April
Month of the Military Child
An opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and continued
resilience.
April 5, 2017 - Gold Star Wives Day
A day set aside to recognize the sacrifices of Gold Star wives.
April 9, 2017 - Palm Sunday
April 14, 2017 - Air Force Reserve Birthday
April 14, 2017 – Good Friday
April 16, 2017 - Easter Sunday
April 22, 2017 - Passover
April 23, 2017 - Army Reserve Birthday
Bizarre and Unique Holidays
Month:
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National Humor Month
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International Guitar Month
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Keep America Beautiful Month
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Lawn and Garden Month
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National Poetry Month
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National Pecan Month
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National Welding Month
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Records and Information Management Month
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Stress Awareness Month
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Weekly Celebrations:
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Week 1 Library Week
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Week 1 Read a Road Map Week.
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Week 2 Garden Week
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Week 3 Organize Your Files Week
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Week 3 Medical Labs Week
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Week 4 Administrative Assistants Week
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Week 4 National Karaoke Week
April, 2017 Daily Holidays, Special and Wacky Days:
1 April Fool's Day
Date when celebrated: April 1st
Traditionally, April Fool's Day is an opportunity for playing jokes or tricks on one another. The stranger and the more
absurd the better. The challenge is to carry out a trick that is believable, if only for a little while. Tricks are most
successful if played earlier in the day before a person is wise to what is going on. Younger children are also more gullible.
Any tricks or jokes must be harmless and in good taste for the unsuspecting "victim". And, we suggest you think twice
before pulling one on the boss, even if he or she is known to be of good humor.
Important: Jokes and gags must be harmless and fun. They must not be dangerous or hurt anyone's feelings. Give your
jokes and gags some thought before carrying them out. Then, have fun!
We do not know the exact origin of this day. It appears to have a number of possible origins, and may have evolved from
any number of them. Some of the origins date back to the days of the Roman Empire.
2 Children's Book Day
When: Always April 2
International Children's Book Day encourages reading, and promotes the love of books for children. The best and fastest
way to develop our young children into intelligent human beings is by teaching them to read. Instilling a love of reading
promotes a lifetime of learning and enjoyment.
Libraries celebrate today with storytelling hours and other events for young children. You can celebrate today by giving a
new book to each of your kids. If they are too young to read, spend time reading stories to them. It’s a great and
memorable bonding time for you and your child.
Origin of "International Children's Book Day":
The International Board on Books for Youth designated April 2and as International Children's Book Day. It marks the
birthday of Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen (1805).
2 Reconciliation Day
Date When Celebrated: Always April 2
Reconciliation Day is a special day to patch relationships and to make amends. Its intention is to re-establish
relationships between family, friends and couples. Life is too short to hold a grudge between those we love.
Estranged couples may find today to be an opportunity to work out their problems. People who have had a "falling out"
with family members are encouraged to reach out and "mend the fence".
For those considering a reconciliation, the old saying is "It's never too late". But, that is not true. Someday, it could be
too late. So, please use today to begin your reconciliation.
Origin of "Reconciliation Day":
Since 1989, newspaper columnist Ann Landers has promoted April 2and as Reconciliation Day. She writes an annual
article dedicated to this day. She posts and replies to readers' questions and issues on reconciliation.
3 World Party Day
Date When Celebrated: Always April 3
Get out the party hats. Open up the champagne. For today, is World Party Day.
World Party Day was created with the premise that humans have the right to joy and peace through social positivity and
fun. A basic concept of this day, is that peace is not the opposite of war. Rather, "Party" is the true opposite.
This day is intended to be a synchronized, worldwide day of partying.
You can celebrate this day partying in any way you'd like, alone, or in groups. We encourage you to make it a day long
party. But, a shorter event is fine, too.
Origin of "World Party Day":
The origin of World Party Day dates back to 1996.
The concept of this day, originated in the novel Flight, a Quantum Fiction Novel, written by American writer Vanna Bonta
in 1995. At the end of the novel, there is a worldwide allegiance and celebration. The date? Why April 3rd, of course!
4 School Librarian Day
Date When Celebrated: Always April 4
School Librarian Day honors those who serve our young students so well in the local school libraries. The education of
young minds needs to be nurtured and fed. Feeding those minds with good quality, yet challenging reading material and
reference materials is what school librarians excel at.
