at a certain point in his career to join another competing Oil & Gas company.

Gianni Garbati Base Leader and great friend. A person with great communication skills. Organizer of ''big dinners'' in the kitchen container that we used for food gatherings at least once a week.

It was a real shame that, despite his efforts, we were unable to get together to work together again, both on the project in Thailand and on the one in Oman.

Mariotti Andrea. My predecessor on the M092 project. Young and capable, he perhaps paid for the wrong approach of the Iraqi Sub Contractor and his relative lack of experience as a Project Manager. The fact is that when I arrived, almost a year after the start of the project, the progress was only 17%. Andrea behaved in a truly professional manner (with SAIPEM elements this is never a given…) introducing me to the project in an impeccable manner during the 3 months we spent together. One day he risked a lot at an Iraqi military checkpoint. He arrived at the checkpoint while the soldiers were eating lunch, lying on the ground as usual. In this case we had to be patient and wait until some of them had finished eating. Andrea, impatient, placed his phone against the tinted glass of the Toyota Land Cruiser, thinking that from the outside they wouldn't see him taking photos. Unfortunately this wasn't the case: one of the soldiers saw that Andrea was using his mobile phone! All hell happened: at first they wanted to arrest him, then after an endless discussion they settled for confiscating the cell phone.

Victor Gomez. Deputy Construction Manager, Venezuelan. The need to have two Construction Managers (the other was Nicola Di Genova known as ''Il Muto'') arose from the fact that the rotation in Iraq was 45/15. So one of the two had to always be present on the construction site. I confess that at the beginning I was cautious with Victor: he had given me - mistakenly - the impression of a ''shrewd'' South American to watch over my shoulder. And instead Victor turned out to be, in addition to being technically valid, a great and reliable engineer. And also very polite, which doesn't hurt.

TCO staff. For TCO we intend all expatriate personnel working with us, except Italian. There were several of them, mostly from India and Pakistan. Some valid Egyptian too, and few good Algerians engineers. All of the demonstrate their capability during the project, giving all their effort to make the success of the project possible.

EXXON Staff.

Concerning EXXON people I need to make a preamble. EXXON has in place an agreement with FLUOR, the Houston based Company, to employ their staff on temporary basis. Some - but not all - of this staff is represented by retired service men (it seems US Government facilitate their reintegration in the society). Therefore those guys, most of the time, are not familiar with Oil&Gas project and Spec's. That's made sometime ''difficult'' for us to say ''understand eachother''. Luckily there were few permanent EXXON engineers with whoum we used to address the major problems. One of them, a young engineer from Houston but of Lebanon origin (he was speaking fluenty Arab) was the Project Director from Client side. I had a strong profitable relation with this guy.

Temporary absence of the Americans.

There have been a time in which ISIS threat was even closer than usual. Therefore EXXON Top Management decided to evacuate all their personnel to Dubai. It has been a difficult period for the project, since everything had to be discussed/assessed via daily video conference.

Final Departure I left Iraq in April 2016, after successfully completing the project. Particular satisfaction for me was given by the fact that the Project Manager of the EXXON Client - wanted to spend the entire last day in Iraq with me. A great sign of esteem, also considering that in Iraq the movement of all personnel, but especially of Americans, was subject to severe restrictions.

Of course there was the farewell cake, as per the unwritten rule for all colleagues who left Iraq permanently, prepared by the Italian chef Alessandro Loi: It was one of the most disgustingly sweet things I have ever tasted.

[richardnixonlibrary]

Today is Flag Day. The annual commemoration is in honor of the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.Here we see President Nixon and Special Assistant Robert J. Brown with an American flag from the Watts Manufacturing Company. (Image: WHPO-5234-07; 12/8/1970) 

[cricketmuse]

Happy Flag Day!

Did you know today is Flag Fay? June 14th commemorates adopting the flag of the United States, which all began June 14, 1775. There is the story of Betsy Ross stitching up the flag, of course, and there is the lesser known man, a schoolteacher, Bernard J. Cigrand, who led a quiet campaign to create a place the date of recognition on our calendars. It’s a holiday many people do not notice. My…

[rabbitcruiser]

National Acadian Day

Every year, certain Canadian regions commemorate National Acadian Day on August 15 to honor the Acadian people and culture. The Acadian leaders were given the mandate to designate the date of this celebration, which is also the feast of the Assumption of Mary, during the first National Convention of the Acadians in Memramcook, New Brunswick, in 1881. The Acadians, who originated in France, were the first Europeans to permanently settle in Canada.

