Tag GA

NATIONAL GEORGIA DAY

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The 13th colony and the 4th state to enter the Union, National Georgia Day recognizes the natural wonders and immense complexities of this bastion of Southern culture.

Georgia’s founder, James Oglethorpe, settled the colony’s first capital, Savannah. Georgia would go on to have four more capitals, Augusta, Louisville, Milledgeville and finally, Atlanta

Politically and socially, a divide has always seemed to exist. Considering Georgia was initially established as a barrier of fortification between South Carolina’s southern border and the Spanish settled in Florida, perhaps Georgia lived up to destiny.

Official Symbols

State Capital – Atlanta
State Nickname – Peach State
State Motto – Wisdom, Justice & Moderation
State Slogan – Georgia on my mind
State Bird – Brown Thrasher
State Amphibian – Green Tree Frog
State Crop – Peanut
State Flower – Cherokee Rose
State Tree – Live Oak
State Fish – Largemouth Bass
State Fruit – Peach
State Fossil – Shark Tooth
State Insect – Honey Bee

To Sign or Not to Sign

Georgia initially prohibited slavery in 1735. Of the 13 original colonies, she was the only one to do so. The prohibition lasted 15 years. Leading up the Revolution, Georgia leaned toward supporting the crown and was the single colony not in attendance at the First Continental Congress.

During the Second Continental Congress, Georgia first sent one delegate, Lyman Hall. However, Hall didn’t vote because he only represented a single parish in Georgia. The colony later sent Button Gwinnett and George Walton as official delegates. All three signed the Declaration of Independence.

Wars were destructive for Georgia. Her people and the economy suffered, and the resistance to social change persisted.

During the 20th century, industrial and technological advancements found a niche in Georgia’s economy. A hub for airlines, military bases and international corporations, Georgia rebounded once more.

Georgia Flavor

  • Brunswick Stew
  • Boiled Peanuts
  • Fried Chicken
  • Vidalia Onions
  • Corn Bread
  • BBQ
  • Okra
  • Biscuits & Gravy
  • Pecan Pie
  • Grits

When it comes to Georgia, words that come to mind include home-cookin’ and comfort food. Don’t be surprised by the serving size, the number of fried foods or desserts. Two things are certain, they’re made from the heart, and they are delicious!

Just about anything can be fried, including okra, green tomatoes, chicken, seafood and Vidalia onions. Since 1986, those sweet onions grow in Vidalia and 20 Georgia counties, and nowhere else by Geogia law.

Peaches are to Georgia like sunshine is summer. Take a bite out a ripe one and let the juice run down your chin. Or, enjoy all the wonderful peach pastries or canned peaches Georgia has to offer.  From pies to jellies, there are so many ways to bring the flavor of Georgia home with you.

Grab a Coca-Cola and some boiled peanuts to enjoy the summer weather. Georgia is home to Coca-Cola and enjoying salty peanuts go back to the Civil War era.

Overall, Georgia’s history is fertile for inspiration. Alongside the peach orchards and cotton fields surge crops of masterful artists, musicians, writers, and poets. Their experiences with the beauty, history, and humanity of Georgia fill the eyes and ears with more than can be appreciated in one visit.

Hidden Treasures

    Titan I Missile – Cordele
    Gold’n’Gem Grubbin – Cleveland
    Giant Peanut Monument – Ashburn
    The Big House – Macon
    Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village and Discovery Center – Americus
    Pasaquan – Buena Vista
    The Tree that Owns Itself – Athens
    Rousakis Plaza Echo Square – Savannah
    A Century of Hats – Savannah
    Hindu Temple of Georgia – Fayetteville
    Warm Springs – Warm Springs, GA

    Tomochichi – Yamacraw Chief (1644 – October 5, 1739)

    Rebecca Latimer Felton – U.S. Senator (June 10, 1835 – January 24, 1930)

    Juliette Gordon Low – U.S. Girl Scouts Founder – (October 31, 1860 – January 17, 1927)

    Tom Smith – Horse Trainer – (May 20, 1878 – January 23, 1957)

    Ty Cobb – baseball Player (December 18, 1886 – July 17, 1961)

    Blind Willie McTell – Blues Pioneer (May 5, 1889 – August 19, 1959)

    Margaret Mitchell – Author (November 8, 1900 – August 16, 1949)

    Jackie Robinson – Baseball Player (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972)

    James E. Carter – President – October 1, 1924

    Martin Luther King Jr. – Civil Rights Activist (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)

    Clarence Thomas – Supreme Court Justice – June 23, 1948

    Julia Roberts – Actress – October 28, 1967

    Cam Newton – Football Player – May 11, 1989

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGeorgiaDay

    Exploring the sites, sounds, flavors and beauty of Georgia and use #NationalGeorgiaDay to share on social media.

    JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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    Jewish American Heritage Month in May reflects on the contributions of the Jewish people to a young and growing Nation over its almost 250-year history. Like many in the United States, their culture and history go far beyond the founding date of the country. The Jewish people began establishing families, businesses, synagogues and contributing to their communities long before 1776.

    In every sector of the Nation, Jews have made vital contributions to the culture and molding of the country. Each generation made contributions that shaped who we are today. From the early progress of colonies deciding to raise arms against the British (Hyam Solomon) to our courts (Louis Brandeis and Elena Kagan), they continue to build upon the civilization their forefathers sought. Others brought their scientific knowledge (Albert Einstein and Jonas Salk) while a community of business leaders created foundations (Al Fleishman and Monroe Green). They also filled the world of arts with immense talent entertaining us (Woody Allen, Barbara Streisand, J.J. Abrams), creating classic compositions (Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein), or writing timeless works (Norman Mailer, Ayn Rand).

    Jewish American Heritage Month also looks at the history of injustice the Jewish people have had to overcome for centuries, not just in America but around the world. It’s a time to reflect on the tragic conditions they suffered and at times continue to face. The observance also offers the opportunity to end anti-Semitism and learn the history behind it.

    JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

    Following resolutions passed by the House and Senate, in 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed May to be Jewish American Heritage Month. His proclamation was the result of efforts by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders.

    Each year since then, the sitting president proclaims Jewish American Heritage Month in May.

    More to explore…

    HOW TO OBSERVE #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth

    During Jewish American Heritage Month attend local events hosted by heritage centers, libraries, schools, and synagogs. These organizations host seminars, webinars and other events sharing the heritage, history, and culture of Jewish Americans. You can also take time to read books, memoirs or documentaries on the subject. Share your Jewish heritage and family history or speak at a local event.

    Use #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth to share on social media.

    Balloons Around the World Day

    Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

    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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