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NATIONAL ACORN SQUASH DAY

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National Acorn Squash Day is observed annually on September 7th. The day celebrates winter squash that is also known to some as a pepper squash.

Even though it is considered a winter squash, acorn squash belongs to the same species as all summer squashes including zucchini and yellow crookneck squash.

The most common variety comes in a mostly green outer shell, often with a splotch of orange on its side or top. However, varieties, including the Golden Acorn and the White Acorn, offer gardeners and cooks options. This versatile squash also grows in variegated color.

The acorn squash resembles its name in shape, an acorn. They usually weigh between one to two pounds and generally grow between four and seven inches long.  This hardy squash also keeps for several months, making it a great item to store for yumminess all winter long. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dry location.

Since acorn squash is versatile, it can be baked, microwaved, sautéed, or steamed. Some cooks like to stuff it with rice, meat, cheeses, or vegetable mixtures. You can also toast the seeds of the acorn squash much like pumpkin seeds.

Nutritionally, the acorn squash offers a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also has some vitamin C and B, magnesium and manganese.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #AcornSquashDay

Visit your favorite farmer’s market. You can also drive out to a pick your own farm. Once you’ve collected your squash, share your recipes or growing tips. Try acorn squash in soup or broil it. Experiment with the flavors as you fill your plate with this colorful garden vegetable. Whatever you do to celebrate, be sure to share it with others. Use #AcornSquashDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY

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National Medal of Honor Day on March 25th recognizes all Medal of Honor recipients.

On March 25, 1863, Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton presented the first Medals of Honor (Army) to six members of  “Andrews Raiders” for their volunteering and participation during an American Civil War raid in April of 1862.

Created in 1861, the Medal of Honor is the United States of America’s highest military honor.  It is awarded only to US military personnel by the President of the United States in the name of Congress for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.

There are three versions of the Medal of Honor; one for the Army, one for the Navy and one for the Air Force, with personnel of the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard receiving the Navy version. Will the Space Force receive the Air Force cersion?

Since its creation, there have been 3,468 Medals of Honor awarded to the country’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and coastguardsmen.

HOW TO OBSERVE #MedalOfHonorDay

Some federal, state, local, and military organizations may hold events recognizing Medal of Honor recipients. These events may be public or private. Other ways to participate include:

  • Volunteering for your local veteran organization
  • Donate to a veteran service organization
  • Adopt a Medal of Honor gravesite
  • Fly the U.S. flag at your home or business
  • Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  • Visit local memorial sites

Use #MedalOfHonorDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY HISTORY

In 1990, the United States Congress designated March 25th of each year as National Medal of Honor Day.

NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY

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National Pumpkin Day recognizes a favored autumn decoration and food on October 26th. Not only do they make great fall decorations, but the pumpkin also completes a variety of tasty recipes. Join a pumpkin competition or visit any of the many fall festivals featuring the beautiful gourds.

By October 26th, we’re in a frenzy of pumpkin obsession. We cannot wait for the big November holiday for pumpkin pie. No siree, we need pumpkin everything! As pumpkin spice everything invades Bars, cookies, coffee, cheesecake, pasta, and oatmeal. Pumpkin Chunkin’, pumpkin patches, festivals, bake-offs, and television specials. Let’s not forget jack-o-lantern carving, too! This fruit grabs Americans’ attention.

As it should! This squash is native to North America. The oldest evidence of pumpkin-related seeds dates back to somewhere between 7000 and 5500 BC to seeds found in Mexico.

The word pumpkin originates from the word pepon, which means “large melon” in Greek.

Taste of Home Pumpkin Mini Binder: 101 Delicious Dishes that Celebrate Fall's Favorite Flavor #NationalPumpkinDay
Taste of Home Pumpkin Mini Binder: 101 Delicious Dishes that Celebrate Fall’s Favorite Flavor
Pumpkin Cookbook: A Great Selection of Delicious & Easy Pumpkin-Based Recipes for All-Day Meals and Desserts #NationalPumpkinDay
Pumpkin Cookbook: A Great Selection of Delicious & Easy Pumpkin-Based Recipes for All-Day Meals and Desserts
Pumpkin Recipes: Irresistible Pumpkin-Filled Breads, Pies, Cookies, Entrées, Desserts and More #NationalPumpkinDay
Pumpkin Recipes: Irresistible Pumpkin-Filled Breads, Pies, Cookies, Entrées, Desserts and More
The Great Big Pumpkin Cookbook: A Quick and Easy Guide to Making Pancakes, Soups, Breads, Pastas, Cakes, Cookies, and More #NationalPumpkinDay
The Great Big Pumpkin Cookbook: A Quick and Easy Guide to Making Pancakes, Soups, Breads, Pastas, Cakes, Cookies, and More

Within recent years, white pumpkins have become more popular in the United States. The United States produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins, with Illinois producing more than any other state.

