Spanning the Need: Good News, Inspiring, the Uninspired.

National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day
2026-03-11 | OH
National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day on March 11th reminds us to thank the professionals who consider every need during the most challenging time in our lives.

#FuneralDirectorMorticianRecognition
Funeral directors and morticians dedicate their lives to helping us celebrate our loved ones. They bring together the memories and achievements of someone we’ve lost to death. With professional guidance and compassion, funeral directors help with every step of planning a funeral. While the news settles, these experts understand how emotional and stressful the process is.
Funeral directors come equipped with a perfect skillset. Their compassion and excellent organizational skills guide us through a celebration of someone we loved dearly. In addition, being a funeral director means being a good listener, a skill many of them have in spades.
They work hard to attain their skills, too. Both morticians and funeral directors study mortuary science, attaining an associate degree or higher. A 1-3 year apprenticeship follows their degree. Funeral directors must be licensed.

Beyond their training, funeral directors know how to put people at ease. When we grieve, the pain of loss takes on many different faces. Funeral directors act as guides and help to fulfill the wishes of our loved ones. When the pain and suffering ends, the mortician and funeral director provide a sense of peace and unity at a time that can seem chaotic even at its best.HOW TO OBSERVE FUNERAL DIRECTOR AND MORTICIAN RECOGNITION
Thank a funeral director or a mortician for their time and care. Show your appreciation of their services and recognize the work they do in one of several ways:
Send a thank you card letting them know how much their services mean to you.
Recommend their services to others.
Preplan your funeral. Put your funeral in the hands of the business that has proven to you they can care for your family.
Share your experiences as a funeral director or mortician.
Use #FuneralDirectorMorticianRecognition to share on social media.
NATIONAL FUNERAL DIRECTOR & MORTICIAN RECOGNITION DAY HISTORY
In 2008, Congress passed a resolution designating March 11th as National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day.

National Johnny Appleseed Day
2026-03-11
March 11th – On National Johnny Appleseed Day, we remember a man who made apple (and pear) trees bloom across the nation. The day celebrates a kindly legend who lived by sage teachings and labored to bring the shade of fruit trees across much of the United States.

#NationalJohnnyAppleseedDay
John Chapman
He was born John Chapman on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts, to Nathaniel and Elizabeth Simons Chapman. Not much is known about his early life other than his mother died when he was two. His father packed up Johnny and his sister (an infant brother had died the previous year) and moved to Springfield, Massachusetts. His father served as a Minuteman and fought at Bunker Hill.
Then in 1797, Chapman shows up in northwestern Pennsylvania, propagating his apple seeds. He worked his way steadily into the frontier of West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana. Eventually, Chapman became known as Johnny Appleseed and worked his way as far west as Illinois and Iowa and as far north as Michigan and Wisconsin.
In his wake, he left orchards and the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish spiritual leader. Appleseed would buy his books with whatever payment he might receive for his endeavors. In turn, Johnny would give the books away as he traveled and planted.

Mostly, though, he planted his seeds and seedlings for free along with his wisdom, his broad-brimmed pasteboard hat keeping the sun from his eyes as he went. Often shoeless, he traveled mostly by foot and sometimes by horseback or canoe. His appearance was nearly as noteworthy as his accomplishments, but so was his kindness. Farmers and frontier folk always found a place at the table if Johnny Appleseed came visiting.
There are many stories told that the man would travel many miles to nurse an ailing orchard when word would reach him of its poor condition. Bringing the trees back to health would be his chief endeavor while dispersing wisdom, care, and kindness as he did.
Landmarks
Across the Midwest, landmarks pepper the countryside honoring the man that brought fruit to the frontier. Warren County, Pennsylvania, lays claim to Johnny Appleseed’s first tree nursery.
Mansfield, Ohio, honors the man with a monument in South Park. The last known Chapman tree still lives! In rural Ashland County, Ohio, the tree struggles to survive, but half of it still manages to bloom in the spring.
In his hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts, there is an entire park named after the man who nurtured the land and made apple trees bloom across a young nation.
Two dates celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day, either March 11th or September 26th. The September date is Appleseed’s acknowledged birth date. However, many people across the country prefer the March date due to the planting season. While some vagueness surrounds Appleseed’s death and burial, he became ill in early March and passed soon after. In Fort Wayne, Indiana, in Johnny Appleseed Park, a grave marks the spot where the legendary sower of apple seeds rests.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL JOHNNY APPLESEED DAY

Begin by reading any one of the many books written about Johnny Appleseed. Some of them are mere folklore but others delve into the man himself.
Visiting some of the landmarks where Johnny Appleseed once lived and worked.
Plant a fruit tree. Visit your local orchard to learn more about the trees that live and thrive in your area. Sometimes you will need two in order for them to bear fruit, so be sure you ask.
Eat your favorite tree fruit. It doesn’t have to be an apple. Johnny Appleseed planted several varieties of fruit trees. While you can find apples in March, they aren’t in season. Tree fruits that are in season include avocados, kumquats, lemons, limes, oranges, mandarins, and pomelos. Only a few of these grow in the United States. Do you know which ones?
Educators and families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects and ideas to help you Celebrate Every Day!
Enjoy an apple and use #JohnnyAppleseedDay to post on social media.

