National Camera Day

Everything comes into focus on June 29th each year when we recognize National Camera Day. The day commemorates photographs, the camera, and their invention. A camera is an irreplaceable tool used to record and replicate memories, events, and people/places. Before the invention of the camera, the only resource to document a vision was a painting. Capturing an image of a person or place in a drawing took time and skill. Very few people can perfectly draw the likeness of someone, let alone capture the essence of an event.

The power of a camera provided many with a simple, inexpensive, and fast solution. George Eastman, also known as “The Father of Photography,” brought the camera to the masses. While he did not invent the camera, he did develop many additions improving the use, ease, and production of the camera. His developments made the camera widely available to homes around the world.

While the first cameras were large and bulky, each later design evolved until some cameras were as small as a pen. Today’s digital cameras have many features and variations, making them appealing to people of all ages for personal and professional use. The portable and easy-to-use features not only allow us to take photos quickly, but we can also edit them on the fly. Smartphones with built-in cameras include features that allow us to share photos instantly, too. 

Taking photos has become so easy. According to Business Insider, in 2017, we took over 1.2 trillion digital photos! From a large boxy camera to one that fits in our pocket, cameras have come a long way.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CAMERA DAY

Whether photography is a hobby or your profession, celebrate the day by taking photos. Snap a picture of something or someone you enjoy and cherish the memory. But taking pictures isn’t the only way to celebrate.

  • Take a photography class.
  • Teach someone how to take outstanding photos.
  • Expand your photography skills by learning more about your camera.
  • Try a different style of photography or camera.

Post photos on social media using #NationalCameraDay.

Just Enjoy June

Celebrating the Joys of Summer’s Kickoff

June bursts onto the scene as a month brimming with sunshine, longer days, and endless opportunities to celebrate.

As the official gateway to summer, June brings longer days, blooming gardens, and the perfect excuse to trade our busy schedules for a little bit of fun. While we often think of June for weddings and school letting out.  This month is packed with quirky holidays and heartfelt observances designed to help us savor the season. So, grab a glass of iced tea, put your feet up, and let’s dive into why this month deserves to be celebrated.

Wedding Season

Fun facts abound: June beetles make their appearance, and no other month starts on the same weekday as June in quite the same way. Flag Day honors patriotism in the U.S., while outdoor activities beckon everyone to get moving.

National Months in June encourage meaningful awareness alongside the fun.

National Give a Bunch of Balloons Month
National DJ Month                        
National Portuguese Heritage Month
African-American Music Appreciation Month
National Zoo and Aquarium Month
LGBTQIA Pride Month
Men’s Health Month
National Accordion Month
National Adopt a Cat Month
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month
National Candy Month
National Camping Month
National Caribbean American Month
National Country Cooking Month
National Dairy Month
National Great Outdoors Month
National Headache and Migraine Awareness Month
National Homeownership Month
National Iced Tea Month
National Papaya Month
National Pollinators Month
National PTSD Awareness Month
National Safety Month
National Soul Food Month
Rose Month
Turkey Lovers Month                
June’s Birthstone;Why the Pearl is the Ultimate Gem of Romance and Grace                                                         Hurricane Readiness

With something for everyone turn ordinary dates into mini-festivals. Try National Say Something Nice Day, National Go Barefoot Day. Don’t forget to include National Hug Your Cat Day, National Cheese Day, Flag Day on the 14th, and National Go Fishing Day on the 18th. From National Game Show Day to celebrations honoring ice cream, donuts, and more, there’s truly something for every interest and personality.

June shines for sports enthusiasts too, with NBA Finals, Stanley Cup playoffs, baseball in full swing, and the NBA Draft.

Famous June birthdays—from Marilyn Monroe and Paul McCartney to Michael Phelps and Elon Musk—add star power.

Zodiac signs Gemini and Cancer add a touch of curiosity and emotional depth, while birth flowers like the rose and honeysuckle, along with stones such as pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone, celebrate love, devotion, and generosity.

This June, embrace the spirit of “Just Enjoy.” Whether you’re marking personal milestones, joining community events, or simply taking time to appreciate longer evenings and blooming gardens, the month offers countless ways to create memories. Gather with friends, try new recipes tied to food-themed days, explore nature, or reflect on what brings you joy. Here’s to making June unforgettable—happy celebrating!

NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH

National Homeownership Month in June shines a spotlight on supporting the American Dream of homeownership. It’s also a time to recognize the organizations that help individuals and families to achieve their goals.

From the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Federal Housing Administration to the realtors, financial and housing counselors, and assistance programs, they all play a part in helping first-time homebuyers make their dream come true.

After an extreme low in 2016, homeownership has been making a gradual recovery. Ownership trends are changing, though. With priorities changing, so do the types of homes people are seeking.

NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH HISTORY

In 1995, National Homeownership Week began as a strategy of President William Clinton’s administration to increase homeownership across the nation. In 2002, President George W. Bush expanded the observance to the entire month of June.

Explore More…

National Financial Literacy Month

National Credit Education Month

National Cash Back Day

National Mortgage Professional Month

National Online Bank Day

National Tax Day

National Cryptocurrency Month

National Homeownership Month

National Financial Crime Fighter Day

National Get Smart About Credit Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #HomeownershipMonth

If you are considering purchasing a home for the first time and don’t know where to start, visit NewHomeSource for a guide and list of resources.