In 2021, Italian Stefano Cutrupi claimed the title of the world’s largest pumpkin when his gargantuan gourd weighed in at 2703 pounds (1,226 kg). That’s 300 pounds heavier than the 2014 winner from Switzerland. In 2020, Travis Gienger grew the largest pumpkin in North America. The hefty vegetable weighed in at 2,350 pounds. It eeked out the previous winner, a 2,145-pound pumpkin from Streator, Illinois grown by Gene McMullen. 

Pumpkins are packed with nutrients, but they’re not only good for humans. Did you know that pumpkin may be recommended by veterinarians as a dietary supplement for dogs and cats? Since pumpkin is easy to digest, if your pet is experiencing certain digestive ailments, don’t be surprised if your vet says to give them pumpkin puree. Poultry also benefits from eating raw pumpkin as a supplement to their regular feed during the winter months to help maintain egg production. As a seasonal food, it sure comes at the right time of year. Since it’s packed with vitamin C, it can boost your immune system to fight off those nasty colds, too. 

Need more Pumpkin….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPumpkinDay

Ah, pumpkins! They bring to mind wonderful memories and inspire us to artistry. Whether we frame the perfect photo at the local pumpkin patch, carve up the scariest jack-o-lantern or whip up the tastiest batch of pumpkin bars, this is a holiday worth sharing. Roast some pumpkin seeds while the family rakes up those fall leaves. Pour a mug of hot apple cider and bake up your favorite pumpkin recipes, too.

Use #NationalPumpkinDay to post on social media.

Let's Make Memories Personalized Light Up Pumpkin - Family Name Jack-O-Lantern Halloween Décor - Your Name & Initial on a Custom Pumpkin - Fall - Light Up Indoors/Outdoors - Small - Orange #NationalPumpkinDay
Let’s Make Memories Personalized Light Up Pumpkin – Family Name Jack-O-Lantern Halloween Décor – Your Name & Initial on a Custom Pumpkin – Fall – Light Up Indoors/Outdoors – Small – Orange
Personalization Universe Laurel Initial Personalized Monogram Pumpkin - Handcrafted Resin Fall Halloween Decor for Home, Indoor, Outdoor, Thanksgiving, Fall Wedding, Autumn Decorations – Small Orange #NationalPumpkinDay
Personalization Universe Laurel Initial Personalized Monogram Pumpkin – Handcrafted Resin Fall Halloween Decor for Home, Indoor, Outdoor, Thanksgiving, Fall Wedding, Autumn Decorations – Small Orange
Farmer's Market Foods Canned Organic Pumpkin Puree, 15 Ounce (Pack of 12) #NationalPumpkinDay
Farmer’s Market Foods Canned Organic Pumpkin Puree, 15 Ounce (Pack of 12)
Green Jay Gourmet Pumpkin Butter 19 Ounces - All-Natural, Gluten-Free Fruit Spread - Pumpkin Spread with Pumpkins & Spices - Gourmet Fruit Butter - No Corn Syrup, Preservatives or Trans-Fats #NationalPumpkinDay
Green Jay Gourmet Pumpkin Butter 19 Ounces – All-Natural, Gluten-Free Fruit Spread – Pumpkin Spread with Pumpkins & Spices – Gourmet Fruit Butter – No Corn Syrup, Preservatives or Trans-Fats

Balloons Around the World Day

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Balloons Around The World is a made-up holiday that aims to spread cheer around the world. It is celebrated annually on October 1.

The unofficial holiday was created by Jeff Brown in 2000. The holiday encourages people to use balloons and the art of balloon twisting and decorating to bring smiles to the faces of those around them.

Balloons are bags, usually colorful and made of rubber or latex that can be filled with air or gases like Helium. Early balloons were made of animal bladders. While balloons are frequently used for decorative purposes, they can also be used for transportation, to gather atmospheric information, and by doctors to open up clogged arteries.

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How to Celebrate?

  • Have a party and use balloons for decoration.
  • Learn how to make balloon animals and objects.
  • If you already know how to make balloon objects, make some and give out to random people on the street and see them smile.
  • What about taking that special one on a hot air balloon ride?

Other days to use balloons….

Did You Know…

…that rubber balloons were invented by scientist Michael Faraday in 1824?

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