National Worship of Tools Day
2026-03-11
March 11th is National Worship of Tools Day. This is a day to go out into the garage, the tool shed, the storage closet, or wherever it is you keep your tools. You can clean them, reorganize them, make something new with them or maybe go to the store and buy a new one.

#NationalWorshipOfToolsDay
It is hard to imagine the world without tools as they are a part of our daily lives. From the hammer, the screwdriver, and the wrench to the most sophisticated tools, they are necessary. Upon their use, they sometimes get rusty and need to be shined, they get dirty and need to be cleaned, they get dull and need to be sharpened.
Tool enthusiasts know a good tool when they see one. Often, they have a favorite brand or style. And they never seem to have enough, either. Collecting them is nearly as important as using them. Another common discussion about tools is the borrowing of tools. From one neighbor to another, tools have been loaned, borrowed, and returned numerous times. The funny papers and the sitcoms humorously remind us of this from time to time. And sometimes, so do our neighbors.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL WORSHIP OF TOOLS DAY

Spend some extra time shining up your tools or fixing them if they needed it. Taking care of your tools helps them last longer, which is a benefit for you.
Go shopping for new tools. You know there must be one you don’t have.
Get to work on your latest project and put your tools to work!
Use #WorshipOfToolsDay to post on social media.

National Promposal Day
2026-03-11
On March 11th, National Promposal Day prompts the ultimate question each year. “Will you go to prom with me?” It’s the day for high school students across North America to craft their unique invitation to the event of the year.

#NationalPromposalDay
Prom takes a lot of planning. That includes finding the right tux, the right dress, shoes, and accessories. Does mom teach you how to dance or do you take a dance class? Do you borrow dad’s car or rent a limo? Those are just a few of the details. But that’s getting ahead of the plan. First, ask the question on March 11th, #NationalPromposalDay.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PROMPOSAL DAY
Prom is one of the most memorable times in high school. Start it off right with an exceptional promposal. Rehearse it or wing it, but get out there and ask! Get creative about asking someone to prom and capture the special moment on video. #NationalPromposalDay #MyUltimatePromposal @menswearhouse on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter.

NATIONAL PROMPOSAL DAY HISTORY
In 2016, Men’s Wearhouse founded National Promposal Day on March 11th to inspire high school students to create the ultimate promposal.

National K9 Veterans Day
2026-03-13
March 13th recognizes National K9 Veterans Day and the dedicated K9 units who’ve served since World War II.
STN Inspirational Quotes To Keep You Inspired in 2023
#NationalK9VeteransDay
A lot of things changed after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. We rationed oil, leather, and rubber. The military draft men into service. Women rolled up their sleeves and built war supplies.
And dogs were called to duty. During the first world war, the United States took notice of the European use of canines as sentries, message carriers, and several other functions.
A private citizen, Mrs. Alene Erlanger initiated a program called Dogs for Defense. Along with the American Kennel Club and a handful of breeders, the group aimed to train the dogs for military use.
By November of 1942, the military prepared the first Dogs for Defense for duty in North Africa. While they were gun shy at first, they proved to be well trained.
As the war progressed, Dogs for Defense was unable to keep up with the demand, and the Remount Branch, Service Installations Divisions took over the training of the dogs.
Over the years, the military, police, and rescue have developed a variety of training methods for K9 units. Their training is tailored to meet the demands of the job, and each animal and handler carries out his or her duties to the fullest.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL K9 VETERANS DAY

Recognize a K9 veteran.
Learn more about their service, history, and training.
Attend a ceremony honoring the working dogs in military units and working dogs across the country.
Use #NationalK9VeteransDay to post on social media.

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Good Samaritan Day
2026-03-13
National Good Samaritan Day on March 13th recognizes the unselfish actions of those who provide help when needed. The day is also known as Good Samaritan Involvement Day and celebrates kindness in all its forms.
#GoodSamaritanDay
The term “good Samaritan” comes from the Bible parable where a Samaritan helped a stranger who had been robbed and beaten and left to die by the side of the road. The Samaritan not only cleaned the man’s wounds and clothed him but took him to an inn where he paid for the man’s care.
The term is used today to describe those who perform acts of kindness for those in need, especially those who are strangers.
HOW TO OBSERVE GOOD SAMARITAN DAY

Make an effort to help someone who is struggling or having a problem.
Share a story about someone who was a Good Samaritan in your life.
The act of a Good Samaritan can be large or small. Something as simple as a phone call to as inconvenient as stopping to help change a tire are all acts of a good Samaritan.
Make a commitment to developing a habit of kindness and awareness of others.
Volunteer. Offer your valuable skills to others in times of need. Do you enjoy sports or have mad math skills? Your ability to mentor youth may change someone’s life for the better.
Use #GoodSamaritanDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY HISTORY
Our research found this day honors the death of Catherine “Kitty” Genovese, who was murdered near her home on March 13, 1964, in New York City. That night, if one Good Samaritan had stepped forward, Miss Genovese would have lived. Something interrupted her killer twice that night, each interruption witnessed by neighbors or passersby. Still, no one called the police. One person called after his third and successful attempt, but too late for Miss Genovese. We have been unable to identify the creator of this national day.

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National Panda Day
2026-03-16
On March 16, National Panda Day draws attention to one of the world’s unique bears. Pandas are also one of the world’s most endangered and adored animals. Conservationists and animal lovers alike spread the word about the increasing efforts of the international community dedicated to protecting and restoring habitats.

