All - Leep Calendar

WORLD FOOTBALL DAY—CELEBRATING THE SPORT'S GLOBAL IMPACT The United Nations General Assembly declared May 25 World Football Day, recognizing the sport's profound influence on peace, development, and global unity. The resolution, adopted on May 9, 2024, celebrates the centenary of the first international football tournament held at the 1924 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, a historic event that marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition of international football and international cooperation in sports. Reaffirming the role of sport as a vital enabler of sustainable development, the General Assembly highlighted football's significant contribution to fostering tolerance, respect, and empowerment across various communities. The resolution underscores football's unique ability to promote physical and mental health, education, and above all, social inclusion, thereby inspiring positive change in the lives of youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Football's universal popularity is not just a testament to its appeal, but also a powerful tool for promoting peace, development, and human rights, the resolution states. The sport has a unique ability to break down barriers, combat discrimination, and inspire positive change, making it an invaluable asset in our collective efforts towards a better world. The proclamation of World Football Day aims to raise public awareness of critical issues such as climate change and health through high-profile events and the involvement of athletes and teams. The UN strongly calls upon member states to actively support football as a means of fostering social inclusion and intercultural dialogue. It urges the adoption of policies that promote sports at national and local levels, emphasizing the crucial role of member states in contributing to the global football community and the broader societal benefits that can be reaped from such support. The resolution commends nations hosting significant international football events and encourages them to ensure these events leave a lasting legacy of global peace and sportsmanship. It also highlights initiatives like Football for the Goals, which engage the international football community in advocating for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting sustainability practices. The UN invites all member states, international organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders to observe World Football Day with educational and public awareness activities. The goal is to celebrate football's benefits and role in uniting people across the globe. The UN hopes to harness the sport's unifying power to inspire action towards a more peaceful and inclusive world.

Africa

May

Foreign Service Workers Day: May 2

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US Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), co-founders of the Senate Foreign Service Caucus, are introducing a resolution designating May 1, 2020, as “United States Foreign Service Day” in recognition of the men and women who have served, or are presently serving, in the Foreign Service of the United States and honoring the members of the Foreign Service who have given their lives in the line of duty. Foreign Service Day has been celebrated on the first Friday in May for generations; 2020 marks 96 years since the establishment of the Foreign Service in 1924. The Foreign Service, comprising 16,000 US personnel, plus 75,000 locally-engaged personnel who serve at embassies and consulates overseas, are members of the Department of State, the US Agency for International Development, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and the US Agency for Global Media. “Across the globe, American Foreign Service Officers work tirelessly to protect and promote our country’s best interests. As we’ve faced new challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, you’ve worked overtime to help Americans abroad and to bring many home. Your efforts are vital to our nation, and I’m proud to recognize your hard work and immense contributions in celebration of the 96th Foreign Service Day,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I’d like to salute the members of the Foreign Service on the occasion of the 96th anniversary of the founding of this crucial diplomatic corps,” said Senator Sullivan. “Your day-in and day-out work—engaging governments, businesses and individuals around the world—strengthens our national security, assists our citizens, and promotes US interests abroad. Additionally, at an unprecedented time for our country, your relentless efforts in assisting thousands of our citizens, including Alaskans, to return home is one more example of the invaluable contributions of our Foreign Service.”

Africa

May

Foster Care Month, Ntl.: May

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The purpose of National Foster Care Month is to take an active role in activities across the country that recognize not only these cherished children and youth but also the commitment of so many that touch their lives at a most challenging time. Young people in foster care are in the system through no fault of their own. Some are escaping abuse, while others have become orphans. Strong support structures provide children the environment to learn, grow, and reach their potential. Stability is critical to the future success of foster youth and must be a key component of foster care initiatives.

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May

Foul Ball Week, Ntl.(1921): May 16-21

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On May 16, 1921, Reuben Berman caught a foul ball during a Reds and Giants baseball game. At the time, the custom was to return the ball to the teams. Berman didn't want to, so when security came to get it. He tossed it into the crowd as they escorted him out of the ballpark. He then turned around and sued the Giants, whose stadium it was, for pain and suffering, because he couldn't keep the ball. He was awarded US$100 by the courts, far more than the cost of a baseball, teaching the team owners a lesson. Eventually, every club would allow fans to keep any balls that landed in the stands. To mark that sportsman's victory, we celebrate National Foul Ball Week. This event first ran in 2017.

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May

French Open (FR): May 25 - June 8

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The French Open, or Roland Garros, is one of the most venerated tennis tournaments in the world. As one of the Big Four tennis tournaments referred to as the Grand Slam, it is a match of champions. A distinctive peculiarity about Roland Garros is that it is one of the few tennis tournaments played on clay courts, a slower field than grass courts. The men's tennis player with the most wins at Roland Garros post-1925 is Spaniard Rafael Nadal (twelve); for women, it is the legendary American Chris Evert (seven in total).

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May

Frog Jumping Day (1865): May 13

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Today is the anniversary of Mark Twain's "Jim Smiley and his Jumping Frog" release in 1865 at age 29. Jim Smiley and his Jumping Frog was Mark Twain's first book to draw a broad audience, marking the beginning of one of the most celebrated writing careers in American history and the birth of the Calaveras County jumping frog contest. This popular tourist attraction remains alive to this day. The story of Smiley and his frog is about gambling and having the wool pulled over your eyes, teaching a valuable life lesson everyone can benefit from.

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May

Galveston Historic Home Tour (US-TX): May 2-11

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The Galveston Historical Foundation opens the doors to Galveston’s architectural history through public tours of privately owned homes during its annual weekend-centered Galveston Historic Homes Tour—large, small, and everything in between. Take a walk through history, the Texas way.

