All - Leep Calendar

Who doesn’t love babies? They’re so cute, curious, and just plain lovable! National Baby Day has no sponsor and is an unofficial holiday in early May, a week before Mother’s Day. It’s an opportunity for retailers to have sales and moms to show off the latest edition to the family. Like many events in the LEEP, this came into being simply by people proclaiming and celebrating it. Enjoy National Baby Day.

Africa

May

Big Day of Giving: May 2 (est)

06:20 AM | -

The Sacramento region will come together for one BIG Day of Giving, a challenge to support local nonprofits beginning at midnight for the next 24 hours. Donations on this day will help expand programs nationwide and locally. Though Big Day of Giving is currently a regional program, the nonprofit wants to expand this program nationwide and internationally in the coming years and welcomes inquiries.

Africa

May

Brothers & Sisters Day, Intl.: May 2

06:20 AM | -

International Brothers and Sisters Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor. Through custom occurs on May 2 each year. It is one of two days a year to honor brothers and sisters specifically, in addition to Siblings Day, an official international event.

Africa

May

Guru Arjan Dev Ji (S)(1653): May 2

06:20 AM | -

Guru Arjan Dev Ji (May 2, 1563-June 16, 1606), was the fifth Guru of the Sikhs and a prominent spiritual leader in Sikhism. He was born in Goindwal, Punjab (present-day India), to Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, and Mata Bhani Ji. Guru Arjan Dev Ji became the Guru in 1581, following his father's footsteps. Guru Arjan Dev Ji made significant contributions to the development and growth of Sikhism. Some of his key achievements include: Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)—In Amritsar, Guru Arjan Dev Ji designed and laid the foundation of the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple. This holy shrine is the most important pilgrimage site for Sikhs and symbolizes unity, humility, and spirituality. Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib)—Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the Adi Granth, the first edition of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the central religious scripture of Sikhism. He included the hymns of the first five Gurus and the works of several Hindu and Muslim saints, emphasizing the universality of spiritual wisdom. Establishment of Sikh centers—He established various Sikh centers, called Manjis and Masands, to help spread the teachings of Sikhism and support the growing community. These centers played a significant role in disseminating spiritual knowledge, promoting social welfare, and managing community affairs. Martyrdom—Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the first Sikh Guru to attain martyrdom. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir arrested, tortured, and executed Ji in 1606, primarily due to his growing influence and refusal to convert to Islam. His martyrdom marked a turning point in Sikh history, leading to the militarization of the Sikh community under the leadership of his successor, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Guru Arjan Dev Ji's life and teachings continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide. His emphasis on humility, service, equality, and devotion to God are central to Sikh values and beliefs.

Africa

May

Osama bin Laden Killed (2011): May 2

06:20 AM | -

May 2, 2011, is the anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden. Below is the official White House Statement on the event. 11:35 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. It was nearly ten years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory—hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction. And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family. We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda—an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies. Over the last ten years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort. We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot. Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world. And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network. Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice. Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body. For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda. Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must—and we will—remain vigilant at home and abroad. As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not—and never will be—at war with Islam. I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity. Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we’ve done. But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people. Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates. The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly ten years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded. So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done. Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice. We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day. Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores. And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people. The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America. END 11:44 P.M. EDT

Africa

May

Prayer, National Day of: May 2

06:20 AM | -

The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952; however, throughout American history, many official National Days of Prayer have existed. It is non-denominational and not specific to any religion, and Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Jews, and people from all faiths participate. In recent years atheist groups have created an alternative to this day, known as the National Day of Reason. The constitutionality of the day is regularly challenged on First Amendment grounds. Prayer has played an essential role in the American story and in shaping our Nation's leaders. President Abraham Lincoln once said, "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day." The late Coretta Scott King recounted a tough night during the Montgomery bus boycott when her husband, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., received a threatening phone call and prayed at the kitchen table, saying, "Lord, I have nothing left. I have nothing left. I have come to the point where I can't face it alone." Dr. King said in that moment of prayer, he was filled with a sense of comfort and resolve, which his wife credited as a turning point in the civil rights movement.

