The CRA Perspective

🐛 National Gummi Worm Day – 15 th July (US) A Playful Celebration of a Chewy Childhood Favorite National Gummi Worm Day, July 15, gummy worms, Trolli, candy, nostalgia On 15 th July , the United States celebrates National Gummi Worm Day , a lighthearted food holiday inviting everyone to enjoy the playful, chewy treat and remember the small pleasures from childhood [citation:3]. This day celebrates the squiggly, dual-colored candy that brought a mischievous twist to the gummy candy world [citation:3]. The gummi worm was introduced in the early 1980s by the German company Trolli as a novel alternative to the smoother bear shape [citation:3]. Gummi sweets themselves trace their ancestry to early 20th-century Germany , where Hans Riegel of Haribo began making chewy gelatine candies in the early 1920s [citation:3]. Gummi worms crossed into American stores during the 1980s and have remained a staple of candy aisles ever since [...

🎁 National Give Something Away Day – 15 th July (US) Generosity in Action: Sharing Resources, Time, and Kindness National Give Something Away Day, July 15, generosity, giving, Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher On 15 th July , the United States observes National Give Something Away Day , founded in 2015 by Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher to promote generosity and community spirit [citation:4]. This day encourages people to give away what they no longer need — whether it's clothes, items around the house, their skills, or simply their time and kindness [citation:4]. The day highlights the value of sharing resources and building stronger communities through acts of giving. It's a reminder that generosity doesn't require wealth — a kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand can make a meaningful difference [citation:4]. 🎁 The Spirit of Giving Founded: 2015 by Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher [cita...

🍊 National Orange Chicken Day – 15 th July (US) Celebrating a Sweet and Savory Takeout Favorite National Orange Chicken Day, July 15, orange chicken, Panda Express, Chinese-American On 15 th July , the United States celebrates National Orange Chicken Day , honoring the popular Chinese-American dish of battered, fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce [citation:4]. This dish has become a staple of American takeout cuisine, beloved for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch [citation:4]. The recipe was developed in 1987 and is often associated with the fast-food chain Panda Express , where it became a signature item [citation:4]. The day encourages food lovers to enjoy this iconic dish — whether from their favorite restaurant or made at home. 🍊 The Story of Orange Chicken Date: July 15 annually [citation:4]. Dish: Battered, fried chicken coated in sweet orange sauce...

🛠️ World Youth Skills Day – 15 th July (UN) Empowering Young People for Employment and Entrepreneurship World Youth Skills Day, July 15, UN, youth skills, vocational training, employment On 15 th July , the world observes World Youth Skills Day , established by the United Nations in 2014 (Resolution A/RES/69/145) to raise awareness about the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship [citation:9][citation:1]. The day highlights the challenges young people face in accessing education, training, and meaningful careers [citation:4]. With youth unemployment and underemployment being significant global issues, this observance promotes investment in vocational training, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning [citation:4]. It encourages governments, educators, and organizations to create pathways for youth to develop relevant skills that address labor market needs and contr...

🍊 National Grand Marnier Day – 14 th July (US) A Toast to the French Liqueur of Cognac and Orange National Grand Marnier Day, July 14, Grand Marnier, French liqueur, cognac On 14 th July , the United States celebrates National Grand Marnier Day , honoring the iconic French liqueur known for blending Cognac with the distilled essence of bitter orange . This day is deliberately tied to Bastille Day, nodding to the liqueur's French origins. First introduced in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle , Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge became a popular ingredient in cocktails, desserts, and classic dishes like Crêpes Suzette [citation:2]. The day encourages appreciative enjoyment of this high-quality spirit — whether sipped neat, used in classic cocktails, or incorporated into culinary creations [citation:9]. 🍊 The Story of Grand Marnier Date: July 14, coinciding with Bastille Day. Creato...

📏 National Tape Measure Day – 14 th July (US) Honoring a Small Tool with a Big Impact National Tape Measure Day, July 14, Alvin J. Fellows, invention, patent On 14 th July , the United States observes National Tape Measure Day , commemorating the anniversary of the U.S. patent granted to Alvin J. Fellows of New Haven, Connecticut, on July 14, 1868, for his improvements to the retractable tape measure [citation:7]. Fellows' innovation — a spring return with a click or locking clip that held the tape extended until released — made single-person measuring far more practical than earlier designs [citation:7]. While flexible measuring tapes existed before, this invention revolutionized how people measured space, making the tool more portable and easier to use across trades like construction, tailoring, and carpentry [citation:2]. 📏 The Story Behind the Day Date: July 14, 1868 — patent da...

🧀 National Mac and Cheese Day – 14 th July (US) Celebrating America's Ultimate Comfort Food National Mac and Cheese Day, July 14, macaroni and cheese, comfort food On 14 th July , the United States celebrates National Mac and Cheese Day , a food holiday honoring one of the nation's most beloved comfort foods [citation:2]. Founded in 2015 by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, this day pays tribute to the classic dish of macaroni pasta and a creamy cheese sauce [citation:2]. The dish traces its origins to 18th-century England , where a recipe for macaroni and cheese first appeared in cookbooks, gaining popularity in the United States through early American cookbooks and later innovations in packaged mixes [citation:2]. Today, mac and cheese is a staple in American households, enjoyed as a quick meal, a side dish, or a gourmet creation [citation:2]. 🧀 The Story of Mac and Cheese Date: July 14...

🇫🇷 Bastille Day – 14 th July (France)  Celebrating Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity Bastille Day, France National Day, July 14, French Revolution, Fête Nationale On 14 th July , France celebrates its National Day , known globally as Bastille Day and in France as la Fête Nationale or le 14 juillet [citation:10]. This historic day commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a turning point in the French Revolution that symbolized the uprising of the modern nation [citation:8]. While the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was a pivotal event, the day officially celebrates the Fête de la Fédération held on July 14, 1790, which celebrated the unity of the French people [citation:10]. Declared a national holiday in 1880, the day stands as a powerful symbol of liberty, equality, and fraternity — the core values of the French Republic [citation:12]. 🇫🇷 The Significance of Bastille...

🦈 Shark Awareness Day – 14 th July (Global)  Protecting the Apex Predators of the Ocean Shark Awareness Day, July 14, sharks, marine conservation, ocean ecosystem On 14 th July , the world observes Shark Awareness Day , drawing attention to the crucial role sharks play in ocean ecosystems [citation:2]. As apex predators , sharks help maintain healthy marine populations and biodiversity [citation:2]. The day also works to correct misinformation, combat fear-driven narratives , and raise awareness about threats such as overfishing and habitat loss [citation:2]. Conservationists use this observance to advocate for protection and greater respect for these often misunderstood creatures [citation:2]. 🦈 Why Sharks Matter Ecosystem Role: Apex predators that maintain ocean health [citation:2]. Threats: Overfishing and habitat loss [citation:2]. Misconceptions: Often misunderstoo...