Category culture

NATIONAL STATES AND CAPITALS DAY

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September 22 focuses on raising awareness and sharing education about all 50 states and their capitals on National States and Capitals Day.

As children, we learn about the 50 states and their capitals in the U.S. But as we get older, we tend to forget those important cities and their role in crafting policy and influencing the economy. And, while everybody knows their own state capital, many do not even remember the capital of the state next door. Today, let’s take the time to remind ourselves how important every state and capital is to our nation.

Learning about States and Capitals

Remember those paper maps we were given to learn about states and capitals? Our worksheet had blank states with star indicating where the capital was supposed to be. The agony of naming each state and capital was definitely stressful! We spent time memorizing names, where the state was and naming each capital. Not to mention spelling everything correctly. Some of us were lucky to have a teacher that would play a game to help us remember.

Typically, we learn about states and capitals between the grades 3-6, starting with the state we live in. From there, we learn our country has 50 states and 50 capitals within each state. All 50 capitals have a unique history, which means there are 50 reasons why a specific city or town was chosen to be a state capital. In addition, we eventually learn how governments operate and the vital roll each state plays in our national government.

Looking for an adventure?  Take a road trip for your next vacation.  Chances are you’ll find a lot more than 50 reasons to enjoy the scenery.  Whether visiting family and friends or another specific spot, do some road tripping to some scenic vistas and appreciate the history, flavor and cultures along the way.

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Are state capitals found in the largest cities of each states? No. The first state capitals were built according the where the majority of the population lived in a state, or near a main access hub. For example,  in North Dakota the state capital is Bismarck, but was once the capital of the Dakota Territory. The Northern Pacific Railroad was built to transfer goods from eastern U.S. to the west, making Bismarck the prime location for state government. Bismarck became the official state capital only after the territory was split into 2 states–North and South Dakota.

Huh?

  • The letter Q is the only letter NOT found in any of the state names
  • Sweet Home, Alabama is a real place.
  • It’s illegal to bury people in San Francisco, California.
  • New Jersey has a volcano.
  • South Carolina has a place called Monkey Island, that has over 4,000 rhesus monkeys.
  • The state bird for Wisconsin is a plastic flamingo.
  • There are more chickens in Delaware than there are people.
  • The Empire State Building in New York has it’s own zip code.

State Capitals in Small Cities

  • Juneau, Alaska, population est. 32,300.
  • Dover, Delaware, population est. 39,400.
  • Frankfort, Kentucky, population est. 28,600.
  • Augusta, Maine, population est. 18,900.
  • Annapolis, Maryland, population est. 40,800.
  • Jefferson City, Missouri, population est. 43,230.
  • Helena, Montana, population est. 32,100.
  • Concord, New Hampshire, population est. 4,000.
  • Pierre, South Dakota, population est. 14,100.
  • Montpelier, Vermont, population est. 8,100.

BEHIND NATIONAL STATES AND CAPITALS DAY

Dick & Jane Educational Snacks receives credit for the idea to celebrate National States and Capitals Day on September 22. Not only does it raise awareness about the importance of knowing all 50 states and capitals, it reminds people to have fun while learning.

LEARN YOUR STATES AND CAPITALS

  • Divide learning about states into regions to learn each region before moving on to the next.
  • Check out a book from the library each week on a specific state to learn facts. Return the book and pick another state until all states have been covered.
  • Learn fun facts about states. What famous people are from there? What kind of tourist attractions might be fun to visit?
  • Fix a puzzle with all 50 states and capitals.
  • Draw a map of the United States with the states and fill in the capitals, too.
  • Use Dick & Jane Educational Snacks to help your kids learn about states and capitals.
  • Tag your videos learning states and capitals on social media #NationalStatesandCapitalsDay.
State Quarter Collection Book Folder Map#NationalStatesandCapitalsDay
State Quarter Collection Book Folder Map
Dick & Jane Educational Snacks | STATES & CAPITALS - 120 bags featuring all 50 states from Alabama to Wyoming #NationalStatesandCapitalsDay
Dick & Jane Educational Snacks | STATES & CAPITALS – 120 bags featuring all 50 states from Alabama to Wyoming
EDUCATIONAL SNACKS – Variety Pack | Nut-Free, All-Natural Educational Snacks for Kids | 6 Different Subjects – 5 Bags Each | 30-Pack for Classrooms, Gifting & Learning on the Go#NationalStatesandCapitalsDay
EDUCATIONAL SNACKS – Variety Pack | Nut-Free, All-Natural Educational Snacks for Kids | 6 Different Subjects – 5 Bags Each | 30-Pack for Classrooms, Gifting & Learning on the Go
Imagimake Mapology USA Map with Capitals | Learning States and Capitals | US Geography Toys for Ages 8-13 | Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids Ages 8-10 | Educational Back to School Gifts for Kids Age 5-7 & 9-12#NationalStatesandCapitalsDay
Imagimake Mapology USA Map with Capitals | Learning States and Capitals | US Geography Toys for Ages 8-13 | Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids Ages 8-10 | Educational Back to School Gifts for Kids Age 5-7 & 9-12

NATIONAL WILDLIFE DAY

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National Wildlife Day on September 4th encourages improved awareness of the species around us and in the broader world. 

