National Anthem Day
On Sept. 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem entitled "Defence of Fort M'Henry." It was soon set to music, and the following month a Baltimore actor performed it as "The Star-Spangled Banner." It wasn't until March 3, 1931 that this melodic symbol of America's tenacity was officially adopted as our national anthem.
More interesting Star-Spangled Banner Facts:
* Key penned the beginning of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on the back of a letter he had in his pocket.
* The soon-to-be famous poem was set to the meter of an English song, "To Anacreon in Heaven."
* The original flag that inspired our national anthem can now be seen on display in the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of American History.
Today is "National Anthem Day", and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than to stand up, place your right hand over your heart and let those proud and patriotic words flow.
National Cream-Filled Doughnut Day
Wait! Before you reach for that breakfast burrito you might want to consider a Long John instead, because today is "Cream-Filled Doughnut Day!"
Although I've never had a cream-filled doughnut I didn't like, the cream filling can actually differ greatly, depending on where you get it. Due to refrigeration and shelf-life requirements, we most often find them with a "crème" filling. This delectable delight is comprised of powdered sugar, shortening and vanilla extract.
You can celebrate by stopping by your favorite doughnut shop on the way to school or work and grabbing a baker's dozen for the entire crew. While you're there, don't forget to pick up a few extra for your family!
Eat a Hoagie Day
Depending on where you live in the United States, you may know these awesome sandwiches by the name of "sub" or "grinder." But to anyone living remotely near Philadelphia, you call them nothing else but hoagies!
According to Punchbowl.com, "Italian immigrants who worked at a shipyard called Hog Island during World War I would bring giant sandwiches for lunch. "The workers were nicknamed 'hoggies' so eventually the name was associated with the large sandwiches but the spelling evolved over time."
You can celebrate "Eat a Hoagie Day" by making up one of these fantastic hoagie recipes from Yahoo! Shine:
