National Save the Eagles Day (U.S.)

Each year on January 10th, National Save the Eagles Day reminds us of the majestic raptors that soar above the Earth - whether they are well populated or endangered. National Save the Eagles Day on January 10 is a day to raise awareness about eagles and to give thanks for the conservation efforts to prevent their extinction. Did you know that there are more than 60 different species of eagles in the world? The bald eagle and the golden eagle are the only two species of eagles found in the U.S. As poaching, pesticides, human intervention, and other dangers continue to threaten eagle populations across the world, we need toc ome together to save and protect these majestic creatures, the symbol of American freedom.

National Apricot Day (U.S.)

 

National Apricot Day is celebrated annually on January 9 to honour the delicious and nutritious apricot, a fruit beloved for its vibrant flavour and versatile uses. This day serves as an opportunity to appreciate the cultural, culinary, and health benefits of apricots while raising awareness about their significance worldwide.

The origins of National Apricot Day remain unclear, but the fruit's history is well-documented. Apricots are believed to have originated in China over 4,000 years ago before travelling to the Mediterranean along the Silk Road. Eventually, Spanish explorers introduced apricots to the Americas in the 18th century.

Robert Baden-Powell's Death Anniversary

 

Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, who passed away on 8 January 1941, in Nyeri, Kenya, was a British army officer who became a national hero for his 217-day defense of Mafeking (now Mahikeng) in the South African War of 1899–1902. He later became famous as the founder in 1908 of the Boy Scouts and as cofounder in 1910 of a parallel organization for girls, the Girl Guides. The American Girl Guide organization was founded in 1912 and soon changed its name to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

In 1884–85 Baden-Powell became noted for his use of observation balloons in warfare in Bechuanaland (now Botswana) and the Sudan. From October 12, 1899, to May 17, 1900, he defended Mafeking, holding off a much larger Boer force until the siege was lifted. After the war he recruited and trained the South African constabulary. On returning to England in 1903, he was appointed inspector general of cavalry, and the following year he established the Cavalry School, Netheravon, Wiltshire. He was promoted to lieutenant general in 1907.

Having learned that his military textbook Aids to Scouting (1899) was being used for training boys in woodcraft, Baden-Powell ran a trial camp on Brownsea Island, off Poole, Dorset, in 1907, and he wrote an outline for the proposed Boy Scout movement. Scout troops sprang up all over Britain, and for their use Baden-Powell’s Scouting for Boys was issued in 1908. He retired from the army in 1910 to devote all his time to the Boy Scouts, and in the same year he and his sister Agnes Baden-Powell (1858–1945) founded the Girl Guides. His wife, Olave, Lady Baden-Powell (1889–1977), also did much to promote the Girl Guides. In 1916 he organized the Wolf Cubs in Great Britain (known as Cub Scouts in the United States) for boys under the age of 11. At the first international Boy Scout Jamboree (London, 1920), he was acclaimed chief scout of the world.

A baronet from 1922, Baden-Powell was created a baron in 1929. He spent his last years in Kenya for his health. His autobiography, Lessons of a Lifetime (1933), was followed by Baden-Powell (1942, 2nd ed. 1957), by Ernest Edwin Reynolds, and The Boy-Man: The Life of Lord Baden-Powell (1989), by Tim Jeal.

Old Rock Day

 

Old Rock Day is celebrated annually on January 7th to honour and appreciate the significance of rocks in our world. It is a day dedicated to recognizing the geological wonders, historical landmarks, and unique beauty of rocks, encouraging people to explore their diverse characteristics and contributions to our planet.

National Bean Day (U.S.)

Because National Bean Day on January 6 falls in the middle of winter, it’s the perfect excuse to cook a favourite comfort food. Wondering why National Bean Day is held on January 6? That’s the same day as the famous geneticist, Gregor Mendel, died in 1884. Mendel used bean plants and pea plants to develop theories on genetics in plants. So the formation of National Bean Day has more to do with scientific development than how good bean recipes taste. But don’t let that deter you from enjoying eating beans on this holiday!

Apple Tree Day (U.S.)

Apple Tree Day on January 6 honours the great tradition of growing and cultivating apples across North America. Introduced to the region by colonists in the 17th century, apple farming has been leading the fruit production industry in the U.S. for a century. From cider to pies, the apple is a greatly versatile fruit with tremendous health benefits and a mouthwatering taste. Although they don’t need any extra marketing, apples still deserve this annual recognition for being the quintessential American fruit, found in our homes throughout the year. So mull that cider and fill your homes with that sweet aroma as we come together to celebrate this great holiday. 

National Day of Dialogue (U.S.)

 

Founded by the Ideos Institute, National Day of Dialogue is an annual event held on January 5 to promote open dialogue. There’s so much misinformation, political divides are widening, and social and economic inequality continues to grow. Supported by both local and international organizations, the event welcomes all who are seeking to heal a world that’s in turmoil and find common ground through the power of dialogue. It’s a day of peacebuilding, dialogue, empathy, and so much more.