Most of us think of holidays as one of those few days our employer actually pays us to stay home. We all know the big ones: New Year's, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. And yes, some employers are a little more generous but most likely you'll have no more than 7 days a year that you consider a holiday. Depending on your religious beliefs you may add a few more to that annual list, and find that you're up to a dozen or so.
For a day to be considered a "National Holiday" it needs to be declared so by Congress. And then of course we have the "commercial holidays" that we all love, which in effect are simply days that have become popular over the years. We all love them, but for some of us that just isn't enough. Organizations, corporation, and even loosely connected groups of people can "declare" a day for any reason they choose. Some of these days catch on and become popular with the general population, some remain only recognized by their creator, and some fizzle out and become a mere memory after only a year or two.
The point is - Every day, somewhere someone is celebrating something.

Friday, July 30, 2010

July 31 ~ Ka Hae Hawai'i Day (Hawaiian Flag Day)

Commissioned by Kamehameha in 1816, the Hawaiian flag consists of 8 horizontal stripes representing the major islands while the Union Jack represents Hawaii's historic relationship with Great Britain. 

Some fun facts about Hawaii
  • On August 20th 1959, Hawaii was admitted to the Union making it our 50th state
  • From east to west Hawaii is the widest state in the US
  • Hawaii is the only state that grows coffee
  • More than one-third of the world's commercial supply of pineapples come from Hawaii
  • Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the USA
  • There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet
  • Hawaii is home to the world's biggest telescope
  • The world's largest wind generator is on the island of Oahu
There's a lot more research I need to do.  However I think the best way to learn more about Hawaii is by actually going there and living there for a few years.  I'm more than happy to make that sacrifice for you all, so I'm accepting all donations for just that purpose.

Not buying that one...oh well...  I'll try again next year.


Posted by Rita Ballantyne at 9:19 PM
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