Alternating in August

July 31, 2026August 31, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

August is a month of transition, marked by a blend of summer’s lingering warmth and the impending arrival of fall. As families prepare for the back-to-school season, August provides a unique opportunity to celebrate a variety of national days that capture the essence of this transitional period. From quirky observances to meaningful commemorations, the month offers a diverse palette of events that encourage reflection, creativity, and enjoyment.

One of the standout features of August is its rich array of national days that highlight different aspects of life. For instance, National Watermelon Day on August 3 invites families to gather and enjoy this refreshing fruit, perfect for summer picnics. It serves as a reminder of the joys of summer, encouraging people to take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures. Similarly, National Relaxation Day on August 15 prompts individuals to take a break from their busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being.

As August unfolds, the month presents opportunities for community engagement and awareness. National Dog Day on August 26 celebrates our furry companions and raises awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters. This day not only honors the bond between humans and dogs but also encourages responsible pet ownership and the significance of animal welfare. Engaging in activities such as dog walks or adoption events can foster community spirit and compassion.

In addition to these celebrations, August is also a time for personal growth and creativity. National Craft Month encourages individuals to explore their artistic sides, whether through painting, knitting, or DIY projects. This observance highlights the therapeutic benefits of crafting, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. By dedicating time to creative pursuits, individuals can find joy in the process of making, which can be particularly fulfilling as summer draws to a close.

Celebrating All August

National Dog Month
Black Business Month
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Family Fun Month
Get ready for Kindergarten Month
Happiness Happens Month
International Peace Month
MedicAlert Awareness Month
Motorsports Awareness Month
National Back to School Month
National Brownies at Brunch Month
National Catfish Month
National Crayon Collection Month
National Eye Exam Month
National Goat Cheese Month
National Golf Month
National Hair Loss Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Panini Month
National Sandwich Month
National Water Quality Month
National Wellness Month
Romance Awareness Month
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month The Allure of August’s Birthstone: Peridot

August’s traditional birth flowers are the gladiolus (symbolizing strength and sincerity) and the poppy (rest and imagination); the birthstone is peridot, a bright green gem associated with vitality and protection; zodiac signs for August are Leo (July 23–August 22), noted for confidence and warmth, and Virgo (August 23–September 22), known for practicality and attention to detail.

Famous birthdays in August:
– August 4 — Barack Obama
– August 4 — Meghan Markle
– August 5 — Neil Armstrong
– August 6 — Lucille Ball
– August 7 — Charlize Theron
– August 9 — Whitney Houston
– August 11 — Chris Hemsworth
– August 16 — Madonna
– August 17 — Robert De Niro
– August 23 — Kobe Bryant
– August 29 — Michael Jackson

Ultimately, August’s alternating themes of celebration and reflection create a dynamic atmosphere for individuals and families alike. As the month progresses, it serves as a bridge between the carefree days of summer and the structured routine of fall. By participating in the various national days, people can not only enjoy the present but also prepare for the changes that lie ahead, making August a month of both fun and meaningful experiences.

NATIONAL MOON DAY

July 20, 2026July 20, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

National Moon Day on July 20th commemorates the day man first walked on the moon in 1969. NASA reported the moon landing as being “…the single greatest technological achievement of all time.”

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 carried the first humans to the moon. Six hours after landing on the moon, American Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface. He spent two and a half hours outside the spacecraft. Buzz Aldrin soon followed, stepping onto the lunar surface. After joining Armstrong, the two men collected 47.5 pounds of lunar material. Their specimens would make the journey back to Earth to be analyzed.

In the command module, a third astronaut waited. Pilot, Michael Collins, remained alone in orbit until Armstrong and Aldrin returned.

Caught up in the thrill of the adventure, millions of Americans watched the mission from Earth. Televisions around the world tuned in to the live broadcasts. The astronauts had a worldwide audience. As a result, all witnessed as Armstrong stepped onto the moon’s surface and described the event as “one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Unquestionably, putting men on the moon became a tangible achievement in the space race. It placed the United States in a role to go forth and explore into the deeper reaches of the universe, too. In the months and decades that followed, NASA and the Soviets stepped up their missions.

The day doesn’t just celebrate the landmark mission. It also celebrates future missions. Private expeditions are taking humans further into space. Armstrong’s “one small step for man” inspired imaginations and sparked innovation, too, for generations to come. Even future moon missions are planned including manned landings.