#NationalPandaDay
Native to China, giant pandas are members of the Bear (Ursidae) family. Their rapidly shrinking habitat is a major cause for concern. As an endangered species, successful panda breeding programs are rare. In the wild, there are approximately only 1,864 (according to the World Wide Fund for Nature) and 100 living in zoos around the world.
With their white face and black eyes and body, panda bears are easily identifiable. However, their black and white coloring was designed for their natural habitat. They disappear into the snowy mountains and temperate forests of southwest China. And despite their sweet disposition, they tend to isolate themselves in the wild. They eat mostly plants and do not hibernate in the winter like many other bears.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PANDA DAY

Share your love for pandas! You can do that by learning more about them and supporting panda sanctuaries.
Promote ways to protect their shrinking habitat.
Support breeding and research programs.
Watch a documentary about pandas.

Director Lu Chuan filmed Born in China. It follows not only a panda family but also golden savvy monkeys and the snow leopard.
Drew Fellman and David Douglas direct Pandas. Researchers from the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding seek to take the program to a whole new level. Actress Kristen Bell narrates.

Use #NationalPandaDay on social media.

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St. Patrick Day
2026-03-17
St. Patrick’s Day kicks off a worldwide celebration also known as the Feast of St. Patrick. On March 17th, many will wear green in honor of the Irish and decorate with shamrocks. According to lore, the wearing of the green tradition dates back to a story written about St. Patrick in 1726. St. Patrick (c. AD 385–461) used the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity and worn green clothing. And while the story is unlikely to be true, many will revel in the Irish heritage and eat traditional Irish fare, too.

#StPatricksDay
In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated since before the country was formed. At times, the holiday has been a bit more of a rowdy one, with green beer, parades, and talk of leprechauns. However, in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day takes on a more solemn mood. It wasn’t until events in the United States broadcast in Ireland that some of the Yankee ways spread across the pond. One Irish-American tradition not common to Ireland is corned beef and cabbage.
HOW TO OBSERVE ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Wear green.
Read up about St. Patrick’s Day.
Cook up an Irish feast!
Use #StPatricksDay to post on social media.

Check out this delicious Reuben Casserole from #holidayfoodies. You won’t regret it!

National Quilting Day
2026-03-21
Snuggle up every National Quilting Day on the third Saturday in March. Around the country, special quilting shows, classes, open museums and much more celebrate the day. It also appreciates and recognizes quilt makers, along with all of their long labor, love, and skill that goes into the making of each quilt.

#NationalQuiltingDay
A quilt is a layer of batting or stuffing between two layers of pieced-together fabric. Early American quilts were the result of patched together pieces of worn-out blankets and clothing. Since they had to weave their own fabrics, there was little time for creative piecing together colorful, artful patterns. These items were purely functional.
By the mid 18th century Americans were making elaborate quilts designed to be handed down from mother to daughter, often pieced together from salvaged pieces of clothing and other bedding.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL QUILTING DAY

Celebrate the warmth and the stories behind the quilts you collect. Whether you make them or they’ve been given to you, mark the day.
Attend a quilt fair. You might learn techniques or discover new quilting styles.
Take a quilting class. The next family heirloom might be in the making!
Share the story of a family quilt. Don’t let it become lost to the ages. Take a picture of it and the person who made it.
Discover the significance of 7 Historical Quilt Patterns.
Use #NationalQuiltingDay to post on social media.

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National Awkward Moments Day
2026-03-18
On March 18th, we recognize National Awkward Moments Day. This is an annual day that every person can relate to. We have all had our awkward moments from time to time. They are a part of life; they just happen.

#AwkwardMomentsDay
Awkwardness or embarrassment is defined as an emotional state of intense discomfort with oneself.
Have you ever called someone by the wrong name, tripped over nothing, walked into a door, had the completely wrong words come out of your mouth, or just forgotten what you were doing? The list could go on and on. Sometimes, things just do not seem to go right and something happens that may make you feel like you want to run and hide. No matter the day, today, or any other day, everyone has them.

HOW TO OBSERVE AWKWARD MOMENTS DAY

Find the ability to laugh at yourself, see the humor in awkward moments and have fun with them.
Relive old awkward moments by telling stories about them. Laugh over them and enjoy the memory.
Help someone else recover from an awkward moment. They may be embarrassing at first. However, the humor in these moments shows just how human we can be.
Keep in mind that no one is perfect, ever.
Wear humility like a cloak and laugh at yourself.
Use #AwkwardMomentsDay to post on social media.

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National Supreme Sacrifice Day
2026-03-18
On March 18th, National Supreme Sacrifice Day honors those who have made tremendous sacrifices for the sake and the good of others as well as those who sacrifice their lives every day for us.

#SupremeSacrificeDay
We may most readily call to mind the men and women in uniform who have laid down their lives protecting their country and communities. This day also honors those who may have stepped forward during times of crisis to rescue a stranger or a neighbor and gave the supreme sacrifice that day.
These sacrifices come in many forms. We don’t always recognize them when we see them, nor do we always expect them. Like in the case of one young Miner who saved the lives of 11-year-old Emmet and 8-year-old Myrdith when the sleigh they were in overturned during a blizzard so fierce they couldn’t see their house, though they were only 200 yards away. Wind howling so loudly, they couldn’t hear their father’s voice calling to them. On March 15, 1920, they’d set home from school in rural North Dakota and been caught up in the blizzard. Their 16-year-old sister, Hazel Miner protected her siblings with her body, keeping the blankets in place over her siblings through the night. Hazel Miner died that night, but her actions saved her siblings’ lives.
These sacrifices don’t always come in uniform and are often unsung. Often, these heroes step up when we least expect it and when we need it most.

