There are many things that we students like about June. It’s the month when the weather warms up, we’re let out of school, and we finally get to have some fun. There are also some things that you might not know about June: for example, did you know that aside from Pride Month, June is also Adopt a Cat Month? Or that the first week of June is National Gardening Week? While there are many more fascinating holidays and events in this intriguing month, I’ve chosen to focus on three: D-Day, Juneteenth, and the Summer Solstice.
Most of you know about D-Day. On June 6, 1944, American, British, and Canadian forces led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower went across the English Channel onto the beaches of Northern France, beginning the month-long battle of Normandy. The battle was a major victory for the Allies and has been called the beginning of the end to World War II. The celebration of D-Day in America is meant to honor the many soldiers who lost their lives during the invasion and to commemorate the living for their bravery. D-Day is observed by American citizens but is not a federal holiday, so neither federal workers nor workers in the private sector are given this day off. Ways to celebrate this day include visiting WWII memorials and museums, or by watching one of the many movies dedicated to the topic, including The Longest Day, Saving Private Ryan, and Band of Brothers.
Juneteenth, the 19th of June, is a lesser-known holiday, which is relatively shocking, considering how significant it is in American history; it is the anniversary of when the Union Army enforced the abolition of slavery in Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation, the executive order freeing all slaves in rebel territories, was issued on January 1, 1863, it took some states a while to comply. Texas was the last, doing so almost two and a half years later. Reasons that could explain for the delay include that the messenger carrying the proclamation of freedom was murdered or that Texans deliberately continued to enslave men, women, and children even after the proclamation. Other names for this commemorative day include Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Independence Day. Observed by Americans, this holiday is strongly focused on education and self-improvement; common ways to celebrate this holiday include rodeos, baseball games, fishing, and large community barbecues.
The Summer Solstice, which is on June 21, is older than both of the aforementioned holidays; it was celebrated by ancient cultures as the longest day of the year, starting with the Neolithic humans to mark when the harvest began. The holiday has been associated with the feast of St. John and Midsummer, which are both on June 24, ever since the early Catholics co-opted the Summer Solstice to try and convert their pagan neighbors. It is a celebration, not only of the power of life but of remembering the darkness that has yet to come. During the day, it was popular to meditate in the sunlight and to have a noontime celebration when the sun was at its peak. Bonfires were often lit after sundown as a reminder to keep warm over the coming months. While some people enjoy the holiday here in the Americas, people in Sweden really go all out; their enthusiastic celebrations include dancing, large amounts of food, and flower crowns. It is said that on Midsummer, the powers of nature are at a peak, so wreaths of flowers are created to harness magic.
These three important dates have very different backgrounds, levels of observance, and importance. D-Day is a solemn day of remembrance, Juneteenth is the celebration of a dark chapter in history ending, and the Summer Solstice is the beginning of a new phase of the year. June 6 is a time to remember the people who have died for our country and to contemplate the horrors of war. June 19 is a day to spend with family, to learn about the impact of the Civil War and of slavery, and to be thankful for and celebrate diversity. June 21 is a day for celebrating the Sun, the goodness of the Earth and the beauty all around us. However you choose to participate in these, or if you choose not to, hopefully you know something now that you didn’t before.