Now that the weather is getting warmer and Mother Nature is being a bit more obliging with our outdoor plans, it’s time to take a look at all the events to celebrate in the month of June.

Overall, according to holidayinsights.com, there are 10 observed events for the month of June – for example, it is the month we celebrate Candy Month and National Accordion Awareness Month.

There are two events we observe for a full week. June features Fishing Week and Email Week.

An unbelievable 59 events are celebrated on specific days during the month of June. Many are food related; some are outdoor related. But there are three that are military related, perfect for continuing the respect we show on Memorial Day, May 30, when we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

June 3 is National Doughnut Day, always celebrated the first Friday in June.

National Doughnut Day honors the Salvation Army’s World War I “lassies,” volunteers sent to the front lines of Europe to provide home-cooked meals and a morale boost to those in battle.

Doughnuts were many times cooked in oil placed in the metal helmets of American soldiers, who were commonly called “doughboys.”

The original Salvation Army doughnut was first served in 1917 by the “lassies.” National Doughnut Day was established in 1938 by Chicago’s Salvation Army to raise desperately needed money during the Great Depression and to remember the work of these women.

Today, it is still used as a fundraiser to support the Salvation Army.

June 4 is Old Maid’s Day, first begun about 1946.

As many soldiers returned from World War II to the arms of their waiting loved ones, many did not come home.

These women who waited for their beloved soldiers to return were noticed by many people, who noted they “were not getting younger.”

Dances and other get-togethers were planned to introduce unattached WWII soldiers to the newly available women.

These social occasions took place on Old Maid’s Day.

Today, Old Maid’s Day is said to bring attention to those ladies who haven’t yet met and married Mr. Right.

June 14 is Flag Day, created for all of us to show respect for our flag and what it represents – our nation’s independence and our nation’s unity.

If you fly the flag outside your home, you likely know there is flag etiquette that must be followed.

For example, it is flown from sunrise to sunset. It should be raised quickly at sunrise and lowered slowly at sunset.

It should not be flown in inclement weather or without a light at night. It may never touch the ground.

And when it becomes worn, it must be retired and burned in a proper ceremony.

Boy Scout troops hold June 14 flag-burning ceremonies annually.

The flag is an important part of our past, present and future and has led every American troop into battle.

This holiday weekend, pause to remember those who lost their lives defending our country and to honor our flag, an American symbol that is so revered, it even has a place on the surface of the moon.

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Catasauqua Press

Northampton Press

Whitehall-Coplay Press