HOW TO OBSERVE SUPREME SACRIFICE DAY

Honor someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Visit with their families, support them and the people in uniform who place their lives on the line, daily.
Visit a local memorial and learn the names of local heroes.
Participate in events around your state that support the military and first responders.
Use #SupremeSacrificeDay to post on social media.

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National Let's Laugh Day
2026-03-19
Each year, National Let’s Laugh Day on March 19th reminds us to add a little humor to our day. It’s never good to be serious all the time and letting the laughter bubble up from time to time is good for all of us!
#LetsLaughDay
We have all heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” This is the day to take your medicine.
Some studies have shown that laughter may boost your immune system, relieve tension and help you relax. Who does not need any of those things in our busy and hectic world?
Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can. ~ Elsa Maxwell
We don’t laugh because we’re happy — we’re happy because we laugh. ~ William James
As we all know, laughter can also be contagious. Even faking it seems to have some benefits. Classes called “laughter yoga” engage the abdominal muscles, lungs, arms, and facial muscles while using humor to get us laughing to cure what ails us.
When you and a friend have those long bouts of uncontrolled laughter that end in tears and aching stomach muscles that last a good 10 minutes or longer, you burn between 10-40 calories per 10 minutes. So, keep giving each other those don’t-look-at-me-or-I’ll-start-laughing-again looks and you’ll keep right on burning more laugh-healthy calories and you’ll enjoy a good memory, too!
HOW TO OBSERVE LET’S LAUGH DAY

Add a laughing baby ringtone to your phone.
Use humor to make someone’s day.
Educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for more fun ways to celebrate the day, too!
Take some time to laugh and use #LetsLaughDay to post on social media.
Try laughter yoga to get you started.

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World Social Work Day
2026-03-17
World Social Work Day on the third Tuesday in March recognizes the hard work and dedication of social workers. A global organization of social workers comes together for social justice, human rights, and social development all through the promotion of best practices in social work.

#WSWD
Social workers serve many roles in their communities. They assess their client’s needs and challenges. As advocates, they speak for their clients, getting them access to the resources they need to improve their lives. Social workers also respond to crisis situations.
They work in many settings, too. Social workers find positions in medical facilities, child welfare and human service agencies, and schools. They can also work in education, teaching new social workers.
World Social Work Day celebrates the achievements of social work globally and locally. It also recognizes the efforts of individuals who’ve chosen social work as a profession.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY

Be sure to give a shout-out to social workers in your community.
If you’re a social worker, share your experience.
Attend a job fair and encourage future social workers.
If you’re interested in becoming a social worker, learn more about their educational path.
To find out more visit ifsw.org.
And use #WSWD on all your social media posts throughout this day.

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World Down Syndrome Day
2026-03-21
World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st gives people with Down Syndrome and their advocates a voice and an opportunity to be heard. It’s a day where we assemble and organize activities to promote public awareness for the genetic disorder. The goal is to educate others on the importance of supporting our friends and family who have directly and indirectly experienced life with Down syndrome.

#WorldDownSyndromeDay
Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions globally and commonly affects learning styles, physical characteristics, and overall health. In order to ensure proper growth and development, social learning programs support and integrate with anyone who has Down syndrome.
Every year, their voices grow louder, and they influence government policy, becoming more empowered. Through events around the world, people with Down syndrome can ensure their own advocacy and be included in their communities.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY

Check if your local school offers any volunteer opportunities in their Integrated Learning Center.
Join local events or share yours.
Join their #LotsOfSocks fundraising campaign.
Create your own fundraising campaign. Visit the link below to learn more.
Create a video based on this year’s theme.
Volunteer to speak at your school about Down syndrome and share your experiences.
Create opportunities in your community that will encourage advocacy and empowerment.
Find out more at worlddownsyndromeday.org and use #WorldDownSyndromeDay to share on social media.

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National Common Courtesy Day
2026-03-21
National Common Courtesy Day on March 21st serves as a reminder of the behavior that keeps society from melting into a sea of madness. In addition, the day brings awareness to how crucial common courtesy is in our lives and provides examples to help us improve.

#CommonCourtesyDay
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, courtesy is described as a: behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others: courteous behavior b: a courteous and respectful act or expression.
Common courtesy can be as simple as saying “please” and “thank you” when asking for and receiving a service, gift, or assistance. Kindness and courtesy go a long way and are noticed by others even if you do not realize it. Letting someone in front of you in traffic is easy. Hold open a door for someone or give a person a hand with his groceries. Give up your seat on the bus to someone who might need it. Introduce yourself to the new employee or kid at school and take the time to introduce them to the rest of the crew.
A polite enemy is just as difficult to discredit, as a rude friend is to protect. – Bryant H. McGill
These examples provide a glimpse into how you can infuse courtesy into your life. Momentary deeds of courtesy may be incremental, but they might make a huge difference in someone’s life.

