Conversation 27

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NATIONAL MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY

National Make A Difference Day brings community service to a whole new level each year. Organizations join forces on the fourth Saturday in October to make a difference, big or small.

Millions of people have united in the common mission to improve the lives of others.

For more than 20 years, USA Weekend and Points of Light sponsored National Make a Difference Day. It became the largest national day of community service. However, the two organizations no longer promote the community service weekend. Despite that, the event carries on, thanks to many with like-minded beliefs in their communities.

All across the country, organizations pick up the tools required to help others during this weekend. Sometimes, they pick another weekend in October. However, they do it, they do so making a difference in the lives of others and their communities. The expression of love for each other through support and good ol’ elbow grease is sometimes all we need to make a difference.

NATIONAL TENNESSEE DAY

National Tennessee Day recognizes the Volunteer State on October 26. Tennessee was the 16th state admitted to the union. The great state brings with it the Great Smoky Mountains, centers for blues and country music, and depth of history that surges through art.

As the gateway to the deep south, Tennessee experienced heavy burdens during the Civil War. As a slaveholding state with many Union sympathizers and Union occupying units, Tennessee was often as divided as the country during the war. It was the only state to have a battle or skirmish in every county.

Two anchor cities, Memphis and Nashville, provide abundant talent and draw even more. It should be no surprise the music and entertainment industry thrive in Tennessee. For more than 75 years The Grand Ole Opry has provided a cornerstone of radio performances. thrilling audiences of all ages.

The state lays claim to royalty, too! The King of Rock and Roll made his home at Graceland. Today it is the most frequently visited private residence visited after the Whitehouse. The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, too.

The region is brimming with waterfalls, trails, and wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains provide plenty of opportunities to get out and explore.

NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY

National Pumpkin Day recognizes a favored autumn decoration and food on October 26th. Not only do they make great fall decorations, but the pumpkin also completes a variety of tasty recipes. Join a pumpkin competition or visit any of the many fall festivals featuring the beautiful gourds.

NATIONAL CHICKEN FRIED STEAK DAY

National Chicken Fried Steak Day is celebrated on October 26th every year and dedicated to one of the most beloved comfort foods in the Southern U.S known as chicken fried steak.

Chicken fried steak is a dish made from beef that has been tenderized, breaded, and then deep-fried. It is often served with a creamy gravy and mashed potatoes.

Chicken fried steak can be traced back to the late 19th century, and it is believed to have been influenced by German and Austrian immigrants who brought recipes for Wiener schnitzel to the U.S.

NATIONAL FINANCIAL CRIME FIGHTER DAY

On October 26th, National Financial Crime Fighter Day recognizes the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) professionals. Because not all superheroes wear capes. Sometimes, they wear business suits, dresses, or jeans and serve in the back offices of financial institutions. These are the people who protect the United States financial industry. They include law enforcement officers and other government personnel.

NATIONAL TRICK OR TREAT DAY

National Trick or Treat Day on the last Saturday in October extends one of the country’s favorite holidays – Halloween!

Dressing up as the scariest or most fascinating character we know draws us to the holiday. People of all ages put hours of effort into creating elaborate costumes for one big night. Wouldn’t it be nice to get dress up and pretend just a little bit more? Of course, it would!

This celebration offers the ideal opportunity to host spooky parties, neighborhood trick or treating or local festivals. And everyone gets to wear their scariest, most elaborate, delightful costumes, too! What a fun way to get together with friends and family to carve pumpkins and enjoy the fall weather while extending the life of your creative ideas.