Fall into September observances

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  September often stirs images of children on school buses, falling leaves and meats on a barbecue one last time.
September may also bring somber thoughts to those who remember our Prisoners Of War, those Missing In Action and the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.
But as the Autumn equinox begins Sept. 21, fans of the first month of Fall know there's much more to think about and remember.
As families enjoy Labor Day Sept. 4, a day the government recognizes the American worker, they can also honor three foods celebrated during the month. Barbecue chicken to celebrate Chicken Month, with a honey barbecue sauce to recognize Honey Month, and have fresh apples on the side in honor of Apple Month. Be sure to use coupons for discounts on Labor Day needs, because it's also Coupon Month.
Children are especially on parents' minds this month. September is Baby Safety Month, Child Cancer Awareness Month, Little League Month and School Success Month. Read with them in honor of Literacy Day Sept. 8. Children can also thank their parents and grandparents this month by being good for Children's Good Manners Month or with a big hug on Grandparent's Day Sept. 11.
For single people or those who consider their dogs their children, Singles Week takes place the third week of the month, and Dog Week is the last week.
Want to improve your health? Participate in Self-Awareness Month and Sickle-Cell Month with a checkup if it's been awhile since your last visit to the doctor. Maybe in your self awareness you admitted to a problem. Get help as soon as possible any time, but especially now during Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
Be a good neighbor and celebrate Good Neighbor Day Sept. 24. Hispanic Americans can double their fun this month, as they celebrate all of these observances as well as Hispanic American Heritage Month, which takes place Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
Finally, all Americans have more than one reason to honor their country in September. In memory of those who lost their lives at the World Trade Centers, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, Congress designated that day Patriot Day. Military POWs and MIA are also remembered the third Friday in September every year. In 1940, the third Sunday in May was named I Am An American Day. This was changed to Sept. 17 in 1952 and was renamed Constitution and Citizenship Day to honor the Constitution.
So as you're putting your children on the bus, swimming at the lake one more time or attending a somber ceremony, there's plenty to remember and be thankful for this month.