HOW TO OBSERVE COMMON COURTESY DAY

If common courtesy is not a part of your daily routine, make Common Courtesy Day your opportunity for change.
Start implementing courtesy into your life.
Try it; not only will others appreciate it, but you will feel good about it, too.
Show your appreciation for the common courtesy you experience.
Use #CommonCourtesyDay to post on social media.

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National Goof Off Day
2026-03-22
National Goof Off Day on March 22nd each year gives everyone the opportunity to have a little extra fun. The day is also known as International Goof Off Day.

#NationalGoofOffDay
It is a day to relax, enjoy and goof off. Do something fun and leave the work until tomorrow. Everybody needs to take a break from time to time. It is often so easy to get so involved in the work and pressures in our lives. So stop, take a break, find something different!
Let any goofy idea pop into your head. Make paper airplanes from seed packets. Doodle pictures of poodles in puddles in Peru. Play a game of Jenga with randomly stacked spice jars. Or do the obvious and spend the day in your pajamas doing nothing.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL GOOF OFF DAY

Catch up on some sleep or read a good book.
You might also watch a good movie or even play a board game.
Maybe even get caught goofing off with some of your friends.
Strictly speaking, goofing off is the avoidance of work. So whatever you do, try not to look like you are working.
Goof off with your kids. Check out these 5 Great Ways to Goof Off with Your Kids.
Use #NationalGoofOffDay to post on social media.

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National Puppy Day
2026-03-23
Observed each year on March 23rd, National Puppy Day celebrates the unconditional love and affection puppies bring to our lives. Their cuddles and wiggles make us smile and without a doubt, there are squeals of delight when there are puppies around!

#NationalPuppyDay
The day also brings awareness to the need for care of and homes for orphaned pups as well as to educate people about the horrors of puppy mills across the country. Puppies are a big responsibility. Be sure to consider everything involved and adopt from a shelter. The puppies there need love and a home just as much as any other and they grow into loyal pets, too!
According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year. Some of these dogs come with litters of puppies. If you’re seeking a puppy to start your furry family, check the shelters first. When these abandoned and abused animals find their way to a shelter, each one needs a forever home and their potential is limitless.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PUPPY DAY

Use #NationalPuppyDay and post photos of your puppy on social media.
Go to the dog park and let your puppy play.
Pick up a special treat for your puppy.
Go for a walk with your young friend.

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National Cocktail Day
2026-03-24
Celebrate all your favorite cocktails on March 24th. National Cocktail Day ushers in all the best ways to savor a beverage at the end of a long workday. Whether you like a fruity drink, blended or on the rocks, this day is for you. Mocktail, virgin, or the real thing, celebrate the lemon, lime, bitters, liquors, and liqueurs that make your favorite beverages the best in your bartender book.

#NationalCocktailDay
It’s probably no surprise that nearly every month on the calendar celebrates a cocktail. The only exception is April, and since it’s National Alcohol Awareness Month, it makes sense to take that month off.

A cocktail contains a spirit or a mix of spirits. While a beer is not considered a cocktail, there are beer cocktails where beer is added to a distilled ingredient. The same applies to wine.
The other months pay homage to histories, ingredients, and the makers of some legendary cocktails. January begins the year dedicating a day to the Bloody Mary, and there’s also a day for her Canadian counterpart, the Bloody Caesar, in May. January also devotes an entire week to Mocktails. In February, you can celebrate the Margarita and Kahlua. March brings us International Whisk(e)y Day, among others. Skipping back to May, you can imbibe in both Palomas and Mimosas for your celebrations.

June & July
June and July compete for the most cocktail-related days. From Martinis and Bourbon in June to Pina Coladas and Daiquiris in July, the two months cover the spectrum. There are even a few bottles of wine in between. Not only do they celebrate specific cocktails but they also celebrate the places we enjoy them. National Dive Bar Day in July invites us to celebrate the places that serve our favorite cocktails, even if it’s an ice-cold beer.
The rest of the year covers all our chilled and heated cocktails. By December, we readily reminisce National Repeal Day and the Bartenders who keep that era and the skills alive.
We have only skimmed the surface of the cocktails celebrated on the calendar, so National Cocktail Day allows you to celebrate whichever one you like!

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL COCKTAIL DAY

Create your favorite cocktail to celebrate.
Explore cocktail ingredients or read a bartender’s manual.
Learn the finer elements of mixing cocktails and expand your home bar.
Visit a speakeasy or take a tour of your favorite distillery.
Host a cocktail tasting session. Create a classic menu with a professional bartender who provides history and describes the nuances behind the ingredients.
Attend a cocktail tasting party. You will learn more about how and why ingredients are combined the way they are.
Visit your local bookstore and pick up a cocktail or bar book. Follow the recipes and read about the histories these bartenders share. We recommend The Essential Bar Book by Jennifer Fielder, The Art and Science of The Perfect Cocktail by Janice Dreese, and Craft Cocktails at Home: Offbeat Techniques, Contemporary Crowd-Pleasers, and Classics Hacked with Science by Kevin Liu.
Visit your local bar and pick your bartender’s brain. Some like to share their techniques. Ask them what their favorite cocktail is. And, be sure to tip them well for their advice and service.
Try making a mocktail. Especially on those weeknights when work is busy, and you need to keep up. Many of them infuse nutrients many of us are lacking. Keep these recipes on hand for your friends who are designated drivers, sober for life, supporting a friend, or for any reason.
As always, ANY TIME we are indulging in spirits and alcohol, DON’T drink and drive. Designate a sober driver. Call a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or friend.
When you celebrate, share your favorites by using #NationalCocktailDay on social media.

