NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY

March 25, 2026March 25, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

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 SCIENCE FICTION DAY

January 1, 2026January 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Science Fiction Day promotes the celebration of science fiction as a genre, its creators, history, and various media, too. On January 2nd annually, millions of science fiction fans across the United States read and watch their favorites in science fiction.

The date of the celebration commemorates the birth of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. An American author and Boston University professor of biochemistry, Isaac Asimov was born Isaak Yudovich Ozimov on January 2, 1920. He is best known for his works of science fiction and his popular science books. Isaac Asimov, whose works are followed by many, died on April 6, 1992.

National Science Fiction Day is recognized by the Hallmark Channel and the Scholastic Corporation.

Considered a master of hard science fiction, Asimov, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, was considered one of the “Big Three” science-fiction writers during his lifetime. Many regard the Foundation Series as Asimov’s most outstanding piece. His other major series are the Galactic Empire Series and the Robot Series.

Some of the successful television shows recognized by science fiction fans include Star Trek-The Next Generation, The X-Files, Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who, and The Twilight Zone.

As we look back at some older science fiction in our current technology-infused world, how close do the writers come to imaging our futures? Long before Asimov created his first work, humans imagined machines that allowed them to soar like birds. Another man, Leonardo Di Vinci, looked to the future, too. He designed contraptions worthy of the science fiction in his time.

Science fiction impacts life in ways we may not even consider – even those who don’t enjoy reading or watching science fiction.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY HISTORY

Since at least 2011, science fiction lovers have been honoring Isaac Asimov and other science fiction contributors. In 2013, asimovs.com published a guest editorial by Ed Finn. The writer talks about doomsday predictions while also looking toward the future – all moving toward the true meaning of National Science Fiction Day. Read the complete article, Celebrate National Science Fiction Day by Learning to Live in the Future.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ScienceFictionDay

The day encourages reading or watching science fiction. However, consider exploring science fiction in other ways. For example:

Introduce science fiction to an entirely new generation. Offer to read excerpts from your favorite science fiction author to a youth group at a library.
Explore the authors of science fiction you’ve never read before.
Study the history of science fiction and how it has impacted modern culture.
Share your favorite science fiction story or character.

Use #ScienceFictionDay to post on social media.

Red Rising#ScienceFictionDay — Red Rising

Station Eleven: A Novel (National Book Award Finalist)#ScienceFictionDay — Red Rising

NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

October 31, 2025October 24, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Family Caregivers Month in November recognizes the dedication of family members who provide round the clock care to loved ones. When medical conditions demand attention, family step into roles, they are often unprepared to accept. They become caregivers instead of partners or friends. Sometimes this change occurs in an instant.

The month sheds light into their demanding days, but it also identifies their needs. From morning to night, a caregiver balances the needs of the patient and their family. They also see to financial matters and the household necessities.

Caregivers rarely have time for themselves. There’s always another thing to be done. However, a caregiver requires rest, too.

After an aneurysm with complications has left me unable to walk, my family has stepped up. My husband Scott and my mother help me with daily tasks that allow me to live in our home. Everything from meals, cleaning, baths and personal care allow me to continue living in a safe environment without the drawbacks of facilities. I can never express enough gratitude for the care and help I get everyday.

I get so much better care from one or two people than shifts of 12 to 20 in a facility including hospitals. Today there are programs that support family Caregivers with resources, supplies and even compensation for the hour devoted to it.

HISTORY

In 1997, President Clinton proclaimed November to be National Family Caregivers Month for the first time.

Explore More…

National Caregivers Day
National Family Caregivers Month
National Random Acts Of Kindness Day
National Integrated Respitory Care Week
National Alzheimer’s Disease Month
National Long-Term Care Awareness Month
Occupational Therapy Month
International Self Care Day
World Alzheimer’s Day
National Home Care & Hospice Month
World Day Of The Sick
World Patient Safety Day
National Assisted Living Week
National Grateful Patient Day
World Occupational Therapy Day
International Day Of Persons With Disabilities
National Physical Therapy Month
World Physical Therapy Day
World Music Therapy Day
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week

HOW TO OBSERVE

During November, consider providing a respite for someone you know who provides care for a loved one. Offer to spend time with them or to learn to help out. Ask what you can do to make a difference. Visit npaonline.org for more information. Use #FamilyCaregiversMonth to post on social media.

GOOD FRIDAY

March 28, 2024March 28, 2024Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

The Friday before Easter commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the Christian Faith and is called Good Friday.

Christians around the world recall the biblical story of Jesus’s crucifixion on this day. The day goes by other names as well, such as Holy Friday, Black Friday, and Great Friday. Though sources conflict, the phrase “Good Friday” may have been derived from “God’s Friday,” though sources conflict.

The observance is central to the Christian holy season that leads up to Easter when Jesus Christ was resurrected. While Easter has become a traditional celebration in the secular world, Good Friday has remained a holy and spiritual observance.

GOOD FRIDAY HISTORY

The celebration of Good Friday has been observed for centuries, some say since at least the 4th century.

Since Easter is based on the lunar calendar, Good Friday can happen anytime between March 20th and April 23rd depending upon when the first full moon occurs after the spring equinox.
Different cultures around the globe celebrate Good Friday with varying traditions.

El Salvador – Artists create alfombra de asserin (sawdust rugs) using colored sawdust. The artwork depicts a variety of scenes or patterns in honor of Good Friday.
London – Reenacts the crucifixion as a passion play. The performance is free to the public.
Ireland – Eggs are marked with a holy cross and are then eaten on Easter Sunday.
Israel – Christians walk in Jesus’s footsteps in Jerusalem where he was crucified.

HOW TO OBSERVE GOOD FRIDAY

Churches across the country hold services.
Depending on the denomination, their services and traditions may vary.
Many spend the day in meditative reflection.
Some churches will fast, selected hymns are chosen for services and a black cloth is draped over the altar and cross.
Other churches will include specific prayers such as the Stations of the Cross.
Similar to making Easter bread, some make hot cross buns for the observance. Learn more about the biblical story of the crucifixion.
Use #GoodFriday to share on social media.