AARP Eye Center
Just in Case Someone Out There does not know,
Today Is......
Enough said!
Today is.....
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday - The History
Palm Sunday (first known as Pasha) originated in the Jerusalem Church around the late third or early fourth century. Ceremonies consisted of prayers, hymns, and sermons as people moved through the numerous holy sites within the city. At the last site, the place of Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the clergy would read the biblical account of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Then as evening approached, the people would return to the city reciting: “Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 21:9). By the fifth century, the celebration had spread as far as Constantinople. It wasn’t until the sixth and seventh centuries that the ritual blessing of the palms was added. A morning procession replaced the evening one and by the eighth century, the Western Church was celebrating “Dominica in Palmis” or “Palm Sunday.”
Palm Sunday - The Tradition
Palm Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday in recognition of the beginning of Holy Week and Jesus’ final agonizing journey to His crucifixion. Falling on the sixth Sunday in Lent and the Sunday before Easter, Palm Sunday is celebrated in all major Christian churches—Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. In many Orthodox churches, Palm Sunday is known as Entry into Jerusalem. In some countries, the graves of loved ones are decorated with palms. Since palm trees are not indigenous to colder climates, branches of sallow, willow, and yew are often used.
Today, many Palm Sunday traditions remain much the same as those celebrated in the tenth century. Some ceremonies begin with the blessing of the palms. Afterward, many people take the palms home and place them in houses, barns, and fields. In many churches, children serve as an integral part of the service since they enjoy the processions. Children often craft crosses from palm leaves which were used in the Sunday processional. The traditions of Palm Sunday serve as reminders of the life-changing events of Holy Week.
Palm Sunday - The Remembrance
In the simplest of terms, Palm Sunday is an opportunity to reflect upon the final week of Jesus' life. Jesus did not deny the image that the crowd expected -- the fulfillment of the hopes of Israel that He would be their earthly king, destroying the Roman government. Instead, Jesus humbly entered Jerusalem to give His life on a cross, saving mankind from sin and death. One day, Jesus will return gloriously as a mighty warrior in battle (Revelation 19:11–16). Palm Sunday serves as a preparation of one’s heart for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His Resurrection.
"Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest!"
- When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Today is.......
NATIONAL PEACH COBBLER DAY – April 13
NATIONAL PEACH COBBLER DAY
National Peach Cobbler Day is observed annually on April 13. It recognizes a delicious dessert that originated during the 19th century.
Unable to make traditional suet puddings due to lack of suitable ingredients and cooking equipment, the settlers instead covered a stewed filling with a layer of uncooked plain biscuits or dumplings, fitted together. When the dish is fully cooked, the surface has the appearance of a cobbled street. The name may also derive from the fact that the ingredients are “cobbled” together. Some cobbler recipes resemble a thick-crusted, deep-dish pie with both top and bottom crust.
In 2007, the world’s largest peach cobbler was made at the Georgia Peach Festival. It consisted of:
90 lbs of butter
150 lbs of sugar
150 lbs of flour
32 gallons of milk
75 gallons of peaches
Origin of "National Peach Cobbler Day":
Peach Cobbler Day was created by the Georgia Peach Council in the 1950's, to promote the consumption of canned peaches. Canned peaches can be enjoyed any month of the year. This helps to answer the placement of this special day in April, when fresh peaches are not available.
How to Observe
Find and eat as much peach cobbler as your stomach can hold. Enjoy!
TODAY IS...
National Pet Day
Celebrated annually on April 11th, National Pet Day is an unofficial holiday that encourages all of us to pay our pets some extra attention. It is also a day to commemorate everything that our pets do for us on a daily basis. So if you have a pet, you can do something special for them on this day by taking them for a long walk; buying them a special treat or maybe, just by spending a little bit of extra time with them. After all, don’t they deserve it?
History of National Pet Day
National Pet Day was founded by Colleen Paige – an Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle Expert – in 2006 to celebrate pets and the joy they bring into our homes. She also created the day to shine a spotlight on the plight of the many types of animals which are in shelters all over the planet.
Ways to Celebrate National Pet Day!
1. Adopt a pet from your local shelter or pure breed rescue organization.
2. Volunteer at your local shelter and offer to care for the animals.
3. Donate blankets, food and toys to a favorite animal welfare organization.
4. Organize a peaceful demonstration in front of your community pet store that sells pets from puppy or kitten mills.
5. Have a National Pet Day party and celebrate all your pets!
6. Spend the day taking photos of your pets and then post them on our Facebook page!
7. Assist an ill, elderly or a financially struggling neighbor or friend by purchasing pet food, hay or needed items for their pets.