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National Medal of Honor Day
2026-03-25
National Medal of Honor Day on March 25th recognizes all Medal of Honor recipients. The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for valor in the United States and was created in 1861.

#MedalOfHonorDay
On March 25, 1863, Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton presented the first Medals of Honor (Army) to six members of “Andrews Raiders” for their volunteering and participation during an American Civil War raid in April of 1862.
The Medal of Honor is awarded only to US military personnel by the President of the United States in the name of Congress for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
There are three versions of the Medal of Honor; one for the Army, one for the Navy, and one for the Air Force; Personnel of the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard receive the Navy version.
Since its creation, 3,468 Medals of Honor have been awarded to the country’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and coastguardsmen.

HOW TO OBSERVE MEDAL OF HONOR DAY

Some federal, state, local, and military organizations may hold events recognizing Medal of Honor recipients. These events may be public or private.
Volunteering for your local veteran organization
Donate to a veteran service organization
Adopt a Medal of Honor gravesite
Fly the U.S. flag at your home or business
Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Visit local memorial sites
Use #MedalOfHonorDay to post on social media.

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Manatee Appreciations Day
2026-03-25
Manatee Appreciation Day on the Last Wednesday in March focuses the world’s attention on an herbivore with no known natural enemy. Also known as the sea cow, manatees are a vulnerable species due to their contact with humans. Boating and pollution, as well as other external forces, threaten the manatee.

#ManateeAppreciationDay
These slow-moving herbivores inhabit slow rivers, canals, saltwater bays, estuaries, and coastal areas around the world. All three species of manatees are considered gentle giants, spending most of their time eating, sleeping, and traveling.

Amazonian – Inhabiting the Amazon River Basin in northern South America, this species lives exclusively in freshwater.
West Indian – This species includes two subspecies – the Florida Manatee and the Antillean manatee. The Florida manatee ranges from the Caribbean and up the coast of Florida toward North Carolina. They have also been spotted near Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. The West Indian manatee prefers slow-moving freshwater but is also found in saltwater, too.
African Manatee – Inhabiting both salt and freshwater, the West African manatee travels all along the West African coastline. While mostly a herbivore, the West African manatee also occasionally eats fish.

Manatees weigh between 300-540 kg (600-1200 lbs) and live up to 60 years. Spending most of their time underwater, unpolluted habitats are vital to their survival. While they do surface occasionally to replenish their oxygen, manatees can remain submerged for about 20 minutes at a time. When they do surface, they are capable of replenishing 90 percent of the air in their lungs. By comparison, humans only replace about 10 percent.

More Manatee Facts:

Belonging to the scientific order, Sirenia, they are also related to the dugong.
Manatees are related to the elephant.
Due to their immense size, they graze up to 8 hours a day.
Manatees continually replace their teeth. A new set is always growing behind the current set of teeth.

The observance aims to bring awareness to some of the manatees’ most significant challenges. Due to loss of habitat, pollution, hunting, and climate change, manatee numbers are declining. While conservation efforts have brought the manatee back from the brink of extinction, more must be done.
HOW TO OBSERVE MANATEE APPRECIATION DAY

Learn more about this amazing water mammal.
Support saving their habitat.
Take precautions while boating to prevent harming the manatee.
Read a book about manatees.
While celebrating National Manatee Appreciation Day, be sure to use #ManateeApprecicationDay to post on social media.

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National Little Red Wagon Day
2026-03-25
On the last Wednesday in March, National Little Red Wagon Day celebrates the memories in the making and the ones already made. One iconic toy wields the power of imagination for adults and children alike as it brings us together to explore, laugh and play.

#LittleRedWagonDay
For nearly 100 years, Radio Flyer has been bringing smiles to kids of all ages and creating warm memories that last a lifetime. As a brand, Radio Flyer has always supported unstructured outdoor play and its positive impact on children. With their 100th anniversary on the horizon, Radio Flyer would like to establish a day that celebrates kids’ imaginations and the vehicles that help them explore it – their wagons.
This iconic toy is one of the most enduring toys of all time. For generations, children have led little red wagons down Independence Day parade routes, carried out infinite imaginary missions and voyages of childhood fantasy. It is not unusual for a little red wagon to be handed down from one generation to the next, treasured like a family heirloom. The adventures are enjoyed by all, regardless of age.

HOW TO OBSERVE LITTLE RED WAGON DAY
As the weather gets warmer and spring officially begins, use the day to encourage kids to get outside, get active and go wherever their imaginations take them. Use #LittleRedWagonDay and tag @RadioFlyer to share on social media.
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National Vietnam Veterans Day
2026-03-29
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.

#VietnamWarVeteransDay
On March 29, 1973, 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 arrival on American soil. Over 58,000 killed, never to return. The observance recognizes the military service of these men and women who answered the call to serve their country when she needed them. They didn’t make the decision to go to war.
Throughout National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we recognize the service and duty rendered by all servicemen and women of this era.

