October 13, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Columbus Day – This is the Anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival at the Americas in 1492. This had a upside, which of course is our eventually being able to live in this wonderful country. However, the downside is pretty huge because it also led to the death of an entire civilization of people who already lived in the Americas. This day is always the official Columbus Day but when it falls on a day other than Monday, the actual celebration is on the second Monday in October.

National Day of Mourning – Celebrated on the second Monday in October, this is a day to remember Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas in 1492. The Native Americans see this as a Day of Mourning because that arrival was the beginning of the end of their way of life and of the death of millions of their people.

Native American Day – This is a state holiday in South Dakota since 1989 which honors Native American cultures and heritage. Many other states have a day just like this at different times of the year. This particular one is celebrated on the second Monday in October.

International African Penguin Awareness Day – This day is all about raising awareness around the world about the plight of the African Penguin, an animal which is on the endangered species list.  If you happen to be in South Africa today, head to Simon’s Town and enjoy their Penguin Festival.  They have all kinds of penguin related events along with other things.

National Kick Butt Day – I was all excited about this day until I discovered that I don't get to kick someone else's butt, only my own. We are to kick ourselves in the butt in order to encourage ourselves to take action on the things we have been meaning to do, but haven't done yet. This can be anything from keeping promises to completing our to do lists. Skip all the excuses and just get your butt in gear and get it done. This day is always celebrated on the second Monday in October.

Navy Birthday – This year marks the 238th birthday of the U.S. Navy. Happy Birthday all you sailors out there!

International Skeptics Day – This is a day to be skeptical and untrusting of anything or anyone. Ask questions and don't believe anything unless you have irrefutable proof.  Some people place this day on January 13th and I’m not sure what the discrepancy is all about, but feel free to celebrate twice.

To celebrate everything in one day, give up smoking and head to the nearest naval yard to say Happy Birthday and thumb a ride to South Africa to celebrate penguins.  When you get back, take your kids to the library to find some books on Native Americans and Christopher Columbus.  Encourage your kids to be skeptical about what they learn about Christopher Columbus in school because the truth is usually a little different than what is in the history books.