8. Purchase a National Pet Day Tee Shirt (or other gift item) here, to express your devotion to all animals.
9. Buy your pet a fun new toy....or two...or five.
10. Post photos of your pets on social media using the hashtag #NationalPetDay
Today is April 9th
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed April 9th to be National Prisoner of War Recognition Day.
*******************************
NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY – April 9
NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAYNational Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day on April 9 honors the courageous men and women who have endured brutal treatment at the hands of their captors, separation from family and displayed incredible endurance and faith during their captivity.
On this day in 1942, the largest number of U.S. Forces were captured by Japanese troops in the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. After battling through extreme conditions and prolonged battles, the captured troops were forced to march 65 miles to the prison camp. Without medical attention, food or water thousands died. The mistreatment continued for those who survived the brutal journey. In the compounds, deep in the unfamiliar jungle, the hardships, brutality, and suffering lasted more than two years for those who could survive.
Many POWs endure conditions much like this. These heroes deserve a day of recognition. An annual presidential proclamation is signed for National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day and government officials, veterans, civic and private organizations observe the day with ceremonies and events. Some states require the POW/MIA flag to be flown in this day.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Honor former POWs by helping to organize events. Ensure your organization flies the POW/MIA flag. Use #FormerPOWRecognitionDay to share on social media.
APRIL 8TH is....
History
As a rule, discovering the next holiday (the today’s matter concerns the direction what day World Zoo Lovers Day in 2019 is) we have to tell our readers something really special about the historical background of the event. However, unfortunately, we haven’t managed to find our any information available about the holiday establishers. And at the same time we know nothing about the reasons to celebrate the event on April 8th annually.
The first institutions of this kind were opened outside the cities, when the owners of the farms organized separate aviaries for pets and birds and conducted excursions for local kids.
Zoos of the new format began to enjoy great popularity among visitors. A few years later, innovation reached the towns and the cities and has turned from the possibility of additional earnings for farmers in the main and profitable business of private entrepreneurs.
Meaning
What does National Zoo Lovers Day mean? All in all it is only up to you to decide what special occasions to hold and which ones can be quite forgotten.
However, we can’t but mention that among the contemporary children and their parents, so-called mini-zoos are becoming more and more popular all around the planet. They are also called rural or contact ones.
The main difference between the rural zoo and the usual one is that all birds and animals represented there are allowed to touch and to feed. However, the number of them, as a rule, is small. Basically, these are rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, goats, pigeons, turkeys and pigs.
What is special about today?
APRIL 7th is...
What is World Health Day About?
April 7 of each year marks the celebration of World Health Day. From its inception at the First Health Assembly in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950, the celebration has aimed to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization.
Over the past 50 years this has brought to light important health issues such as mental health, maternal and child care, and climate change. The celebration is marked by activities which extend beyond the day itself and serves as an opportunity to focus worldwide attention on these important aspects of global health.
The Focus of World Health Day 2019
Universal health coverage (UHC) is about ensuring all people and communities have access to quality health services where and when they need them, without suffering financial hardship. It includes the full spectrum of services needed throughout life—from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care—and is best based on a strong primary health care system.
Today is.....
GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY – April 5
GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY
Gold Star Spouses Day on April 5 honors the surviving loved ones of military service members killed in the line of duty.
The day is a time of remembrance for the spouses and their families and a time of recognition of their sacrifices. Many communities and organizations hold events showing support for Gold Star families on this day. Through ceremonies, teas, memorial races, and luncheons, fallen warriors are honored and remembered.
The loss of our service members extends beyond the battlefield. They leave behind grieving wives and husbands who become members of an exclusive community no one asks to join. As a nation, our support, understanding, and respect are the least we can provide in return.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Attend a local event or volunteer with a veterans group. If you know a Gold Star family, stay connected. Find out more about Gold Star spouses by visiting goldstarwives.org. Use #GoldStarSpousesDay to share on social media.
HISTORY
World War I and Army Captian Robert L. Queissner paved the way for Gold Star families. National Gold Star Mother’s Day was designated on June 23, 1936, by a joint congressional resolution to occur on the Last Sunday in September. In 2011, President Barack Obama amended the day to “Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.”
In 2010, the first Gold Star Wives Day was observed in December. In 2012, the U.S. Senate designated Gold Star Wives Day to be recognized each year on April 5th. The language was later changed to be more inclusive of all spouses, and the name of the day is often used interchangeably.
The nonprofit organization Gold Star Wives, Inc. welcomes all spouses.
Today is APRIL 4th.....
NATIONAL VITAMIN C DAY!