HOW TO OBSERVE VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

Organizations across the country host events honoring National Vietnam War Veterans Day. These events include memorials, speeches, and luncheons honoring Vietnam veterans and their families.
Invite a veteran you know to join you or help organize an event.
Thank a Vietnam Veteran.
Buy them a drink or lunch.
Visit a local memorial. Volunteer to help organize events.
Support a veteran’s organization in your community. Volunteer and offer your skills.
Watch a Vietnam War documentary. Some films we found are The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick or Last Days in Vietnam directed by Rory Kennedy or Vietnam Nurses by Timeline.
Read about the Vietnam War. We recommend: Vietnam – A History by Stanley Karnow or They Marched into Sunlight: War and Peace, Vietnam and America, October 1967 by David Maraniss or The Quiet American by Graham Green and Robert Stone.
Send them a shout-out using #VietnamWarVeteransDay on social media.

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National Mom and Pop Business Owners
2026-03-29
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day honors all small business owners each year on March 29th.

#MomAndPopBusinessOwnersDay
Small businesses are a vital part of the United States economy, and the critical role they play is sometimes overlooked. Consumers can show them their much-deserved appreciation by shopping locally and at small businesses.

Give gift cards from your favorite small businesses to encourage others to shop there.
Share their social media pages to improve their following.
Talk about them. Word of mouth advertising is some of the best advertising small businesses get.
Take their business cards and then recommend them to a friend.
Be a repeat customer. Remember small businesses are the ones who also support local events and schools, too.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are more than 27 million small businesses in the United States.
Owning your own business is a goal that many people strive to attain. It takes long hours, hard work, and much dedication. Countless hours of nurturing the business are needed to grow the business. From starting out to building and expanding, a successful small business is the goal of every owner.
Some of these Mom and Pop shops are handed down from one generation to the next while others are new start-ups. “Mom and Pop” businesses offer superior customer service as the owners take personal pride in their operations as well as pride in their communities.

HOW TO OBSERVE MOM AND POP BUSINESS OWNERS DAY

Support the privately owned small businesses in your communities by shopping and buying gift cards.
Explore your community. You might discover new businesses and become a new customer.
As you shop, give your favorite businesses a shout-out. Let them know you appreciate them and their services.
The National Day Calendar Classroom also has projects to help you Celebrate Every Day!
Read the Celebration Spotlight with Wesley Miller Smith.
Use #MomPopBusinessOwnersDay to post on social media.

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National Virtual Vacation Day
2026-03-30
When March 30th arrives, so does National Virtual Vacation Day, reminding us all to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate no matter where we are.

#VirtualVacationDay
Vacations restore our minds, bodies, and souls. For example, studies show that taking a vacation lowers the risk of heart disease. They also help hone our problem-solving skills and promote overall brain health. Furthermore, we’re more satisfied with the money spent on vacations than material goods.
However, virtual vacations do not require money, packing, or transcontinental flights. All you need to achieve a virtual vacation is your imagination and free VR apps or a VR headset.
If you can dream it, you can achieve a virtual vacation. Enjoy an exciting African safari. Or hike the exotic Amazon rainforest. Then hit the beach in Bali, or join in the festivities at Mardi Gras. Explore a space vacation if you dare! Adventurers to armchair travelers thrill at the possibilities.

HOW TO OBSERVE VIRTUAL VACATION DAY

Check out these VR tours to get you started.
While exploring, be sure to share your virtual vacation with others.
Take a tour of your favorite places and learn something along the way. Grab some snacks for the ride, too!
Learn more about virtual vacations. It’s easy, and you can learn ways to enjoy one at Terrance Talks Travel.
Share your favorite virtual holidays using #VirtualVacationDay to share on social media.

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National Take A Walk In The Park Day
2026-03-30
National Take A Walk In The Park Day on March 30th each year encourages us to stretch our legs on our favorite trail or at our neighborhood park. After a long busy day, a calming and therapeutic way to relax would be a nice, leisurely walk in the park.

#TakeAWalkInTheParkDay
Taking a walk at a local park is an excellent way to clear one’s mind from the stresses of the day, re-energize, and at the same time, improve health.
During a walk, the opportunity to capture a beautiful photograph, compose an original poem, or have an uninterrupted conversation may arise. The chance to lose track of time and run into a familiar face could occur, too. When taking a walk in the park, all sorts of pleasant surprises could blossom.

HOW TO OBSERVE TAKE A WALK IN THE PARK DAY

Go out for a walk in the park. Enjoy nature’s beauty and being outside.
Are you staying indoors? As an alternative, you can still take a walk in a park. Take a virtual walking tour. Stand up and walk along the Swiss Alps or just about anywhere in the world.
However, we suggest finding a trail somewhere and taking a hike in the fresh air.
Once you return, unwind with this fun word search puzzle.
Use #TakeAWalkInTheParkDay to post on social media.

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National Doctor Day
2026-03-30
On March 30th each year, National Doctors Day honors the professionals for their dedication and contributions to society and the community. Their dedication puts the patient first time and again. On National Doctors Day, we say “thank you” to our physicians for all that they do for us and our loved ones.

#NationalDoctorsDay
Healthcare today is more complex than ever. With more advancements, tools, and information at their fingertips, doctors have an overwhelming job to diagnose and treat their patients every day. This is the day to honor the ones who see us 365 days a year. In every city and hospital, in our military, and in our rural communities, doctors pave the way to better healthcare for their patients.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DOCTORS DAY

Take the opportunity to thank your physician for responding to late-night phone calls, working long hours, and providing unswerving care. Today, more than ever, we know the sacrifices they make to put the health of their communities first.
Share your experiences being a doctor. Your story may inspire someone to medicine as a career path.
For our younger followers, we’ve created a coloring page and a word puzzle for the day. You can find more activities in the National Day Calendar Classroom.
Use #NationalDoctorsDay to post on social media.