Africa

May

Ganga Saptami (H): May 3

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Ganga Saptami (Ganga Jayanti / Ganga Pujan) is devoted to the goddess Ganga, representing happiness, fame, and salvation. Bathing in the Ganges river on Ganga Saptami is seen to bring good fortune. Garlands float down the river, and the Ganga Aarti, a devotional service featuring lit wicks soaked in butter nestled in bowls, is offered to the gods at sundown. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

May

Garden Meditation Day: May 3

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Need an excuse to spend the day in the garden? Welcome to Garden Meditation Day. Today is your day to get out and lose yourself in your favorite hobby. Breathe in the air, focus on the flowers, and be one with nature. Annually on the third of May.

Africa

May

Garden Month, Gifts from the: May

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Our gardens give us so much, from the joy of seeing the fruits of labor to fresh vegetables, pulses, flowers, herbs, and berries. Celebrate the Gifts from Your Garden Month each May.

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May

Garden Wildlife Week (UK): May 26 - June 1

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Garden Wildlife Week falls on the last week and encourages people to have more animal-friendly gardens. During this week, people are encouraged to plant more nectar-rich plants, create a bee home or participate in Polli:Nation, a science program promoting these pollinators. People are also discouraged from using insecticides.

Africa

May

Gardening for Wildlife Month: May

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The National Wildlife Federation's Annual Garden for Wildlife Month offers home gardeners, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservationists a chance to join with millions of their peers nationwide and help support species in their backyards. "From butterflies to birds and everything in between, species are facing unprecedented threats to their survival. Garden for Wildlife Month offers Americans a critical way they can support wildlife in their locality," said Mary Phillips, senior director of the Garden for Wildlife program. "We at the National Wildlife Federation are inspired by the millions who are making simple changes to their outdoor spaces — from whole landscaped areas to a few planters — to support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. You can make a difference when you plant with purpose." An estimated seven million people participate in Garden for Wildlife annually, making it the nation's largest effort dedicated to helping wildlife locally. In the United States alone, a million acres a year disappear due to expanding urban and suburban development.

Africa

May

Gator Day, Ntl: May 29

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National Alligator Day, celebrated annually on May 29th, is a relatively new observance established in 2021 by Wild Florida Airboats. The day raises awareness about alligators, emphasizing their importance to Florida's ecosystem and fascinating nature. It serves as an opportunity for the public to learn about these incredible reptiles and their unique role in their natural habitats. Alligators, existing for over 35 million years, are among the largest and most formidable reptiles. They are indigenous to the United States, Mexico, and China, with the American and Chinese alligators being the only remaining species. Florida and Louisiana boast the largest populations of American alligators in the United States. National Alligator Day aims to provide a different perspective on these often misunderstood creatures, highlighting their ecological significance and the intrigue they add to Florida's wildlife. The day includes: Visiting gator parks. Learning about alligator biology and behavior. Taking airboat tours to observe these reptiles in their natural environment. Gator Day underscores the need for public education about alligators, particularly for Floridians who share their environment with these ancient animals. It's a call to celebrate and respect the alligators' role in the ecosystem and to appreciate their presence as a vital aspect of the region's biodiversity and ecotourism.

Africa

May

Gaza Freedom Flotilla Attack (2010): May 31

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On May 31, 2010, the Israeli navy attacked the unarmed civilian ship, the Mavi Marmara, the lead boat in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. The flotilla was in international waters, well outside of Israeli sovereignty in the Mediterranean Sea. The attack by Israeli forces resulted in the murder of nine activists, eight from Turkey and the ninth from the United States. Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (iHH) created the "Free Gaza Movement" and organized the flotilla to bring humanitarian aid and construction materials to the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel has and continues to maintain a complete blockade since 2007. International outrage over the incident was immediate and dramatically shook Turkish-Israeli relations. As of 2023, the Gaza Strip, with over two million people, over 70 percent under the age of 30, is still under the complete stranglehold of the Israeli military with limited movement of goods and people in or out. Despite paying taxes, the people of Gaza have no rights or status under Israeli law. The Israeli army has occupied, blockaded, or quarantined the Gaza Strip since 1967. In the centuries leading up to 1967, the coastal region was a thriving agricultural and commercial hub, with beautiful beaches and a steady tourism trade. Today, it is one of the most impoverished places in the world, regularly surveilled, bombed, and starved of even the most basic necessities by the occupying nation. Under international law, Israel's behavior in the Gaza Strip is collective punishment, a war crime. The situation is so dire that Gaza is described as an "open-air prison" by human rights advocates worldwide. The Freedom Flotilla and the Mavi Marmara were trying to alleviate the situation. The hasbara (propaganda) by the attacking nation attempted to spin the story in favor of the military. However, though the falsified videos and reporting remain easily accessible on the internet, investigations proved deception, and the state ultimately paid modest reparations to the families of the murdered human rights workers. The full report on the Mavi Marmara attack is in the document download section below, including the details on how and where the attacking nation manipulated the videos and story to distort the attack and change the narrative.

Africa

May

Geek Pride Day (1977): May 25

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Geek Pride Day is an annual celebration of geek culture in the US observed since 2008 on the anniversary of the release of the first Star Wars film, May 25, 1977. In 1998 Tim Mc Eacher organized several unconnected events called Geek Pride Festival at a bar in Albany, New York. While it's a US national event, Geek Pride Day is acknowledged and celebrated in Canada and Europe and several other cities such as Halifax, Nova Scotia; Budapest, Hungary; Tel Aviv, Israel; Timişoara, Romania, and others.

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