NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
SUNDAY, MAY 7TH
In the early 1950s, an evangelical movement called for Congress and the President to proclaim a National Day of Prayer. The movement grew, and a young leader, Evangelist Billy Graham, led services for approximately 20,000 on the steps of the Capitol on February 3, 1952. Later that year, Congress proclaimed a joint resolution for a National Day of Prayer. President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a National Day of Prayer to be observed on July 4, 1952. Each year since that date, Americans have observed the day in their own way. The observance was moved to the first Thursday in May by President Ronald Reagan and has been proclaimed each year since.
MOTHER'S DAY
SUNDAY, MAY 10TH
Mother's Day in the United States this year is on Sunday, May 10th. This precious holiday is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in May, and honors mothers and mother figures. This special day gives us the chance to honor all maternal entities in our lives, and maybe even be a guiding force in the life of another.
MEMORIAL DAY
MONDAY, MAY 25TH
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars.
For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date General Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
AFRICAN UNITY DAY - a.k.a AFRICA DAY
MONDAY, MAY 25TH
On May 25th, 1963, the leaders from 30 of the then 32 independent African states signed a founding charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Organization of African Unity (OAU - now the African Union) was created to help bring about change, freedom and independence to many African countries.
In 1991, the OAU established the African Economic Community, and in 2002 the OAU established its own successor, the African Union.
Despite the name change to the African Union, both the name and date of Africa Day have been retained, and Africa Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the peoples and governments of Africa.
The day honors African unity, cultural diversity, and freedom.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
THE MONTH OF MAY
Mental Health Awareness Month 2026, focuses on the theme "More Good Days, Together" to promote community support, reduce stigma, and provide actionable mental health resources. The goal is to educate the public, and encourage supportive environments where people can heal, while focusing on community connection, empathy, and making mental health support accessible. Led by Mental Health America (MHA), the 2026 campaign highlights the importance of shared support and tailored well-being strategies.
Remember, everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind.
RESOURCES
- If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
- To learn how to get support for mental health, drug, and alcohol issues, visit FindSupport.gov.
- To locate treatment facilities or providers, visit FindTreatment.gov or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).
ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH
THE MONTH OF MAY
In the month of May we take time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) have played in our nation's shared history. AANHPI's have contributed significantly to many facets of American culture and society, including science and medicine, literature and art, sports and recreation, government and politics, and activism and law.
AANHPI people have a long history in the United States, despite the stereotype that they are inherently foreign, other and not truly American. According to the Bering Land Bridge Theory, Asians first migrated to what is now known as North America over 15,000 years ago through a land bridge between Asia and North America.
The civil rights movement assisted the liberalization of immigration laws. The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act changed restrictive national origin quotas and allowed for the large numbers of Asians and Pacific Islanders to come to the United States with their families. In the mid-1970s, refugees from Southeast Asia like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos came to the United States to flee war, violence, and hardship.
According to the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the theme for AANHPI Heritage Month 2026 is “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.”