Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Few events are as singularly momentous as the Japanese attack on the U.S. Naval Base in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. There were 2,403 American casualties, including 68 civilians. The attack was the catalyst for the U.S. entry into World War II and forever changed the course of American history.
Today is "Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day." Although it is not a federal holiday, all flags will be flown at half-mast. Ceremonies will be held across the country to commemorate the grievous loss of life, including a memorial service at the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Letter Writing Day
When was the last time you wrote a letter? I'm not talking about a thank-you note or holiday card, but a real, thoughtful, handwritten letter?
Many would agree that letter writing is a lost art. But the toll that has and may still take on society is not yet truly understood. Author Victor Tiong Kung Ming believes that the demise of letter writing will also cause a deterioration of handwriting skills and relaxed usage of proper grammar and punctuation, as well as a loss of personalization in communication.
Today is "Letter Writing Day," and the perfect time to surprise someone in your life with the quaint, unexpected gift of a letter. "How are you? I am fine!"
Cotton Candy Day
I love everything about cotton candy -- the look, the smell, the texture -- but most of all the childhood memories it conjures up of county fairs, hometown carnivals and the excitement of the circus!
Cotton candy was originally called "fairy floss." It was invented cooperatively by four men in the late 1800s. When first introduced at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, it was an immediate success, selling 68,655 boxes!
Today is "Cotton Candy Day." Why not venture out in your city or town to find some of the genuine article? When you do, it will have been well worth the effort … just don't forget the wet wipes.
International Civil Aviation Day
In 1996 the United Nations General Assembly recognized Dec. 7 as "International Civil Aviation Day." The goal of this day is "to generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the social and economic development of States, and of the role of ICAO in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport."
The International Civil Aviation Organization's primary function is to support the sustainable growth of air transport. I can't think of a better way to celebrate this day than by watching the 1980 comedy blockbuster, "Airplane!" starring Leslie Nielsen and Robert Hays. Check out the film's trailers on Yahoo! Movies.
