June brings awareness to nation

Abigail Pipkin, Freshman Reporter

People are most familiar with Father’s Day, Flag Day, and Juneteenth- that falls into June, but there are way more causes/topics that fall into June.

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas. Its name is a portmanteau of “June” and “nineteenth”, the date of its celebration. Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday in forty-five states (NBC news).

Traditions include singing traditional songs such as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and the reading of works. Celebrations may include parades, rodeos, street fairs, cookouts, family reunions, park parties, historical reenactments, or Miss Juneteenth contests (NY times).

National hunger awareness is an initiative by The Hunger Project. Started in 2011, the project aims to celebrate sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty.

One would think that Turkey Lovers Month would be in November, but no. Along with Dairy and Dairy Alternative Month, that’s also in June. June also celebrates or recognizes soul food, steakhouses, and good country cooking.

Since Father’s Day is in June, it makes sense that June also is Men’s Health Month. Anchored by a Congressional health education program, Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities.–

Fireworks Safety Month would be expected in July, but you’re wrong; again, it’s in June. The first of June marks the beginning of National Fireworks Safety Month, which runs until July 4. It is sponsored by Prevent Blindness America, to educate those using fireworks on the dangers and injuries that can result from careless behavior (nfpa.org).

June is Great Outdoors Month as well. Check out all the different outdoor activities that you can enjoy with family and friends, and get ready for your next fishing, boating, camping, hiking and biking adventures. Along with outdoors, according to calendariday.com, it’s Fight the Filthy Fly Month Although house flies don’t bite, they can be very annoying and could possibly even make you sick. Because house flies feed on manure and garbage, they often carry disease-causing bacteria and viruses. This is why getting rid of house flies is important, so important that a month was created for awareness.

There seem to be a lot more special holidays than most people celebrate or even know about. Being aware of these holidays, people can celebrate the whole month long.