This National Day focuses on endangered species, preservation, and conservation efforts around the world. Zoos, aviaries and marine sanctuaries provide a variety of ways to get involved.

No matter where you live, opportunities abound to learn and participate in the day. Wildlife doesn’t only exist in the forest or outside the city limits. Look closely. The creatures and animals sharing our world live under our feet and in the sky above us. Our rivers, lakes and oceans are teeming with wildlife of all sizes. It’s essential to understand how we impact the habitats that animals need to survive. Their homes supply their food and shelter.

Around the world, facilities and organizations will present seminars and educational programs. Additionally, podcasts and documentaries alert us to the changing conditions for various species around the world.  Some may be as close as your own back yard. From the sky to the depths of the ocean, wildlife surrounds us.

Since wildlife relies on a stable habitat, understanding conservation and preservation is important. Developing strategies helps to maintain existing habitats and repair or replace those that have been destroyed. These strategies are especially important when a decline in a species is detected. For example, each year in August, International Whale Shark Day brings attention to the plight of the world’s largest fish. Despite efforts, the gentle giant continues to decline in numbers.   

NATIONAL WILDLIFE DAY HISTORY

Colleen Paige, the Pet Lifestyle Expert, and author founded National Wildlife Day in 2005. She created the day in honor of and later in memory of wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin. The global awareness day brings education to the public concerning the number of endangered animals and the need for conservation and preservation. 

If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. Because humans want to save things that they love. – Steve Irwin

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWildlifeDay

Participate in a presentation. Volunteer to fund-raise for rehabilitation services. Other ways to celebrate the day include:

  • Learn about the needs of endangered species and how conservation efforts work.
  • While learning, implement your own techniques, as suggested by preservationists.
  • Go on a wildlife walk and learn about the inhabitants near you. Visit the National Wildlife Federation to learn more. 

Use #NationalWildlifeDay to post on social media. Share photos of your neighborhood wildlife or even those farther from home. 

Living Planet: Preserving Edens of the Earth#NationalWildlifeDay
Living Planet: Preserving Edens of the Earth
Animal Kingdom Playing Cards #NationalWildlifeDay
Animal Kingdom Playing Cards
WWF WWF14574 Plush Collection World Wildlife Fund Bunny Plush Snow Rabbit, Realistically Designed Plush Toy, Approx. 24 cm Tall and Wonderfully Soft, Multi-Coloured#NationalWildlifeDay
WWF WWF14574 Plush Collection World Wildlife Fund Bunny Plush Snow Rabbit, Realistically Designed Plush Toy, Approx. 24 cm Tall and Wonderfully Soft, Multi-Coloured
Build a Bear Workshop World Wildlife Fund Series 2012 Plush Stuffed Leopard Cheetah #NationalWildlifeDay
Build a Bear Workshop World Wildlife Fund Series 2012 Plush Stuffed Leopard Cheetah

NATIONAL ELEPHANT APPRECIATION DAY

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If you didn’t remember September 22 is National Elephant Appreciation Day, it’s fine. We’re sure the elephant probably didn’t forget.

People of all ages are fascinated by elephants. Discover some interesting facts about them to celebrate with us! 

These captivating and social animals live between 60 to 70 years. Like humans, elephants develop remarkably close family bonds. Two species, the African Savannah and Asian elephant, exist. However, recently scientists suggested that the African Forest elephant is also a unique species and not a subspecies. 

Each day, poachers kill approximately 100 elephants for their ivory, meat, bones, and skin. 

These pachyderms are closely related to rhinoceroses and hippos. In fact, pachyderm describes thick-skinned animals with hooves or nails similar to hooves. While the African elephants outgrow the Asian, both hold the prize for the largest land mammal on earth. However, there are some differences between the species, though. 