History of National Acadian Day

The history and culture of Canada’s Acadian people are commemorated on National Acadian Day. When France founded Nova Scotia in Port Royal in 1605 as North America’s first permanent settlement, thousands of Acadians were compelled to abandon their homes and relocate as a result of the Great Upheaval, which lasted from 1755 to 1763. Many people eventually returned to the Acadian region, but others never did.

National Acadian Day was founded in 1881 at the first National Convention of the Acadians in Memramcook, New Brunswick, when the Acadian leaders were given the task of deciding on a date for the celebration, which coincided with the Assumption of Mary’s feast day. The date was the subject of a debate at the convention between those who wanted Acadians to commemorate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, which has been a national day of French Canadians since 1834 and a national holiday of Quebec since 1977, on June 24, and those who wanted the commemoration to take place on August 15.

During this time, a significant number of Acadian leaders were traditionalists who desired the preservation of pre-revolutionary France’s ideals and practices. This did not stop the Acadians from adopting a tricolor flag at the Miscouche convention three years later. With his statement before the conference, Abbot Marcel-François Richard, who supported August 15, is thought to have influenced the outcome. By January 1938, the Vatican approved the Acadian convention’s choice in a declaration. National Acadian Day became an official Canadian holiday in 2003, thanks to the efforts of the Canadian Parliament.

National Acadian Day timeline

1881 The First Acadian Day

National Acadian Day is established at the first National Convention of the Acadians.

1994 First Congrès Mondial Acadien (C.M.A.)

The first Congrès Mondial Acadien (C.M.A.) is held across municipalities in Southeastern New Brunswick.

2003 Royal Recognition

A Royal Proclamation recognizes the wrongs suffered by the Acadians when they were forcibly deported from Acadie from 1755 until 1762.

2004 National Acadian Day

The provincial governments officially recognize National Acadian Day.

National Acadian Day FAQs

Can you see the Northern Lights in Acadia?

The Northern Lights can often be observed from Downeast Acadia’s northernmost reaches.

Is Acadia home to bears?

On the island, there is a small permanent population of black bears.

Can you go hiking at night in Acadia?

Acadia National Park’s Park Loop Road is open at night, allowing visitors to drive into and around the park.

National Acadian Day Activities

Make plans to visit Acadia

Read about Acadian history

Listen to music from Acadia

Festivals are held by Acadians to celebrate their centuries-old traditions, as well as contemporary arts and culture. Festivals are held all year in Acadian and francophone towns around the province, so plan a vacation to Canada to see them for yourself.

It's possible that you've never heard of Acadia, a French colony in North America. Now that you've heard of them, it's time to learn more about their culture and history for yourself!

Good music has a way of burying itself in our hearts. It's something that brings us all together. Listen to Acadian music or Google up and listen to Acadian artists.

5 Facts About Acadia That Will Blow Your Mind

Acadia's first capital

Bolognino Zaltieri

The inspiration behind Acadia

Cod abundance

The Acadian dialect

Port Royal was Acadia's first capital and was erected in 1605.

Bolognino Zaltieri named an area far to the northeast of present-day Nova Scotia and New Brunswick 'Arcadia' in 1566.

The term ’Quoddy,’ which means open sloop-rigged sailboat, was thought to have inspired the name Acadia.

Acadia was famed for its abundance of cod, which drew European traders and fishermen to its shores.

Chiac is an Acadian dialect prevalent throughout the region.

Why We Love National Acadian Day

The view from Otter Cliff

Being one with nature

It commemorates Acadia's past

Otter Cliff, at 110 feet above sea level, is the spectacular climax of the Ocean Walk. It's a popular rock climbing destination, and it's composed of Cadillac granite, the unique pink rock that Acadia is known for.

Acadia is all about taking in the beauty of nature, and camping and stargazing add to the experience. The park campgrounds are inexpensive, nice, and clean, even if they are a little run-down.

Acadians' history is commemorated on National Acadian Day. It honors their history and culture while also preserving their legacy.

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