NATIONAL MOON DAY HISTORY

In 1971, President Richard Nixon proclaimed National Moon Landing Day on July 20th to honor the anniversary of man’s first moon landing. However, no continuing resolution followed.

Enter Richard Christmas. He took up the baton by launching a “Chrismas Card” writing campaign. The Michigan native wrote to governors and members of Congress in all 50 states urging them to create National Moon Day. He achieved some success, too. By July of 1975, 12 states sponsored bills observing Moon Day.

Another modern-day supporter of National Moon Day is Astronomer James J. Mullaney. He knows a few things about the moon, too. As a former Curator of Exhibits and Astronomy at Pittsburgh’s original Buhl Planetarium, Mullaney is on a mission. He says, “If there’s a Columbus Day on the calendar, there certainly should be a Moon Day!” His goal is a federally recognized holiday.

In 2019, President Donald Trump proclaimed July 20th as the 50th Anniversary Observance of the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing. However, no National Moon Day has been declared.

Explore More…

National Near Miss Day
National Meteor Watch Day
National Space Day
National Create A Vacuum Day
National Moon Day
Global Sleep Under the Stars Night
National Astronaut Day
First Contact Day
Astronomy Day
National Star Wars Day
Star Trek Day
International Dark Sky Weekends
Great Worldwide Star Count
Messier Marathon
International Dalek Remembrance Day
International Observe the Moon Night
International Dark Sky Week
Global Astronomy Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMoonDay

National Moon Day opens up a lot of opportunities to explore and reminisce! Did you watch the first moon landing in 1969? How about the ones that followed? Share your memories of the moon landing. Set up your telescope and explore the moon’s surface. You can even explore the surface with a telephoto lens. As you rediscover the moon, start a discussion about space exploration. How does it impact our world today? Study the plans for future moon landings, too. What are your thoughts on more moon exploration?

While you’re celebrating, discover the people behind the moon landing. Share their stories and celebrate their achievements, too. You can also celebrate the day by reading books or watching documentaries about the Apollo 11 mission or those leading up to it:

In the Shadow of the Moon (2007) directed by David Sington
First to the Moon: The Journey of Apollo 8 (2018) directed by Paul J. Hildebrant
One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon by Charles Fishman
A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts by Andrew Chaikin
Hidden Figures by Margo Lee Shetterly

Share your discoveries and stories using #NationalMoonDay on social media.

INSPIRATIONAL ROLE MODELS MONTH

October 31, 2025October 17, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

Inspirational Role Models Month offers an opportunity to spotlight those role models who embody the qualities and character for life long success. No matter your age, gender, or stage of life, having someone who inspires you to be the best version of yourself is always a positive thing. Perhaps it’s a friend, an employer, clergy, teacher, celebrity, or an activist. Whether the person is high-profile or not isn’t important. Their character and ability to inspire, guide, and teach carries much more value. This month, focus on the person who motivates you and thank them for the leadership.

Each November, we encourage you to get involved in activities or events that your role model is apart of (or if they are no longer living or a public figure, maybe an occasion you think they would enjoy or join in themselves). Stepping into the shoes of the person you look up to the most is likely to stir something up inside you that encourages growth as a person. There’s a reason that person is your role model, right? Take a good look at them and their life. What healthy habits do they have? How do they make people feel? If you can mold yourself after them, while keeping your unique personality, you have struck gold!

Leadership by Example: Be a role model who inspires greatness in others
#InspirationalRoleModelsMonth — Leadership by Example: Be a role model who inspires greatness in others

Inspiring Greatness: A Guide to Becoming a Positive Role Model for Today's Youth
#InspirationalRoleModelsMonth — Leadership by Example: Be a role model who inspires greatness in others

INSPIRATIONAL ROLE MODELS MONTH HISTORY

Detroit native and House of Communications Owner/Chief Communications Specialist Darlene House first designated National Inspirational Role Models Month in 2005.

