Royal Arcanum News and Events

 

Jun 01, 2021 Newsletter #19

Hi Member, The unofficial start of summer is here! We wish all our members a safe and enjoyable summer. Days of Observance Annual Council Reports COVID Updates June is the Month    Days of Observance Yesterday was Memorial Day in the United States, so it's a perfect time to remind ourselves about the various holidays celebrated across our jurisdictions. National Flag of Canada Day At the stroke of noon on February 15, 1965, Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. It was in 1996 that National Flag of Canada Day was declared. Armed Forces Day (US) The third Saturday of May has been established as Armed Forces Day, to celebrate all who currently serve and all who have served, both active and former, in the reserves, National Guard, or on active duty, including the Coast Guard. It was created in 1949 by the Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson to replace separate days that honored various branches of the military. Memorial Day (US) Celebrated as Decoration Day as far back as 1866 in New York and institutionalized in 1868 as a national observance, Memorial Day was established as a US Holiday in 1968 to honor service members who have died in military service to the nation. It is observed on the last Monday in May. Canadian Forces Day Canadian Forces Day is a holiday that celebrates the Canadian Armed Forces, their heritage, and their personnel. It is observed annually on the first Sunday in June. Although it is not a public holiday, it is marked with relevant events and activities across the country. Flag Day (US) Also called National Flag Day, this is a United States celebration honoring the national flag. It is observed on June 14, which commemorates the date in 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first national flag. Canada Day Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain on On July 1, 1867. The anniversary of this date was called Dominion Day until 1982. Since 1983, July 1 has been officially known as Canada Day. It is also celebrated together with Memorial Day in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Independence Day (US)  Independence Day, the Fourth of July, is the day celebrating the United States of America as a nation. It commemorates July 4th, 1776, when the United States of America proclaimed its independence from England by signing the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphians marked the first anniversary of independence in 1777, but, the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day" wasn't until 1791. Celebrations of Independence Day only became common after the War of 1812. It wasn't until 1870 that the U.S. Congress made Independence Day a holiday. Veteran's Day (US) and Remembrance Day (Canada) Armistice Day was set aside in 1919 in honor of the first anniversary of the end of World War I, which officially ended on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918. It became an official US Holiday in 1938 as a day to honor the men and women who have served in the military. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name Veterans Day in 1954. In the Uniform Holiday Act of 1968, the date was moved from November 11 to the fourth Monday of October but was reestablished to November 11 by President Gerald Ford in 1975. In Canada, it is often observed with public ceremonies and church services that often include the playing of “Last Post,” a reading of the fourth stanza of the poem “For the Fallen,” and two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. It is also known in both countries as Poppy Day for the artificial poppies that people wear and place at war memorials.    Annual Council Reports All council secretaries should have received a letter with the annual council reports. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the requirement for the election of officers has been waived, and only one signature is required for the certification. If you have misplaced the council report, the Grand Council Report and Subordinate Council Report forms are available on our website.    COVID Updates In the United States, the CDC says that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. In Canada, fully vaccinated people are still under restrictions. Canada has a three-pronged requirement to lift restrictions: local conditions, 75% of those eligible for vaccines having had at least 1 dose of vaccine, and 20% fully vaccinated with a second dose. These conditions are expected to begin to be met during the summer. The eased restrictions may include being allowed to sit on restaurant patios, gather in small groups outdoors, and enjoy activities like picnics, hiking, and camping. Travel for recreational reasons between the USA and Canada remains restricted. The situation is reviewed monthly around the 21st of the month. We are hoping the number of fully vaccinated people in both the USA and Canada reaches the levels required to allow free travel again.    June Events Men's Health Month June is International Men’s Health Month, which focuses on improving the health and lifestyles of men. This month encourages men to take care of their bodies by eating right, exercising, and working to prevent disease. International Men’s Health Week 2021 is June 14-20. National Adopt a Cat Month National Adopt a Cat Month is dedicated to our feline friends when considering a new pet.  It’s a time to learn how to prepare your home for a new kitten or adult cat, and how to know what kind of cat may be best for you. National Safety Month June is also National Safety Month and encourages everyone to consider the risks around the home and to improve their safety. It is an annual time to review your plans for emergencies in case of fires, tornados, earthquakes, or any other risk that may apply in your area. The safety of our members is always important! National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month With everyone beginning to plan their gardens, don't forget that June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month. Consider swapping out canned or frozen items for something fresh, maybe from your own garden or from a farmer's market. Time for something delicious and healthy, too!