Take a minute today, to appreciate all the hard work that a school librarian does daily, and the patience the librarian
displays, as he or she aids our youth.
You may choose to show your appreciation to School Librarians in a variety of ways, including:
Give the librarian a big smile and a big "Thank You!"
Tell you librarian that she is doing a wonderful job.
Buy an age appropriate book or reference material, and donate it to the library
Origin of "School Librarian Day":
We found references to this day on numerous dates in April. April 4th was the most common date. And, it was most
often referenced on educational sites. Without identifying the originator, we cannot be 100% certain that this is the
correctly designated date.
4 World Rat Day
Date When Celebrated: Always April 4
Today is World Rat Day, a day to honor, celebrate and promote pet rats Pet rats are also called "Fancy Rats". This World
Rat Day holiday may seem as bizarre and unique as they come. But, it is no joke. There are plenty of people around the
world, called "rat fanciers", who love and care for rats as a pet.
In researching this special day, we found many adjectives to describe the fancy pet rat. They include: clean, dear,
devoted, gentle, sweet, wonderful, intelligent, and lovable.
Most famous rat quote: "You dirty rat", James Cagney
Rat fanciers celebrate this special day in a variety of ways. They hold Rat Day parties and rat fests, give gifts and special
treats to their furry friends, and promote pet rats.
Be kind to your furry friend today, and celebrate World Rat Day in a big way. If you don't, rat fanciers may consider you
to be nothing more than a "big rat".
Origin of "World Rat Day":
World Rat Day was created in 2002 by James Kitlock and Robyn Arthur. They felt the need to have a holiday to give
recognition to the fancy rat. They even created a Rat Day logo (above), that they generously share with the world.
6 National Tartan Day
Date When Celebrated: Always April 6
National Tartan Day celebrates Scottish heritage and the distinct pattern "tartan", which is commonly seen in clothing
and many other items. When we see this tartan pattern, we think of Scotland, bagpipes, kilts and other things "Scottish".
On this day in day in 1320, the Scottish Declaration of Independence was signed.
Did You Know? The United States Declaration of Independence was modelled after the Scottish Declaration of
Independence.
History and Origin of "National Tartan Day":
On April 6, 1320, the Scottish Declaration of Independence was signed.
In 1982, then Mayor Ed Koch, declared a Tartan Day celebration and parade. This precursor to today's Tartan Day was
held on July 1st. This one-time celebration commemorates the date of the repeal of the Act of Proscription in Scotland.
This law had prohibited the wearing and use of Tartan patterns and Highland dress!
In 1986 Canada proclaimed April 6th as Tartan Day.
The U.S. Senate passed a resolution on March 20, 1998 proclaiming April 6th to be National tartan Day.
7 National Beer Day
Date When Celebrated: Always April 7th
On March 22, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, signed into law, the Cullen-Harrison Act. This act, repealed
prohibition for beer. Effective April 7, 1933, people could once more buy, sell and consume beer.
The night before, was called "New Beer's Eve” That night millions of Americans lined up waiting for the stroke of
midnight.
On April 7, 1993, the first National Beer Day, Americans consumed 1.5 million barrels of legal beer and ale.
Let's all lift our frothy mugs in celebration on this very special day.
7 World Health Day
When Is: Always April 7
Sponsored by United Nation's World Health Organization (WHO), World Health Day focuses upon a different health
theme each year. It is an international event to emphasize and work on important health issues or problems. Many
countries around the world participate.
Major activities on world health Day focus upon, awareness, education programs, and fund raising activities to help with
the health issue for the year. Countries also work on resolving problems related to the theme.
Origin of "World Health Day":
The World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nation's sponsors World Health Day each year. Annually, a different
country is selected to host World Health Day events.
8 Draw a Picture of a Bird Day
Date When Celebrated: Always April 8
Draw a Picture of a Bird Day is a special day for young bird lovers who like to draw. It doesn't matter whether you are
young, or not so young. If you like to draw, then today is a day to draw pictures of a bird or two, or three, or.......
Ready boys and girls? Grab some crayons. Now, open up your curtains and look for some birds. Once you spot a nice
one, start drawing. Make sure to autograph your picture. You never know, your work may one day become famous!
According to the Draw a Bird Day website, this day was created as a way to express joy in the very simplest of things in
life and as a way to help soldiers everywhere forget war and suffering even if only for a short time.