Differences Between African & Asian Elephants:

  • The African elephant grows larger ears.
  • In the Asian species, only the male grows tusks. However, in the African, both male and female elephants grow tusks.
  • One of the things that fascinate us about elephants is their trunk. It’s super sensitive. At the end, a small finger-like appendage grows. The appendage, also known as a lobe, gives elephants the ability to pick up small twigs, bits of grass and other items. On the Asian elephant, the lobe grows at the top tip of the trunk. However, the African elephant grows a lobe at the top and bottom, giving it extra pinching dexterity. 
  • Both species live in herds. The herds are led primarily by a matriarch and comprised of sisters, daughters and their young. As the males grow, they move off on their own. Asian herds tend to be smaller than the African herds.
  • While both species are herbivores, their diets vary based on the available habitat. 

Elephants are spirited and playful animals. Have you ever seen them frolic in the water?  And they will defend their own with their mighty tusks. Whether foraging for food or digging a mud hole, their tusks are vital for survival. Since hunters value the ivory more than the life of the elephant, they endanger the continued existence of these majestic animals. 

Do elephants never forget? Well, studies have determined that elephants have excellent memories. They remember vital locations over large areas of land. Elephants also show recognition of faces and other elephants even after a long time has passed. And while we may be forgetful from time to time, we don’t recommend forgetting this holiday!

NATIONAL ELEPHANT APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY

National Elephant Appreciation Day originated in 1996 to raise awareness concerning the plight of elephants. 

The word “pachyderm” is often used in reference to an elephant. However, the elephant isn’t the only pachyderm in the world. The obsolete term was once a classification of animals which also included hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, pigs, and tapirs.

Elephants do sleep standing up, though not all the time. Wild elephants will spend more time sleeping standing up than their captive relatives.

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National Wildlife Day

National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day

National Wildlife Conservation Day

National Endangered Species Day

World Lion Day

National Monkey Day

National Pig Day

National Elephant Day

National Dolphin Day

National Wildlife Week

World Wildlife Day

National American Eagle Day

Save the Eagles Day

National Panda Day

International Red Panda Day

National Zoo Lovers Day

National Zoo and Aquarium Month

HOW TO OBSERVE ELEPHANT APPRECIATION DAY

Don’t forget to celebrate the Elephant on September 22nd! Show your appreciation today by visiting the elephants at your local zoo. Get involved. Learn about conservation and eliminating poaching.

Read up about elephants. We suggest The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony or Love, Live and Elephants: An African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick. You could also read Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss or any of the Babar stories by Jean de Brunhoff.

Documentaries bring the life of the elephant into our living rooms. Watch Elephant directed by Mark Linfield or When Elephants Were Young directed by Patricia Sims.

Use #ElephantAppreciationDay to post on social media.

The Jungle Book Colonel Hati's March
See Colonel Hati’s March
Dumbo #ElephantAppreciationDay
Dumbo
Horton Hears A Who movie #ElephantAppreciationDay
Horton Hears A Who
ZQQLITE Solar Elephant Statue Lights Outdoor Garden Decoration, Elephant Statue with Solar...#ElephantAppreciationDay
ZQQLITE Solar Elephant Statue Lights Outdoor Garden Decoration, Elephant Statue with Solar…
Lambs & Ivy Jungle Safari Gray Plush Elephant Stuffed Animal Toy Plushie - Jett#ElephantAppreciationDay
Lambs & Ivy Jungle Safari Gray Plush Elephant Stuffed Animal Toy Plushie – Jett
4.2 lbs Elephant Weighted Stuffed Animals, 24" Weighted Elephant Plush Toy Weighted Plush Animal Throws Pillows Gifts for Kids & Adults(Gray)#ElephantAppreciationDay
4.2 lbs Elephant Weighted Stuffed Animals, 24″ Weighted Elephant Plush Toy Weighted Plush Animal Throws Pillows Gifts for Kids & Adults(Gray)

NATIONAL WHATABURGER DAY

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Today is August 8 on the National Day Calendar and we are celebrating the rich history of fresh, made-to-order burgers on National Whataburger Day. This National Day celebrates Whataburger’s food, fans and employees, otherwise known as Family Members, who are the heart and soul of the brand.

For seven decades, Whataburger has been serving up bold flavors, extraordinary hospitality, meaningful community celebrations, charitable efforts, and passionate fan recognition. It’s a place where families gather, memories are made, and strangers become friends as they bond over great food. Whataburger is known for its 100% fresh, made-to-order burgers that millions of customers love to customize, just like they like it.

National Whataburger Day celebrates the employees, customers, and many contributions Whataburger makes to the communities it serves.

