April 18, 2016 – NATIONAL ANIMAL CRACKERS DAY – NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY – NATIONAL COLUMNISTS’ DAY

                              NATIONAL ANIMAL CRACKERS DAY

National Animal Crackers Day is observed on April 18.  
This day brings us back to our childhood memories and the many boxes of Animal Crackers we shared with our friends.  Animal Crackers refer to a type of small cookie baked in the shape of circus or zoo animals, such as a lion, tiger, bear or elephant.  The most common variety are light-colored and slightly sweet. However,  chocolate and frosted varieties are also available.  Even though animal crackers are made with layered dough much like crackers, they are sweet like cookies. 
HOW TO OBSERVE

National Animal Crackers Day is the perfect day to celebrate that childhood memory again. Pick up some animal crackers at your local grocery store and share them with family and friends.   Share your photos of your Animal Crackers Day celebration using #NationalAnimalCrackersDay.
HISTORY
National Animal Crackers Day is an unofficial holiday, and our research was unable to find the creator of the day.  Our research did locate information confirming in the late 1800s animal shaped cookies were imported to the U.S. from England.  In 1902 animal crackers officially became known as “Barnum’s Animals” and evoked the familiar circus theme of the Barnum and Bailey Circus.  Later that year, the now-familiar box with a string was designed for the Christmas season made to hang from the Christmas tree.  They were a big hit in 1902 and still are today. (http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/04/18/national-animal-crackers-day/)
 

NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY

April 18 has been designated as National Lineman Appreciation Day.  If the power is on where you are reading this article, you likely have a lineman to thank.  
From the power plant, the grid crisscrossing the country both above and underground and right up to the meters on our homes, these men and women build and maintain the system that keeps our nation running.
Regardless of the source, the electricity has to be transported by employing transformers and other equipment. Due to the dangerous conditions electricity poses, safety is of utmost importance for both the lineman and the consumer.
When mother nature destroys what our linemen have built up, they are on call to build it back up again as quickly as possible. These men and women work tirelessly to get emergency systems back in working order and to urgently return service to remaining areas.
Even when there is no crisis, they work under dangerous conditions on a daily basis. Whether they are working in trenches, near water or on high towers, the risks are extreme.
HOW TO OBSERVE
You can celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day by thanking your local lineman by using #NationalLinemanAppreciationDay and #thankalineman on Social Media.
HISTORY
This day was first recognized on April 10, 2013, by the U.S. Senate by Resolution S Res 95.  For more information on National Lineman Appreciation Day visit www.nationallinemanappreciationday.com.
 

NATIONAL COLUMNISTS’ DAY

National Columnists’ Day is observed each year on April 18.  On this day, we honor all newspaper columnists and their contributions to the truth in black and white.  
Columnists have the ability to inspire a plethora of emotions that often result in action. What many may not realize is that is their intent.  If their readers are not moved by their column, they have not done their job.
With their own flavor of humor or satire, some columnists lighten the mood or play a role. Others strictly provide us with a different perspective with hard facts and solid research.
Whatever their style or approach, each columnist’s hard work connects them to the world.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Celebrate National Columnists’ Day by acknowledging all the people who do the research and write the columns that we rely on reading each day.  Share your favorite columnist or newspaper writer on Social Media using #NationalColumnistDay.
HISTORY
National Columnists’ Day is an unofficial national day.  However, the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, which was founded in 1977,  sponsors and promotes this day annually.  April 18 was chosen as the annual date for National Columnists’ Day in memory of well-known columnist and 1944 Pulitzer Prize winner Ernie Pyle.  If you would like to learn more about National Columnists’ Day or Ernie Pyle, visit (http://www.columnists.com/2010/04/national-columnists-day-april-18/).