Thanks to President Reagan, we celebrate National Ice Cream
Day every third Sunday in July, meaning July 18 this year. The
President wanted to commemorate a treat enjoyed by over 90
percent of the US population. In 1984, he decreed a day for ice
cream, and his proclamation actually glorified the dairy industry
in America. In fact, Americans still lead the world when it comes
to eating this frozen delight: 23 gallons a year to be precise.

Ron & Nancy Reagan enjoy ice cream cones in the Summer
of 1967.

Originally signed into law in 1952, National Day of Prayer is a day
when people of all faiths are asked to pray for our nation. Title 36, Section 119 of US law states: “The President shall issue each year
a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National
Day of Prayer.

National Freedom Day is a United States observance on February 1 honoring the signing by Abraham Lincoln of a joint House and
Senate resolution that later became the 13th Amendment to the
U.S. Constitution. President Lincoln signed the Amendment
outlawing slavery on February 1, 1865, although it was not
ratified by the states until later.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people
are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation". The president is
required by law to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all
Americans to pray on this day.

The modern law formalizing its annual observance was enacted in 1952,
although earlier days of fasting and prayer had been established by the
Second Continental Congress from 1775 until 1783, and by President
John Adams in 1798.

John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826)

(The Latin word for “shade” or “shadow” is umbra).

Umbrellas have always been a part of human history, though in ancient times
they were used only by the nobility and by the rich. In many cultures,
umbrellas were used as part of religious ceremonies and rituals.

Fashion Accessory

In the 18th century, umbrellas became a popular women’s fashion accessory
and by the end of the 19th century, umbrellas had become a household item.

It is thought that Englishman Jonas Hanway was the first male Londoner to
carry an umbrella and that he was responsible for the popularity of umbrellas
as an accessory among men in Europe and elsewhere.

More Practical

Today, with advances in technology, umbrellas have become smaller, lighter,
easier to carry and more resilient to wind and strong rain.