NATIONAL VITAMIN C DAY
Feel beautiful and vibrant when you recognize National Vitamin C Day on April 4th!
While Vitamin C is widely recognized for warding off colds, the vitamin is also clinically proven to be a powerhouse in other areas of health, too. For example, Vitamin C may reduce blood pressure and potentially lower risk of heart disease. Those at risk of gout can lower that risk by increasing their intake of Vitamin C.
Topically, Vitamin C keeps skin healthy by protecting it from oxidative damage caused by daily exposure to light, heat, and pollution. The popularity of topical vitamin C products has risen dramatically.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Learn more about why vitamin C is essential for skin health – find the right vitamin C serum for you.
Discover more with #vitaminCday on social media.
HISTORY
SkinCeuticals founded National Vitamin C Day in 2019 to celebrate this research and the proven benefits of vitamin C.
The research of Dr. Sheldon Pinnell, founding scientist of SkinCeuticals, established the parameters for effective vitamin C antioxidant delivery to the skin, allowing SkinCeuticals to pioneer the emergence of cosmeceuticals.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Vitamin C Day to be observed on April 4th annually.
Hey, Everybody!
Today is April 1st. And I'm sure y'all know mischievous gremlins will be out and about. So watch out and don't be fooled!
Also, thank God we lived to be able to kick March to the proverbial curb. It was a rough month and will NOT be missed. Even on the last day of the month, we had to endure one last dusting of snow. Winter. Icky Poo! Yes, there's no love lost as March passes. So to it I say, "Bye Felicia!"
MARCH 31ST is......
NATIONAL TATER DAY
National Tater Day is observed annually on March 31. This day is set aside to celebrate the potato that is loved by almost everyone and provides us with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.
There are numerous ways to fix and enjoy the potato:
Baked – Boiled – Steamed – Roasted – Mashed – Fried – Grilled – Scalloped – French Fries – Cottage Fries – Hash Browns – In Stew – In Soup – Potato Salad – Potato Dumplings – Potato Pancakes – Anyway You Like Them!!
This day may have originally had a different meaning. At the beginning of April, there is a celebration of the sweet potato (Tater Day) in parts of Kentucky. Sweet potatoes are one of the main cash crops in that area. Tater Day started way back in the early 1840s with the trading and selling of sweet potatoes. It is the oldest continuous trade day in the United States.
Worldwide, there are more than four thousand potato varieties.
Since the time potatoes were shipped from Europe to the colonies in the early 17th century, their consumption has been a major part of the North American diet.
A Few Potato Facts
There are over 100 potato varieties in the United States and more than 4,000 worldwide. Potatoes were shipped from Europe to the colonies in the early 1600s and today they are a large part of the typical American diet. They are full of vitamin C and antioxidants, and they have more potassium than a banana.
So let’s all give potatoes some recognition by making them the star of the meal rather than a side dish. Try the following breakfast recipe if you want some inspiration. Served with OJ and coffee, this will start your day off just right.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Have your potato, tater or spud the way you like it. Use #NationalTaterDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
In Benton, Kentucky, where this unofficial national holiday is best known, games, floats, carnival rides, mule pulls, sweet potato-eating contests and “who can grow the biggest potato” competitions are the order of the day. Sweet potatoes are one of the main cash crops of that region, and National Tater Day is a day of celebration there. But why limit it to Kentucky? We all love potatoes, both sweet and not, so let’s celebrate this holiday in style with some fries, wedges, mashed potatoes or whatever happens to be your favorite tater dish.
Enjoy!
MARCH 29TH is.....
NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY
National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29 honors the men and women who served and sacrificed during the longest conflict in United States history.
It was on March 29, 1973, when combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam. Generations later, Veterans of this time period are gaining the respect that was not so freely given upon their return. Involving five U.S. presidents, crossing nearly two decades and 500,000 U.S.military personnel, it left an indelible mark on the American psyche.
Returning Veterans did not always receive respectful welcomes upon their arrive on American soil. There were 58,000 killed, never to return. National Vietnam War Veterans Day recognize the military service of these men and women who answered the call to service their country when she needed them. They didn’t make the decisions to go to war.
On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we recognize the service and duty rendered by all servicemen and women of this era.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Around the country, commemorative events, speeches and luncheons are being held inviting Vietnam Veterans as honored guests. Thank a Vietnam Veteran. Buy them a drink or lunch. Send them a shout out using #VietnamWarVeteransDay on social media.
HISTORY
U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., introduced legislation in 2017 to honor Vietnam Veterans with a day on the anniversary of the withdrawal of military units from South Vietnam. President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Day Act on March 28, 2017, calling for U.S. flags to be flown on March 29 for those who served.