Origin of "Draw a Picture of a Bird Day":
On April, 1943, 7 year old Dorie Cooper visited her uncle in the hospital. He had been injured in WWII, having lost his leg
to a land mine. She asked him to draw a picture of a bird. He did, and she teased him saying it wasn't a very good
picture, but she would hang it in her room. This lifted his spirits. Three years later, Dorie was struck and killed by a car.
At her funeral there were many bird pictures and drawings, prompting the creation of this day.
9 Winston Churchill Day
When Is: Always April 9
Winston Churchill Day celebrates the day he was made an honorary US citizen. On this day in 1963, Winston Churchill
became the very first person to become an honorary citizen. He was given this honor posthumously. There have only
been 6 people (two are a married couple who received it jointly) to be accorded this stature.
What does it take to become an honorary US citizen? You have to have made extraordinary accomplishments or
contributions in your life. And, then a law must be drafted and voted upon by the U.S. Senate.
14 International Moment of Laughter Day
Date When Celebrated: Always April 14th
International Moment of Laughter Day is a special day that will put a big smile on your face. The objective of this day is
to get people to laugh, and to laugh more often. After all, "laughter is the best medicine".
Moment of Laughter Day is also known as National Moment of Laughter Day, and plain old Moment of Laughter Day. We
don't care whether you celebrate today as a local, national, or international day. What's important is that you bring
about laughter (and happiness) to those you come in contact with today.
To celebrate this special day, simply tell jokes or do funny things that cause people to laugh. A smile is not a good
enough reaction. Successful participation in this day results in whole-hearted laughter.
Origin of "Moment of Laughter Day":
Humorologist Izzy Gesell created Moment of Laughter Day to encourage people to laugh. It sure would be nice to meet
the creator of this day in person, so we could share a laugh together.
We found varying dates for this celebration, all in the month of April. But among them, April 14th is the day designated
by the creator as International Moment of Laughter Day.
16 Easter Date varies
When is Easter Date: April 16, 2017
Future Years: April 16, 2017; April 1, 2018; April 21, 2019; April 12, 2020; April 4, 2021; April 17, 2022; April 9, 2023
The real meaning of Easter, is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To Christians, it is the most special day of
the year. Yes, the birth of Christ is quite important. But, his resurrection offers the hope of everlasting life to everyone!
The Lenten season leading up to Easter Sunday is a time of fasting, sacrifice and prayer. It is the Christian way of
replicating in a small way what Christ sacrificed for us, both in his fasting and his final death on the cross.
The word "Easter" comes for the Saxon pagan festival, honoring the goddess "Eastre" (also called Oestre). The goddess
Eastre's symbol is the rabbit.
Easter also is celebrated with the Easter Bunny, colored eggs, jelly beans, and lots of chocolate. He (or she, as we are
never quite sure about this) comes on Saturday night leading to Easter Sunday morning. He brings lots of chocolates and
other candies. That's one meaning to Easter, especially if you are a kid or a "Chocaholic".
There is a famous Easter game called the Easter Egg Hunt. Early morning kids go outside to find the many colored Easter
eggs that the Easter bunny has hidden the night before. The Easter Egg Hunt was the first game ever invented. It is said
that the reason this tradition started was because of the Easter Bunny dropped the eggs on the way to deliver them and
they hide themselves. That is how the Easter Egg Hunt was supposedly invented. For more information see the Easter
Egg Hunt page.
Most of us will celebrate both parts of this spring holiday. Upon awakening Easter Sunday morning, the children will
hunt for the Easter basket left by the Easter Bunny. Then the family will dress in their finest new spring clothes, and go
off to church to celebrate Christ's resurrection. From there, the holiday tradition varies. Some have a big breakfast of
brunch feast. Other family will have a big main meal with baked ham being the most common meat. Brightly colored
hard boiled eggs will also be popular. It is not a day for high cholesterol diets. It is a day to feast as the long Lenten
season is over and Christ has arisen.
Easter Lilies are a popular flower and sign of Easter. They are great as gifts for mom or grandma, or to decorate your
home or office. Garden stores and floral shops force the blooms to peak as Easter arrives, providing a splash of color to
the early spring season. They are grown from bulbs, and can be transplanted into your home garden after the blooms
have died off. Then, they will bloom in your flower garden every spring! More on growing and caring for Easter Lilies.
