June is loaded with graduations and weddings, and heralds the beginning of summer. For us in Florida, June begins the Atlantic hurricane season, running from June 1 through November 30. Enjoy your holidays, but be prepared! June is also the month to remember some historic events…
June 6, we remember D-Day and WWII.
On this historic day in 1944, which was 75 years ago, Allied troops invaded the beaches of Normandy, France. It was the largest amphibious assault in world history. This massive battle was the turning point of the war in the European theater. 156,000 troops from the United States, Great Britain and Canada stormed five beaches. American troops landed on Omaha and Utah beach. At the same time, British troops landed on Gold and Sword beach. And, Canadian forces landed on Juno Beach. 4,000 Allied troops died on these beaches on D-Day, 2,000 of them were American. Take a moment of silence today, and remember the many soldiers who fought and died for our country on D-Day.
June 14 is Flag Day.
Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The United States Army also celebrates its birthday on this date, when Congress adopted the American Continental Army on June 14, 1775.
June 15 is Father’s Day.
The third Sunday in June is set aside to honor your father, stepfather and other men who accept the role to support, care and set the standards in our lives. The first Father’s Day celebration was in Spokane, Washington, on May 18, 1910.
June 19 is celebrated as Junteenth
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared a formal end to slavery in the United States. However, change was not instant after the proclamation. Nearly two and a half years later, on June 19th, 1865, the enslaved African Americans of Galveston, Texas got the news by way of the Union army troops that freedom had come at last. In 2021, Juneteenth became recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.
June 20 marks the Summer Solstice.
The longest day of the year, the summer solstice is the moment in time when the earth’s tilt towards the sun is at its maximum and the sun reaches its highest position in the sky. This date varies between June 20 and June 22, depending on the year and time zone. The summer solstice occurs twice a year, once in June in the Northern Hemisphere (also called northern solstice, June solstice and Midsummer) and once in December in the Southern Hemisphere (also called southern solstice and December solstice).
So, we welcome summer, honor our fathers, nation and flag. There are also days in June that we can celebrate lots of other events, human and not so human achievements in June. Here are some fun days, and, maybe road trips for you:
June 9 is Donald Duck Day
Donald first appeared in “The Wise Hen” on June 9, 1934. While Donald is over 90 years old, he doesn’t act a day over 20. Donald is one of Disney’s most famous and popular characters. His cartoons have been enjoyed by generations of children. Did you Know Donald has a middle name? Donald F. Duck’s middle name is “Fauntleroy.”
June 13 is the First Friday the 13th in 2025. Be very careful today.
National Go Fishing Day on June 18 encourages us to drop a line – in the nearest stream, pond, lake, or river. Taking a break from our daily routine to bait a hook and catch some fish can be a relaxing endeavor. There are many fishing tournaments in Florida during June – some are:
June 11 – 15: 54th Annual International Billfish Tournament, Pensacola.
Weigh-in location – Palafox Pier, Pensacola – http://www.pbgfc.com
June 16 – 20: 62nd Annual Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament, Islamorada
Lor-e-lei Restaurant & Marina, Islamorada – http://www.goldcuptt.com
June 18 – 22: Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, Sandestin
Weigh-in location – Baytowne Marina, Sandestin Resort – http://www.fishecbc.com
June 25 – 29: Baypoint Billfish Open, Panama City Beach
Weigh-in location – Pointe South Marina, Panama City Beach – http://www.baypointbillfishopen.com
June 23, the anniversary of the granting of a patent to American inventor Christopher Latham Sholes in 1868, is celebrated around the world as Typewriter Day. Known as the Sholes and Glidden typewriter or the Remington 1 typewriter, the device could only type uppercase letters. And, although it developed into one that provides both upper and lower case letters, most typewriters and computers today share the same keyboard layout.
June 28: 4th Annual Swim Around Key West, Key West.
What would it be like to swim around the last key? Participants can try it during this Swim Around Key West event. The event is a 12.5-mile swim clockwise around the island of Key West that is open to all age groups. It is the only sanctioned, insured and Coast Guard permitted race around the island. Individual swimmers and relay teams can compete. Higgs Beach – 1000 Atlantic Blvd. For information, go tohttp://www.swimaroundkeywest.org