THANK YOU, VIETNAM VETERANS AND ALL AMERICAN VETS AS WELL!
March 28th is:
Respect Your Cat Day
Today is Respect your Cat Day, celebrated on this day every year because on March 28, 1384, Richard II of England issued an edict forbidding the consumption of cats.
Just to be clear, around here, every day is Respect Your Cat Day. It should be at your house, too. But in case it isn’t, start with today and work from there. You have to start somewhere.
***********************
Respect Your Cat Day Activities
- Spend some quality time with your cat
Schedule some time with kitty. Go ahead, actually put it in your calendar. Our lives get so busy, but it's definitely worth taking some time to give your kitty some TLC. How else are you going to develop a strong bond with your best friend?
- Get your cat a new cat toy
Sometimes showing your love is as easy as refreshing that catnip mouse or getting a new scratching post to replace the old beat-up one. You know she'll love it when you wave that ribbon wand around.
- Learn new ways to make your cat happy
You knew that kitty likes a good scratch behind the ears, but did you know she also likes to play peekaboo with you behind the curtain? Find fun new games or places your kitty likes to be petted today, even if it takes a bit of experimentation. It's all in service of letting your cat know he or she is loved.
And if all else fails, you can always give him or her a nice massge.
They'll love you for it!!!
MARCH 27TH is......
National Spanish Paella Day – March 27, 2019
WEDMAR 27
Considered by many to be the national dish of Spain, paella originated, as many traditional dishes do, as “peasant” food — a lunchtime rice dish prepared by workers in the field over an open fire. National Spanish Paella Day, on March 27, celebrates a food filled with tradition. Always cooked in a round, flat bottomed pan with handles, the dish most likely takes its name from the Latin term “patella,” a flat plate on which offerings were made to the gods. The open flame is essential, as it creates the layer of toasted rice at the bottom of the pan that is essential and unique to paella. Delicious!
March 26th is...
PURPLE DAY for EPILEPSY AWARENESS
Epilepsy Awareness Day is observed annually on March 26th. The day has become known as “Purple Day” as people are encouraged to wear the color to increase awareness of Epilepsy.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50 million people around the world live with epilepsy. While it is not contagious, and in many cases, there is no known cause for the condition, sometimes the reason is due to disease or injury such as stroke or infection.
It is a treatable condition, but it can be confusing especially for children. In some parts of the world, treatment may be difficult to get.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Learn more about epilepsy. Wear purple and use #EpilepsyAwarenessDay or #PurpleDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Purple Day was started in 2008 by Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada to encourage awareness of epilepsy and to cast away some of the myths that cloud the general public’s view of the condition. While other awareness days had been observed in the past, Purple Day and its founder have begun to get a bit of a following and awareness is spreading around the globe.
Today is March 25th! And what is special about today is, it's the......
Yes, on this day, several countries around the world set aside to remember the horrors of slavery and the victory in it's defeat. At the United Nations today, the following words were given by Secretary-General of the United Nations ANTÓNIO GUTERRES :
Secretary-General's remarks for International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade [as delivered]
Slavery and the transatlantic slave trade were among history’s most appalling manifestations of human brutality.
On this International Day of Remembrance, we pay homage to the millions of African men, women and children who were denied their humanity and forced to endure abominable cruelty across centuries.
The enslaved peoples from Africa were irrevocably harmed, and in many instances killed, by an institution that should never have existed.
Yet they were far more than victims.
Enslaved people struggled against a system that they knew was wrong. They resisted. On many occasions, they sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and dignity.
And so we remember not just the domination of people against their will, but also the invincible spirit that led the oppressed to revolt.
We are inspired by remarkable endurance, resilience and countless contributions to bettering our world.
We need to tell the stories of those who stood up against their oppressors, and recognize their righteous resistance – from Zumbi dos Palmares in Brazil … to Queen Nanny of the Maroons in Jamaica … to Queen Nzinga of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms in present-day Angola … to Harriet
Tubman in the United States and so many more.
The theme of this year’s observance is: “Remember Slavery: Power of the Arts for Justice.”
Since the time of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the arts have been used to confront slavery, to empower enslaved communities, and to honour those who made freedom possible.
Literature, music, poetry and other artforms have been vital tools in commemorating past struggles, highlighting ongoing injustices and celebrating the achievements of people of African descent.
Today, the artists, the writers, the poets who are committed to the struggle for racial equality and empowerment should know we are with them.
As we mark the International Day of Remembrance, let us resolve to carry their messages far and wide.