Setting the date: The date for Easter changes every year. It is the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring
equinox.
16 National Stress Awareness Day
Date When Observed: Always April 16th
Is work or school putting on the pressure? Are the kids on your nerves? Is there enough money to pay all of those the
bills? There are literally thousands of reasons for you to get stressed out.
RELAX!!! Today is National Stress Awareness Day. This is your opportunity to recognize that there is plenty of stress in
your life... as if you didn't already know. More importantly, today is an opportunity to learn, and to do something about
the stress...... before it drives you batty or worse.
April is also designated as Stress Awareness Month.
Did you know? There was method behind the madness. April 16 was designated as Stress Awareness Day, because it is
the day after taxes are due!
Note: The UK also has a National Stress Awareness Day, organized by the International Stress Management Association.
It is held in November. The date changes each year.
Origin of Stress Awareness Day:
Stress Awareness Day and Stress Awareness Month is sponsored by the Health Resource Network (HRN). They started
this holiday in 1992, to increase public awareness of the causes and cures of stress.
17 Dyngus Day always the Monday after Easter
Date When Celebrated: Always the Monday after Easter
Dyngus Day, also spelled Dingus Day, is a fun Polish Holiday. It is very popular in Poland, and in Polish communities
across America. After the long Lenten holiday, Dyngus Day is a day of fun. And, perhaps a little romantic fun. It is always
celebrated on the Monday after Easter.
Dyngus Day Tradition:
There are all sort of ways for boys to meet girls. But, this one takes the cake.
Guys, on this day you get to wet the ladies down. Sprinkling or drenching with water is your goal. Chase after the ladies
with squirt guns, buckets, or other containers of water. The more bold and gallant boys, may choose to use cologne.
Hitting (gently, please) the ladies on the legs with switches or pussy willows is also common.
Yes ladies, you can strike back. Ladies, you get your revenge on Tuesday, when tradition has it that you throw dishes or
crockery back at the boys. It has become increasingly popular for the ladies to get their revenge on Monday, tossing
water back at the boys.
Note: Dyngus Day is also called Wet Easter Monday. I wonder why!?
Origin of Dyngus Day:
When exploring the roots of Dyngus Day, Historians point to the baptism of Polish Prince Mieszko I in 966 A.D. Baptism
with water signifies cleansing, fertility, and purification.
Somewhere along the way, the tradition of tossing water on the girls and hitting them with pussy willows evolved.
17 Patriot's Day - third Monday of the month
Date When Celebrated: Third Monday in April
Some people know little or nothing about Patriot's Day. To New Englanders, it is a big, big day. In the states in New
England, it's a holiday with a day off of work. Banks, schools, post offices, and businesses have the day off.
Patriot's Day commemorates the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. This battle began the American
Revolutionary War. It also honors the "Midnight Ride of Paul Revere", that evening when Paul Revere rode through town
warning the colonists that "The Red Coats are coming!"
18 International Juggler's Day - also applies to multi-tasking office workers
Date When Celebrated: International Juggler's Day - always April 18th
World Juggler's Day - Saturday Closest to June 17th
International Jugglers Day and World Juggler's Day celebrates the skill of juggling, and those talented people who can
juggle many balls and objects at a time. Common objects include: balls, clubs, swords, plates, rings, and flaming sticks.
The best jugglers can juggle up to ten balls at a time.
Juggling is a skill and form of entertainment that has been around for thousands and thousands of years. Some of the
earliest recorded history supplies proof that juggling was around during the early days of civilized Man. Juggling is
primarily entertainment. It is most well documented in medieval times in Europe. It remains popular today. It can be
most frequently seen when the circus comes to town.
26 Administrative Professionals Day (Executive Admin's Day, Secretary's Day) - date varies
Date When Celebrated:
Administrative Professional's Day: April 26, 2017; April, 25, 2018; April 24, 2019; April 22, 2020; April 21, 2021; April 27,
2022; April 26, 2023
Administrative Professional's Week: April 23-29, 2017; April 22-28, 2019; April 21-27, 2019; April 19-25, 2020; April 1824, 2021; April 24-30, 2022; April 22-28, 2023
National Professional Secretaries Week and National Secretary's Day was created in 1952 through the work of Harry F.