Consider your options and learn your market. A good realtor will show you many options and resources, too. Ask friends who have bought a home for recommendations.

Use #HomeownershipMonth to share on social media.

MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day, a United States Federal holiday, is observed each year on the last Monday in May. We honor and remember all the men and woman who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Memorial Day is also a day to remember all loved ones that have passed away.

Traditionally on Memorial Dayu, the flag of the United States of America is raised briskly to the top of the staff then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position where it remains until noon. At noon, it is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

When the flag is at half-staff, the position is in remembrance of the more than one million men and women who gave their lives for their country.  Raising the flag at noon signifies the nation lives, that the country is resolved not to let their sacrifice be in vain but to rise up in their honor and continue to fight for liberty and justice for all.

American Sniper: The Chris Kyle Commemorative Edition 
American Sniper: The Chris Kyle Commemorative Edition 


Good Morning, Vietnam (25th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]

25th Anniversary Edition, 5th Anniversary Edition

Robin Williams (Actor), Forest Whitaker (Actor)
Good Morning, Vietnam (25th Anniversary Edition)

Robin Williams (Actor), Forest Whitaker (Actor)
North and South
North and South

HISTORY

Honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the military, Memorial Day has been kept in various forms in the United States since the end of the Civil War. General John Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance on May 5, 1868. On May 30 Decoration Day was first observed.

General James Garfield spoke at Arlington National Cemetery. Generals Grant, Howard, Logan, Pane, Wool, and Hancock attended the ceremony, and volunteers decorated the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers.

Across the country, humble tributes occurred on that first Decoration Day. Just outside Fort Stevens near Washington, D.C., there was a small cemetery where 40 soldiers were buried, one of whom belonged to a widow from Northern Vermont. He was one of three sons she lost to the war. On Decoration Day, she went to the cemetery carrying 40 wreaths for 40 graves.

Someone placed a laurel wreath upon the head of a Lincoln statue at City Hall, Washington D.C.

In Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroads transported passengers to the Spring Grove Cemetery.  Flags were displayed at half-mast along the routes.  Floral wreaths were placed on the soldiers’ graves and speeches made.  Many of the first Decoration Days recognized only the Union soldiers, though some included the Confederate soldiers as well.  Over time, the day grew to include all those soldiers lost during the conflict.

Decoration Day gradually became known as Memorial Day and now honors all U.S. military personnel who have died during a military conflict. Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30 until Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed the last Monday of May.

Our family typically honors this holiday with a barbecue.  We never forget those, some members of our family who have given their full measure of devotion, for the freedoms we enjoy.

Find recipes for great food here.  Check back often as we are always expanding the collection.  Whether it’s Fall off the Bone Baby Back Ribs, deviled eggs, Cheesecake Fruit Salad, Easy Broccoli Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, or something else that you fancy.

If you do fire up the grill you might want to cook a little extra.  Not only does it make great leftovers or a full meal, throw on some burgers and a brisket for National Hamburger Day on May 28th and National Brisket Day also on May 28th. May is also National Barbecue Month, so light up that grill for some awesome meals.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Attend Memorial Day services in your community. In your own way, pay tribute in remembrance of service members who have died while serving. Use #MemorialDay to post on social media.

Amazon Memorial Day Sale

WORLD BAKING DAY

Every third Sunday in May, World Baking Day inspires people to bake for their loved ones, friends, and neighbors. These bakers are also encouraged to give their baked goods away as a token of gratitude and appreciation.

People have been baking for thousands of years. In fact, the world’s oldest oven is over 6,500 years old! Bread baking goes all the way back to 600 BC in Ancient Greece. The Egyptians were the first to use yeast when baking bread. Besides bread, cakes were also a popular food to bake. The word “cake” dates back to the 13th century. The earliest cakes were more bread-like. Bakers added sugar or honey to add sweetness.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, baking was transformed by globalization. There was an abundance of syrups, spices, and currants, which made baked goods taste even more delicious. Bready dough with butter, cream, and raisins were especially popular. By the late 17th century, sugar was less expensive. As a result, people began making mince pies with sugar and spices. Eventually, other ingredients like eggs, flour, and baking powder were used more and more.

Today baked goods are popular all over the world. Some favorites include apple pie, black forest cake, baklava, cannoli, Yorkshire pudding, rye bread, brownies, and pretzels.

WORLD BAKING DAY HISTORY

Since 2012, World Baking Day has been observed on the third Sunday in May. The original intent of the day was to make and give away a homemade cake. The day has since evolved into baking and giving away all kinds of baked goods. Our team is still researching who came up with this special food day.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldBakingDay

The best way to observe this day is to bake some goodies for a friend, neighbor or loved one. They will be surprised and delighted to receive such a wonderful and delicious gift. This day is also a great day to teach your kids to bake. Go ahead and try to bake something you’ve never made before. Or host a cake decorating contest. No matter what you choose to bake, be sure to share your goodies with others. Take a photo of your creation and post it on social media with #WorldBakingDay.