Lots of awareness days in August

I had so much fun last month searching out and reading about international awareness days I thought I would peruse the subject again for August. There is definitely some interesting information out there so here is a selection for the month of August so you will have even more knowledge to stimulate conversation with your friends and family.

August 5th was International Beer Day. Since 2008, this global celebration has been celebrated in over 200 cities in pubs, breweries, and backyards all over the world. The first beer was brewed by the ancient Chinese about 7,000 BC. Experts believed beer was accidentally discovered through grains used for bread making, which fermented.

August 6th was Balloons to Heaven Day, a day of remembrance for the innumerable lives lost to gun violence. Releasing balloons symbolizes letting go of loved ones who passed away. Yet, it can represent something different to anyone: a meditative activity, a sense of lightness and comfort, and the hope that those we lost are at peace.

August 6th was also Farmworker Appreciation Day, created to demonstrate gratitude to all those working in the field and raise awareness of all the issues they face yearly. Farmworkers are an integral part of the food chain and agriculture jobs are among the most hazardous professions. My thanks to all of them!

August 8th was International Cat Day. Created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the day raises awareness of cats and ways to protect them. Today, it is the most common pet in the world, and evidence suggests that people domesticated cats in the Middle East over 10,000 years ago.

August 13th is your chance to share how proud you are of being left-handed as well as allowing you to raise awareness of the everyday challenges lefties encounter, living in a world designed for right-handers. Lefthanders could find it difficult to use a can opener or scissors, as the vast majority of our day-to-day tasks rely on objects and environments designed to accommodate right-handers.

On August 19th, 2003, a bombing raid targeted the Canal Hotel in Baghdad in Iraq, killing 22 humanitarian aid workers. Five years after this tragedy, the UN General Assembly decided to designate August 19th as World Humanitarian Day. With a yearly recurrence, World Humanitarian Day concentrates on a theme focused on the survival, well-being, and dignity of those affected by disasters while maintaining the highest level of safety and security for aid workers.

Every year since 1897, August 20th has been observed as World Mosquito Day. A day to raise awareness about the illness and disease caused by mosquitos, such as deadly malaria. More than 400,000 people fall victim to malaria each year, and an estimated two-thirds of deaths are children under the age of five even though it is a preventable and treatable infection.

On August 21st, all seniors around the world will celebrate World Senior Citizen's Day. Typically, it is a day to remember and appreciate the enrichment and value that older generations bring to society. The origins of this celebration trace back to

1988 when former President of the US, Ronald Reagan, officially signed a proclamation stating that senior citizens' have achieved a lot throughout their lives, and we owe our gratitude.

International Day of the Disappeared, International Overdose Awareness Day, Work Like a Dog Day, World Lion Day, International Youth Day, Women's Equality Day, International Day Against Nuclear Testing, World Photography Day, World Orangutan Day,