June noteables for women and some great reading

            This month commemorates many firsts and notables in history for women such as the first woman elected to US Congress Jeannette Rankin, first American woman in space Dr. Sally Ride a physicist and pilot, Sally Jan Pries and was ordained as the first woman rabbi in the US, pioneering feminist Susan B Anthony was arrested for voting in a presidential election (which did not become legal until August 1920), the composer of the melody “Happy Birthday to You” Mildred J. Hill was born, as was Harriett Beecher Stowe who wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin,  photojournalist Margaret Burke-White who became the first accredited war correspondent in World War II and American author Pearl  Buck who wrote The Good Earth and won a Pulitzer Prize for her many books. 

            These are but a few who laid a path before us that lends toward our having a “chosen” profession that we can appreciate and grow as a result of “their” accomplishments. 

As most of you know, I have a passion for reading and am in a book group that meets monthly.  As luck would have it when we made our 2009 reading selections our June book review was I’m Proud of You by Tim Madigan which chronicles the friendship between the author and Fred Rogers.  Yes, “THE” Mr. Rogers, in the same month as Father’s Day.  Mr. Rogers was a welcome addition to our TV family time and right on cue with many of the topics that my sons and I had the need to discuss.  What could be more appropriate leisure reading this month?  I highly recommend that you create the time to read this wonderful book. 

Father's Day, Flay Day and June trivia

When thinking of the month of June, ones first thought is probably Fathers Day, which for me is equally as important as Mothers Day, followed by Flag Day (Flag Birthday).

My Dad died in July 1994 but I have some special memories that are as fresh as when they happened.  In fact, it was my dad that explained the “facts of life” to me on the night of my first date about an hour before my date began.  Whew.  Talk about mixed emotions. I could hardly wait for the date to end so that I could feel safe again AND BACK AT HOME.  It was almost a year a before I had nerve enough to try dating again and to this day I do not recall with whom I had that first date.

Be sure to thank your dad for loving you enough to make decisions that may have caused some discomfort or inconvenience, for they most certainly influenced you to become who you are today. 

Preceding Fathers Day each year is Flag Day on June 14^th. I am glad to say that in June 2000 during my vacation in Washington, D.C., I was able to actually see one of our original US flags.  Shortly afterwards, the exhibit was closed to the public in order to complete some necessary repairs.  The dimensions were so much greater than I had expected, covered the entire room and I was in absolute awe of such an incredible part of our history.  Our entire tour group was silent in honor and respect as we actually viewed such a symbol of our freedom as American citizens.  It was a most memorable experience coupled with seeing our current flag flown over the White House in the same week.

Take pride in our flag, your citizenship, and your freedom to succeed as an individual, professional or business owner which we all know can best happen here and together.

Now, here is your June trivia and memorable milestones:

In 1916, Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, our Stars and Stripes.

In 1972, President Richard Nixon signs into law a permanent U.S. Father’s Day to be observed on the third Sunday of June.

June 11, 1880 the first woman was elected to US Congress, Jeannette Rankin

June 18, 1983 Dr. Sally Ride, a 32-year-old physicist and pilot, became the first American woman in space, beginning a six-day mission aboard the space shuttle Challenger, launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

June 27, 1859 American musician Mildred J. Hill (1859-1916) was born in Louisville, Kentucky. She composed the melody, Happy Birthday to You.

June 30, 1971 - The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was enacted, granting the right to vote in all federal, state and local elections to American citizens 18 years or older.