To fight racism. To combat xenophobia. To tackle discrimination. To end social and political marginalization. To uphold human dignity for one and all.
Together, let us stand up against old and new forms of slavery, by raising awareness of the dangers of racism in our time, and by ensuring justice and equal opportunities for all people of African descent today.
Thank you.
It is truly ironic that what with the pandemic now going on around the world, that today would be...
World Tuberculosis Day – March 24, 2020
World Tuberculosis Day was created by the World Health Organization to spread knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis, an infectious disease that kills millions every year. Tuberculosis is easily curable, but it can lie dormant and undetected for years, so it’s important to spread awareness. The World Health Organization chose March 24 as World Tuberculosis Day to commemorate the day Dr. Robert Koch discovered TB bacillus, the bacterium responsible for the disease.
WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY TIMELINE
March 24, 1982 First World Tuberculosis Day Held
The World Health Organization holds the first World Tuberculosis Day to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Dr. Koch’s discovery.
1921 First Patient VaccinatedThe BCG vaccine is first used on humans after 13 years in the making.
March 24, 1882 Cause of TB DiscoveredDr. Robert Koch discovers TB bacillus, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.
HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY
- Get tested
Disease prevention always starts with you. Testing for tuberculosis is simple, and is sometimes required for travel or job applications. It’s always a good thing to have on your medical records and not in your lungs.
- Spread awareness
Many people with TB don’t even know they have it. Latent tuberculosis can lie dormant for years without a single symptom. This is why it’s important to spread awareness about how to get tested and treated. With any disease, prevention is the best cure.
- Volunteer or donate
Events are held to spread awareness and raise funds all around the world on World Tuberculosis Day. If you can’t find one, organize one yourself. There are many organizations dedicated to the eradication of TB that are always looking for volunteers and donations.
WHY WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY IS IMPORTANT
- Many people still suffer from tuberculosis
It may seem like an outdated disease, but around one-third of the world’s population is infected with tuberculosis. It’s estimated that 2 billion people have tuberculosis. In 2016, 10.4 million people contracted TB, and there were 1.7 million TB related deaths.
- It’s closer to home than you’d think
Although TB is a bigger problem in third world countries, its impact stretches closer to home than you might think. In 2014, there were 9,412 new cases of TB in the United States. In 2016, Tuberculosis was reported in all fifty states, with California, Texas, New York, and Florida topping the list.
- We can stop TB
Due to its outdated misconception, tuberculosis is not seen as a relevant issue. Spreading awareness about the disease can help those at high risk seek treatment. If those who are likely to be affected get vaccinated, the disease could be eradicated, and we could see an end to tuberculosis in our lifetime.
March 24, 1982 First World Tuberculosis Day Held
The World Health Organization holds the first World Tuberculosis Day to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Dr. Koch’s discovery.
1921 First Patient VaccinatedThe BCG vaccine is first used on humans after 13 years in the making.
March 24, 1882 Cause of TB DiscoveredDr. Robert Koch discovers TB bacillus, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.
HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY
- Get tested
Disease prevention always starts with you. Testing for tuberculosis is simple, and is sometimes required for travel or job applications. It’s always a good thing to have on your medical records and not in your lungs.
- Spread awareness
Many people with TB don’t even know they have it. Latent tuberculosis can lie dormant for years without a single symptom. This is why it’s important to spread awareness about how to get tested and treated. With any disease, prevention is the best cure.
- Volunteer or donate
Events are held to spread awareness and raise funds all around the world on World Tuberculosis Day. If you can’t find one, organize one yourself. There are many organizations dedicated to the eradication of TB that are always looking for volunteers and donations.
WHY WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY IS IMPORTANT
- Many people still suffer from tuberculosis
It may seem like an outdated disease, but around one-third of the world’s population is infected with tuberculosis. It’s estimated that 2 billion people have tuberculosis. In 2016, 10.4 million people contracted TB, and there were 1.7 million TB related deaths.
- It’s closer to home than you’d think
Although TB is a bigger problem in third world countries, its impact stretches closer to home than you might think. In 2014, there were 9,412 new cases of TB in the United States. In 2016, Tuberculosis was reported in all fifty states, with California, Texas, New York, and Florida topping the list.
- We can stop TB
Due to its outdated misconception, tuberculosis is not seen as a relevant issue. Spreading awareness about the disease can help those at high risk seek treatment. If those who are likely to be affected get vaccinated, the disease could be eradicated, and we could see an end to tuberculosis in our lifetime.
"I downloaded AARP Perks to assist in staying connected and never missing out on a discount!" -LeeshaD341679