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National Crayon Day
2026-03-31
Each year, on March 31st children and adults alike, pick up their favorite colors for National Crayon Day. Opening up a box of crayons opens up a world of imagination and hours of fun.

#NationalCrayonDay
Wax and chalk-based crayons have been used by artists around the world for centuries. Edwin Binney created the brightly colored crayons we are familiar with today. He was part owner of Binney & Smith, a company that produced products such as paint, pigments, and slate pencils for schools.
In 1903, Binney & Smith created the Crayola Division and produced colored wax crayons for children for the first time. Then in 1904, they presented their An-Du-Septic chalk at the Colombian Exposition in St. Louis winning a gold medal. The chalk was designed to be dustless at many teachers’ requests and was an immediate success.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CRAYON DAY

Get out your crayons and color away! We’ve provided three color pages for all age levels for you to download and print. We would love to see your final creations!
Post them to our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages, and we’ll definitely respond.
Celebrate Every Day (Easy)
National Crayon Day (Medium)
Yin and Yang (Hard)
Gather your crayons and create some original art.
Show off your crayon collections!
Share your favorite colors.
Visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for more coloring projects.
Use #NationalCrayonDay to share on social media.

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April Fools Day
2026-04-01
April Fools’ Day on April 1st has long been a day when practical jokes and tricks are played on the unaware. It’s a time when children convince their parents they’ve broken a bone. Parents get in on the planning, too. Classic April Fools’ jokes include caramel covered onions or fake doggy doo-doo in inconvenient places. Businesses launch impractical or unbelievable products for the fun of the day and newspapers print incredible headlines catching readers off guard.

#AprilFoolsDay
Of course, the trick to a good April Fools’ prank is planning. And you also need to be the first to pull it off. There’s no point in pursuing your prank if someone else beats you to it. Once the foolery has been triggered, everyone else will be on high alert and the element of surprise will be lost.
Some practical jokers go to great lengths to pull off their ruse. The more people involved the greater the risk of being discovered before the great plan can be deployed.

HOW TO OBSERVE APRIL FOOLS’ DAY

Prepare your best pranks and practical jokes.
Share stories of your greatest April Fools’ jokes.
Be safe playing your pranks and be sure to have a good laugh. It’s all in fun.
Share your experiences being fooled and laugh while you reminisce.
Use #AprilFoolsDay to post on social media.

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World Autism Awareness Day
2026-04-02
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), on April 2nd each year shines a bright light on a growing global health crisis.

#WorldAutismAwarenessDay or #WAAD
According to the National Autism Association, Autism affects 1 in 59 children. The bio-neurological developmental disability usually presents itself by the age of three, and it is more prevalent in boys than girls.
As children with autism grow older, they face all sorts of obstacles. Because many don’t speak or use social cues as you or if do, they become targets for bullies or are excluded altogether. Children with autism are also vulnerable to drowning because they wander from their homes and schools. Due to their inability to communicate, they cannot tell someone their name or where they live, either. Additionally, adults are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed.
However, resources are available for families and schools to help keep children safe and to support them lead happy and healthy lives. Visit the National Autism Association website for resources, guides, and tips for families and schools.
The day also focuses on the growing need for programs designed to support those with autism now and in the future.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

Host an event supporting autism awareness.
Attend an event and show your support for someone you know.
Share your story and make your voice heard.
While the day also celebrates the stories and lives of those with autism, it’s also important to remember that autism is a lifelong condition with varying degrees of severity. It’s important to continue to support research for treatment and therapies that will improve the lives of those with autism.
Speak out about autism to help eliminate the stigma associated with it.
And use #WorldAutismDay to share on social media.

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National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
2026-04-02
On April 2nd each year, National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day celebrates a classic food favorite. The average American will have eaten over 2000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the time they graduate from high school.

#PeanutButterAndJellyDay
Peanut butter was considered a delicacy in the early 1900s and was only served in New York City’s finest tea rooms. In a May 1896 article published in the Good Housekeeping magazine, a recipe “urged homemakers to use a meat grinder to make peanut butter and spread the result on bread.” That same year, in June, the culinary magazine Table Talk, published a “peanut butter sandwich recipe.”
It is thought that Julia Davis Chandler issued the first reference to peanut butter (or paste) paired with jelly on bread in the United States in 1901. Her article is found in the Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics. In the late 1920s, the price of peanut butter declined, and the sandwich became very popular with children.
According to the Peanut Board, during World War II, both peanut butter and jelly were part of the United States soldiers’ military ration list.
In 1968, The J.M. Smucker Co. introduced Goober, a jarred product that combined alternating vertical stripes of peanut butter and jelly.

HOW TO OBSERVE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY DAY

Eat something with peanut butter and jelly.
It may be a good day to try something different. The following are a few peanut butter and jelly ideas to help you out!

Cupcakes
French Toast
Pie
Sushi
Cookies
Donuts
Pancakes
Fudge

We’ve also created a hidden picture puzzle. Find the hidden peanuts in the picture. We’ve included the key if you think you’ve found them all.
Also, we turned the image into a coloring page. Download and print it off. Have fun! Use #PeanutButterAndJellyDay to post on social media.

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