Whataburger Beginnings

Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger restaurant on August 8, 1950, in Corpus Christi, Texas. His goal was to simply serve a burger so big it took two hands to hold, and so good, customers would say, “What a burger!” after one bite.

Harmon did succeed on both counts and his little burger stand became a legend throughout Texas and the South. A second Whataburger location was opened in Kingsville, Texas in 1952. Joe Andrews Sr. became the first Whataburger franchise owner in 1953. Between 1953 and 1967, Whataburger began expanding restaurants across Texas, Florida, and Tennessee.

Founder Dobson was more than just an entrepreneur. He was also an oil driller, a diamond courier, and an avid pilot. His love for flying would be the inspiration to design the iconic A-frame restaurant we know today. In fact, Dobson specifically designed the bright orange-and-white A-frame so it would be visible from both the air and the ground.

Whataburger Buns

Dobson’s goal was to not only create an amazing restaurant, he also wanted to create a delicious burger, too. He had a vision to create a burger large enough it required two hands to hold it. In order to do this, Dobson would work with a local Corpus Christi bakery to make a five-inch hamburger bun. However, the bakery did not have baking pans big enough to make the five-inch buns. Determined to serve a large burger, Dobson would then seek a manufacturer to have baking pans specially made.

Dobson’s determination to invent the 5-inch hamburger bun yielded a one-of-a-kind product that created a fandom that spans generations and lives on to this day.

6 Facts on National Whataburger Day

  1. Whataburger is the first restaurant to serve the quarter-pound hamburger patty.
  2. In July 1999, the Space Shuttle Columbia STS 93 crew brought Whataburger cookies on their space mission.
  3. Whataburger ketchup, mustard, and mayo are proprietary, meaning you can only get their famous flavor by eating at Whataburger.
  4. There are nearly 38,000 ways to order your Whataburger.
  5. Whataburger is one of the only restaurants to sell its ketchup in stores.
  6. The first Whataburger “all the way” sold for 25¢ in 1950. Whataburger made $50 on its first day of operation.

Whataburger knows their greatest assets are its Family Members and passionate fans. Every day they make extraordinary moments with Whataburger, creating a cult-like following that is rivaled by no other burger brand. Many customers wrap their babies in Whataburger taquito paper, propose marriage over fries, bring their prom dates for after-prom shakes, and even create beautiful art inspired by their orange-and-white stripes.

Harmon Dobson had a bold idea: to provide a burger so big that it took two hands to hold, and so good that after a single bite customers couldn’t help but exclaim, “What a burger!”

2025 Cebrates 75th Anniversary

Brief Whataburger History

Harmon Dobson began Whataburger more than 70 years ago with the intention of serving a burger big enough for two hands. Dobson opened his first burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas and named it “Whataburger.”

Today, Dobson’s original vision still inspires everything Whataburger does. Each and every Whataburger® is still made to order. In fact, they use 100% pure, never-frozen beef and serve it on a big, toasted five-inch bun. They still greet their customers with a smile 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They serve hot, fresh food at every Whataburger restaurant across the country. However, the original burger stand in Corpus Christi is never far from their hearts.

Visit the Whataburger website to learn more about the history of the company.

How to Observe #NationalWhataburgerDay

  • Show your Whataburger love by wearing the iconic Whataburger orange.
  • Wish Whataburger employees happy National Whataburger Day.
  • Discover a new Whataburger favorite by ordering something you’ve never tried before or customizing a tried and true in a new way.
  • Be the trivia hero of your group and learn about Whataburger’s rich history and fun facts.
  • Grab your family and friends and snap a picture at Whataburger and share it on social media tagging #NationalWhataburgerDay.
Whataburger Custom YETI Rambler® Tumbler *SHIPPED DIRECT FROM#NationalWhataburgerDay
Whataburger Custom YETI Rambler® Tumbler *SHIPPED DIRECT FROM
Whataburger 40 ounce Striped Tumbler#NationalWhataburgerDay
Whataburger 40 ounce Striped Tumbler
Whataburger Ketchup Variety Pack- 1 Whataburger Spicy Ketchup & 1 Whataburger Original Ketchup, 20 Oz (Pack of 2)#NationalWhataburgerDay
Whataburger Ketchup Variety Pack- 1 Whataburger Spicy Ketchup & 1 Whataburger Original Ketchup, 20 Oz (Pack of 2)
Whataburger Ultimate Variety Sauce and Condiment Pack - Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ Sauce, Jalapeno Ranch - 6-Pack Deal#NationalWhataburgerDay
Whataburger Ultimate Variety Sauce and Condiment Pack – Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ Sauce, Jalapeno Ranch – 6-Pack Deal