George Washington’s Birthday
The first President of the United States of America. Washington is considered by many scholars and historians to be one of the country’s greatest President.

source: USA4kids - George Washington
photo credit: Wikipedia

Its February, the 2nd and shortest month of the year.  Its still winter and cold up here in the Northern Hemisphere. But we’ll know more tomorrow, Groundhogs Day, whether its another 6 weeks of Winter or hopefully an early Spring.

This month we’re celebrating Black History Month, the aim of which is …

… to expose the harms of racial prejudice and to cultivate black self-esteem following centuries of socio-economic oppression. It is also an opportunity to recognize significant contributions to society made by people with African heritage.*

There are lots of other celebrations to observe this month. First up we’ll be celebrating Mardi Gras which arrives early this year. So get out your “beads, doubloons, cups, and trinkets” as we celebrate Fat Tuesday on Feb. 05th. And once the fog, and the hangovers, clears the next morning it on to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season.

And February’s also the time for cherry pies and “no telling lies” as we celebrate President’s Day. And while it seems to be mostly a weekend of sales, sales, sales we will be celebrating all the Presidents of the United States.

And lets not forget the big celebration this month; Valentine’s Day. A day set aside to intimidate men into spending too much on not much. (I kid! I kid!)  So there is still time to start putting together a great Valentine’s Day for your love. We’ve go lots to help you get prepared; whether its craft/gift ideas, a sensuous dessert recipe to help get things in the mood, or even free holiday eCards to send your valentine - we’ve got it all here. So join us as we celebrate Valentine’s Day.

And closing out the month - it’s a special day and special year ahead of us as we celebrate Leap Day and the beginning of a Leap Year. And a very Happy Birthday to those born on February 29th and we hope you enjoy your once in every four years birthday celebrations!

Here’s some fun facts about February…**

Month of year: 2nd
Days: 28 / 29 Leap Year
Birthstone: Amethyst
Flower: Violet
Season: Winter
Horoscope: Aquarius, Pisces
History: February, named for the Roman purification ritual Februa, was one of the last months added to the Roman calendar.
Important Observances:
Black History Month, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, Leap Day, Leap Year**

And remember - someone, somewhere is celebrating something.  And we are too! So  join us as we celebrate the holidays of the year. One day at a time.

 Happy February!!

*Source: wikipedia - Black History Month
**Source: Daily Holidays on the Net

links: Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the Net
Valentine’s Day : Amore on the Net
Mardi Gras : Mardi Gras on the Net
Independence Day on the Net : President’s Day
Holidaypedia : Leap Day, Leap Year

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2007, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this December 7 in honor of those who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

Read the rest of the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2007 Presidential Proclamation

Veterans Day (observed)
Though normally observed on November 11th when a federal holiday falls on a Sunday, as Veterans Day 2007 does, it is observed on the following Monday.

For more on Veterans Day 2007

Veterans Day
An American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal  and a state holiday, the day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to United States national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty

It is observed on November 11 which is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918)

Read the Veterans Day 2007 Presidential Proclamation

Note: When a federal holiday falls on a Sunday, as Veterans Day 2007 does,  federal employees observe the day on the following Monday. So federal employees have tomorrow November 12th off.

photo source: eqqman
source: wikipedia - Veterans Day

Veterans Day, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2007, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 11 through November 17, 2007, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

Read the rest of the Veterans Day 2007 Presidential Proclamation

Columbus Day, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 8, 2007, as Columbus Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of Christopher Columbus.

Full Text - Columbus Day, 2007 - A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Gold Star Mother’s Day

On Gold Star Mother’s Day, we honor the mothers of the service men and women who have given their lives in the defense of our great Nation.

By Presidential Proclamation

Gold Star Mother’s Day, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 30, 2007, as Gold Star Mother’s Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this solemn day. I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation’s sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers.

Full Text - Gold Star Mother’s Day, 2007 - A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

911 Day / Patriot’s Day
Honoring and remembering those who lost their lives in the 2001 World Trade Center and the Pentagon attacks.

photo credit: louie volpe; tower of lights, twin towers memorial lower manhattan.