April 9 - National Name Yourself Day

Happy National Name Yourself Day! On April 9 each year, today proposes one day a year to reinvent our names.  

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to have a different name, this would be the day to find out.  

Whether you like your name or not, this day is about having fun with a different name. 

Actors get to try on new names all the time as well. While they’re at it, they also pretend to be another personality altogether.  

Trying on a new name can be fun. People do it on social media platforms all the time. For those who are frequently being called by the wrong name, try on the other name for size.  

Does mom call you by a sibling’s name? Or is your name Greg but you’re forever being called Craig? Adopt a name that avoids these pitfalls (though Mom really does love you, even if she calls you by your sister’s name). 

To find out why this is, visit the website below: 

https://www.ajc.com/news/national/psychologists-discover-why-call-people-wrong-names/WwdUEYuuuhOBENy0AjrWqM/ 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Feel free to pick yourself a new name today! Whether you create a nickname from your current name or try an entirely new name on for size, be sure to share the change.  

Make a name tag. When you’re attending a virtual meeting, introduce yourself by your new name. Share your results using #NationalNameYourselfDay to post on social media. 

Educators, visit the National Day Calendar® Classroom website below for projects and ideas geared toward many of the National Days. 

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/classroom-week-33-april-7-2019/ 

HISTORY 

National Day Calendar® continues to research the origins of this creative naming of yourself day. 

#NationalNameYourselfDay 

@ajc 

@nichecinema

April 9 - National Cherish An Antique Day

Happy National Cherish An Antique Day! Each year on April 9, today encourages us to seek the deeper story behind vintage treasures and family heirlooms. Observed annually, the day reminds us that sometimes there is more to antiques than just a dollar sign. 

  

Do you have something special that was passed down from your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents? The day provides us an opportunity to learn the story and the history behind our treasured antiques.  

It’s an excellent time to record the provenance and preserve it for safekeeping. Over the years, family members collect items from their travels or that remind them of a moment from their past. 

They may be cherished because of personal or emotional connections. Often a colorful story tells how it came into the family making it even more valuable as an heirloom. 

You might discover stories like this one: 

When Grandma explains how she stood in line for hours to have her copy of her favorite book signed by the author, only to have the author stop signing right before it was her turn, you might begin to understand.  

And yet, she has a signed copy?  

Then she goes on to explain that Grandpa went back the next day and stood in line again and had the book signed for her. He then tucked an engagement ring between the pages so that it poked out the top of the book when he gave it to her on one knee.  

Many more stories like these are all around us, ready to be discovered. Talk to your parents, grandparents and other family members. Uncover the histories and so much more. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Give your antiques some attention. Write down the stories attached to them. Whether they are personal or more directly related to the object, the item comes to life when the history attached to them is linked to them.   

Use #CherishAnAntiqueDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

National Day Calendar® continues to research the origins of this 
unique storytelling holiday. 

#CherishAnAntiqueDay 

@RoadshowPBS 

@nichecinema 

April 9 - National Former Prisoner Of War Recognition Day

Happy National Former Prisoner Of War Recognition Day! On April 9, this day honors any and all of the courageous men and women who have endured brutal treatment at the hands of their captors. 

As a result, they’ve also suffered separation from family and displayed incredible endurance and faith during their captivity. 

On this day in 1942, the largest number of U.S. Forces were captured by Japanese troops in the Bataan Peninsula in the province of the Philippines on the island of Luzon. 

After battling through extreme conditions and prolonged battles, the captured troops were forced to march sixty-five miles to the prison camp.  

Without medical attention, food or water thousands died. The mistreatment continued for those who survived the brutal journey. In the compounds, deep in the unfamiliar jungle, the hardships, brutality, and suffering lasted more than two years for those who could survive. 

Since the Revolutionary War, over half a million service members have been captured. This number does not reflect those lost or never recovered. However, each POW endures conditions much like the ones described above. These heroes deserve a day of recognition. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Government officials, veterans, civic and private organizations observe the day with ceremonies and events. Some states require organizations and government facilities to fly the POW/MIA flag on this day. 

Honor former POWs by helping to organize events. Ensure your organization flies the POW/MIA flag. Volunteer to help a veteran organization. Learn more by visiting the website below: 

https://www.legion.org/powmia 

Use #FormerPOWRecognitionDay to share on social media. 

HISTORY 

In 1984, a movement led by former POWs began seeking a day recognizing for former Prisoners of War on April 9th each year.  

In 1988, U.S. Congress approved legislation setting April 9th to commemorate the date the tragic number of captives were taken prisoner during WWII in the Battle of Bataan. 

On April 1, 1988, 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day, through Presidential Proclamation 5788. 

He set the observance for April 9, 1988. Since then, through legislation and Presidential Proclamations, the observance carries on. 

How can you recognize a former prisoner of war today? 

#FomerPOWRecognitionDay 

@americanlegionhq 

@congressdotgov 

@nichecinema