Africa

May

Robert's Rules Day (1837): May 2

06:20 AM | -

Robert's Rules Day marks the anniversary of the birth of American General Henry M. Robert on May 2, 1837. He was the author of Robert's Rules of Order, a guide to running efficient meetings, organizations, and groups. He passed away on May 11, 1923.

Africa

May

Scurvy Awareness Day: May 2

06:20 AM | -

Scurvy Awareness Day brings in the United States and highlights the hundreds of cases of Scurvy reported each year. It's a sickness largely plaguing homeless people due to their lack of access to fresh produce. Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C, something most common in citrus fruits. Live Strong initially sponsored Scurvy Awareness Day. It is currently unsponsored.

Africa

May

Truffle Day: May 2

06:20 AM | -

Truffle Day celebrates truffles, the chocolate candy with a sweet or nutty filling. These candy box delights first appeared in the 1920s in Europe and came in three key varieties: American, European, and Swiss. Each style has a distinctive size, texture, and shelf life. Swiss and French truffles must be eaten within a day or two of their creation and tend to be small and round. American truffles generally last years and tend to be larger or oval.

Africa

May

Tuna Day, World: May 2

06:20 AM | -

World Tuna Day is a day that commemorates the fish most commonly used in cooking, the tuna. In 2017 the United Nations officially added World Tuna Day to its dossier of awareness campaigns, recognizing the critical role of tuna in sustainable development, food security, economic opportunity, and livelihoods of people around the world. Tuna species account for 20 percent of fish caught in the oceans and over eight percent of internationally traded seafood. Tuna plays a crucial role in ensuring a healthy and robust marine ecosystem. Nearly two-thirds of the tuna currently served in restaurants and purchased through supermarkets originates in the Pacific Ocean. Small Island Development States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDC) benefit most from the sustainable use of marine resources and the challenges affecting tuna stocks. However, the decline in Ocean health continues to affect all fish species, including tuna, making the future outlook of this essential food source uncertain.

Africa

Apr

African Violet Week, Ntl (US-AZ): April 21-28

06:20 AM | -

The actual test of a green thumb is either orchids or African violets. Each year the African Violet Society of America holds its annual convention and trade show during National African Violet Week in Texas. Competitions, tips, workshops, and dozens of varieties of African violets can be bought and celebrated.

PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jun

BBQ Week, Ntl. (UK): June 3-9

06:20 AM | -

First held in 1996, National BBQ Week in the United Kingdom is a time to show off your grilling IQ, gather with friends, and share the best outdoor cooking available. Brits love their barbies, and this is one of the most anticipated awareness weeks of the year with full coverage in the media and locally.

Africa

Jun

Safe Kids Week, Parachute (CA): June 3-9

06:20 AM | -

Parachute Safe Kids Week is a national awareness campaign in Canada developed to bring attention to predictable and preventable injuries in children.

Africa

May

Chocolate Custard Day, Ntl.: May 3

06:20 AM | -

National Chocolate Custard Day has a bit of contention. Nobody knows its origin or whether May 3 or May 5 is correct. Going back over the past ten years, we find it marked on both. Therefore, we're keeping it as the third because it comes first. However, go for it if you want to celebrate on the fifth or from the third through the fifth. One can never have too much chocolate custard! National Chocolate Custard Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

Africa

May

Constitution Day (PL)(1791): May 3

06:20 AM | -

National Day in Poland is celebrated annually on May 3rd and is known as Constitution Day (Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja). This public holiday commemorates the adoption of the Polish Constitution on May 3, 1791. The Constitution of May 3rd was a significant milestone in Poland's history, as it was the first written constitution in modern Europe and the second-oldest written constitution in the world, after the United States Constitution. The Polish Constitution of 1791 aimed to reform and strengthen the political system, providing for the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches, while also improving the rights and conditions of the peasantry. The constitution was a progressive document for its time and sought to address many of the issues that had weakened the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Constitution Day is a major national holiday in Poland, marked by various activities and events throughout the country. Celebrations include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, concerts, and cultural events, as well as speeches by political leaders. The day is an opportunity for Poles to express their national pride and unity, and to honor their history and the progressive ideals enshrined in the Constitution of May 3rd.

Africa