Klemfuss of Young and Rubicam. Klemfuss recognized the importance and value of the position to a company or
business. His goal was to encourage more women to become secretaries. Using his skill and experience in public
relations, Klemfuss, promoted the values and importance of the job of secretaries. In doing so, he also created the
holiday in recognition of the importance of secretaries.
The name of this special day has changed and evolved over the past few decades. But, the importance of recognizing
these vital individuals remains. The two new terms in use today are: "Administrative Professionals" and "Executive
Admins". The two names sometimes mean different roles and responsibilities in different companies and organizations.
Both are broader terms that encompass more positions than the original "Secretary" role.
The name change recognizes and acknowledges that the role has changed significantly since 1952, and for the better at
that. In Harry Klemfuss' day, these positions were the realm of women. Today, you find males in these positions.26 Hug
an Australian Day
27 Babe Ruth Day
Date When Celebrated: Always April 27th
Babe Ruth Day honors one of Baseball's greatest players ever.
On April 27, 1947, Babe Ruth attended Yankee Stadium for Babe Ruth Day. It was to be the second last time he was at
the stadium. In 1946, Babe Ruth was diagnosed with Throat Cancer. Back then, there was not as much treatment as
there is today.
On this day in 1947, "The Bambino" returned to "The House that Ruth Built" to be honored.
27 Take Your Daughter to Work 4th Thursday
Date of Take Your Daughter to Work Day: Fourth Thursday of April
Acting on research that showed adolescent girls received less attention than boys, this day was initiated in 1993 by the
Ms. Foundation for Women. The intention was to give girls additional direct attention and an insight into work world
opportunities available to them. It was to serve the multiple purpose of increased self-esteem for young girls as well as
give them some ideas of the wealth of careers in the world. Thirdly, it allowed them more one-on-one time with mom or
dad.
It quickly took off and became extremely popular. Girls would go off to work with mom or dad, or even an aunt or uncle.
They would spend the day seeing just what their sponsor’s job involved. It was limited only by the practicality of allowing
a youthful, non-employee in a particular job environment. It works well in office environments, but proves impractical in
many blue collar jobs, or where safety can be an issue.
Its popularity quickly sparked interest by the boys, who soon felt left out and were required to go to school for the day,
while the girls "got the day off". As a result, the day has turned into "Take Your Son or Daughter to Work Day" in many
areas. While this takes away from the original intent to give more attention to adolescent girls, it has become a valuable
and popular career day opportunity for girls and boys alike.
28 Arbor Day -last Friday of month
When: Always the last Friday in April.
National Arbor Day is the Tree Planter's holiday, and has been celebrated since 1872. It began in Nebraska, a largely
treeless plain back in the 1800's. It is a day to plant and dedicate a tree to help nature and the environment. Millions of
trees are planted on this day.
The National Arbor Day Foundation provides millions of trees for planting. It is estimated that 18 million tress are
planted each year on Arbor Day.
28 International Astronomy Day
Date When Celebrated: Always April 28th
Astronomy Day is a day to look up to the stars. It was established to promote astronomy to the general public.
Astronomy clubs and groups use this day to help teach the people about the stars, and other celestial bodies in the
universe. These groups take advantage of this day to offer people a view of the stars through a telescope, if possible.
There is also an Astronomy Week. It begins the Monday before Astronomy Day.
Origin of Astronomy Day:
Astronomy Day was created in 1973. It was started by Doug Berger, president of the Astronomical Association of
Northern California. His reason in creating this day, is to promote a greater education and understanding of the wonders
of the universe.
30 National Honesty Day
Date When Celebrated: Always April 30th
National Honesty Day encourages us to be honest today, and every day. We honestly believe you try your best to be
honest.
Honesty is a great virtue. If we want people to believe us when it’s important, then we need to be open and honest all of
the time. We all know about the boy who cried wolf. When a wolf actually appeared, no one believed him.
Origin of "National Honesty Day":
M. Hirsh Goldberg, former press secretary to a governor of Maryland and author of five books, created National Honesty
Day in the early 1990s after spending four years researching and writing The Book of Lies (Morrow). This book has been
translated into Japanese, Korean and Chinese.
Goldberg created this day, because he felt that the month of April, which begins with a big day of lying (April fool’s Day),
should end on a higher moral note.