Explore More…

Be an Angel Day
Random Acts of Kindness
World Kindness Day
Kiss of Hope Day
National Make A Friend Day
Global Love Day
National Compliment Day
Do A Grouch A Favor Day
Cheer up the Lonely Day
National Joygerm Day
National Month of Hope
Inspire Your Heart with Art
National Inspirational Role Models Month
Good Samaritan Day
National Soup It Forward Day
Make A Friend Day Make A Friend Day
Do Something Nice Day
Make A Difference Day
National Gratitude Day
National Day of Encouragement
National Brave Day
Care Bears Share Your Care Day
Love is Kind Day
Upsy Daisy Day
Self Care Awareness Month
Self Improvement Month
Universal Hour of Peace
World Smile Day
Happiness happens Day
Happiness Happens Month
National Cuddle Up Day
National Loving Day
Summersgiving
National Play Catch Week
Social Media Giving Day
International Drop A Rock Day
International Clown Week
Happiness Month
International Top Spinning Day
Hunt For Happiness Week
Best Friends Day
National Random Act of Light Day
National Find A Rainbow Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #InspirationalRoleModelsMonth

Use #InspirationalRoleModelsMonth to post on social media. Be the best person YOU can be this month and thank your inspirational role model for helping you get there; they may not have even realized you were looking up to them! Another good way to celebrate National Inspirational Role Model Month is by being a good role model to others. Here are some ways for you to radiate confidence and goodness for the world to see.

Always demonstrate leadership and confidence. Stay positive, look at things from a neutral perspective, and be calm, cool, and collected. Always strive for bigger and better for yourself and others.
Stand out in the crowd. Be yourself and be proud of it. You don’t ever have to try to “fit in.” People are drawn to those who are unapologetically themselves.
Interact with everyone, not just your friends or the most successful/popular people in the room. Always have an open mind and be a good listener, as well as speaker.
Show others that you care, even if you don’t know them well! Being interested and concerned about people around you shows selflessness and great character.
Be smart, well rounded, and open-minded. Thinking you’re the smartest person in the room automatically makes you the dumbest person in the room.
Admit to your mistakes, and embrace them to become better. Acting as though you are above failure and mistakes show arrogance.

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Role Model
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Acclaim in August

July 31, 2025October 2, 2025Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

In the original 10 month Roman calendar, August was the sixth month with 30 days and was originally named Sextilis. In 8 BC, the Roman Senate rewarded Octavian Augustus a month in his honor. The founder and first emperor of the Roman Empire, Octavian Augustus selected Sextilis, which under the Julian calendar was the eighth month with the addition of January and February.

Renamed to Augustus, there remained the issue of the month having fewer days than Julius (July). Whether Octavian adjusted the number of days to match that of July is uncertain, but the result left February with 28 days except in a leap year and September and November each gave up a day to October and December to avoid a trifecta of 31 days in a row. For hubris or pride or both, the Julian calendar came to be.

Kick off Back to School

Back to School Month in August gears up parents, teachers, schools, and students for a season of education.

With plenty of lists and shopping to do get it all in one place. We’ve got College Life covered too.

Weather & Seasons

Today, August is the eighth month of the modern calendar with 31 days. It also wraps up the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and that also includes the Dog Days of Summer. This traditionally hot and humid time lures people to pools and beaches to cool off. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter still reigns.

August’s moon is called the Sturgeon Moon, named after the ancient fish that swim in North America. They were once abundant and easily caught during the heat of August summer.

In the sporting world, the U.S. Open Tennis Championships begin at the end of August while the National Football League kicks off its preseason matchups.

Celebrate All Month

What’s Your Sign?

If you’re born in August, chances are your sign is either Leo or Virgo. Leo represents the lion and Virgo means the virgin and is represented by a maiden or goddess.

August birthdays celebrate with the gladiolus and poppy. Other flowers coming into bloom in August include goldenrod and salvia.

The month of August had turned into a griddle where the days just lay there and sizzle. Sue Monk Kid, The Secret Life of Bees.

Peridot and spinel are the birthstones of those born in August. Peridot is a semi-precious olive or lime-green stone found in lava flows and veins from the United States to Finland and Pakistan, among others. Found in shades of pink, red, blue, violet, and lavender, spinel is a more recent addition to the August birthstones.

August is the only month that is also one of the top 1,000 names for men. The Purple Heart was created on August 7, 1782. The Perseid meteor showers occur every year in August. Depending on the year, it can be one of the most spectacular shows in the sky. Global Sleep Under the Stars Night is the perfect holiday to experience this event! More people move during August than any other month. Whether they bought or sold a house or are moving into a bigger or smaller apartment, doing so during a summer month is easier than doing it during a summer one. Notable people born in August include:

Louis Armstrong, Neil Armstrong, Lucille Ball, Benjamin Harrison, Herbert Hoover, Lyndon B. Johnson, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Jerry Garcia, Smokey Bear, Sam Elliot, Gillian Anderson, Margaret Burbidge,Orville Wright, Coco Chanel,H.P. Lovecraft, Connie Chung, and Amy Adams.