VJ Day
Victory in Japan Day marks the end of World War 2 as Japan surrendered to the Allies to end fighting in the far east that had carried on after VE Day back in May 1945.
Korea National Liberation Day
It is the only Korean Public Holiday celebrated in both North and South Korea. It commemorates Victory over Japan Day, when United States and Soviet forces ended the decades-long occupation of Korea by Japan.
Liechtenstein National Day
This day is known as Staatsfeiertag in Leichtenstein, and it commemorates the birthday of Prince Franz Josef II. It was first declared as a national holiday by its government in 1940. It has a double meaning as it was already a public holiday for the Feast of the Assumption (see below). It was unusual as it was created during World War 2, but it was seen as defiance to Adolf Hitler, who said a few days before that “Small states have no right to exist”.
In 1990 it was declared by law as the official state holiday. Since then, a state ceremony to mark the day has taken place on the castle meadow next to castle Vaduz. In the afternoon there are traditional celebration and a funfair, with the day concluded by a 30 minute firework display next to Vaduz Castle.
Assumption of Mary
The Assumption of Mary into Heaven is when the body of Mary, mother of Jesus, was carried into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is a major feast day for those religions who celebrate it.
Republic of Congo Independence Day
This day marks the country’s independence from France in 1960. The Portuguese intially controlled the country in 1484, but in 1880 the French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza negotiated an agreement with the Bateke tribe to establish a French protectorate over the north bank of the Congo river. The French formally proclaimed the colony of French Congo in 1891. After World War 2, the French Republic led Congo increasingly close to statehood without the need for the country to be dragged into the bloodshed of a ware for independence as was the case in neighbouring countries. In 1958 the Conogolese voted for autonomy within the French Community and gained its independence two years later with Fulbert Youlou becoming president.
Indian Independence Day
This is a national holiday commemorating the country’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1947 when the provisions of the Indian Independence Act 1947 came into effect, which transferred legislative sovereignity to the Indian Consituent Assembly. It retained King George VI as head of state until it transitioned to a full republic on 26th January 1950. On this day in 1947 the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharial Nehru reaised the Indian national flagabove the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On every Independence Day since, the incumbent Prime Minister customarily raises the flag and gives and address to the nation. The entire event is broadcast by Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster, and usually begins with the shehnai music of Ustad Bismillah. It is celebrated with parades and cultural events.
National Honey Bee Day
It is an awareness day when beekeepers, beekeeping clubs and associations, and honey bee enthusiasts from cross the USA celebrate honey bees and recognise their contribution to humans’ everyday lives as a means of protecting them. The event was started in 2009 by a small group of beekeepers who petitioned for and obtained a formal proclamation by the USDA honouring honey bees and beekeeping. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of August. It is managed by HoneyLove.org, a Los Angeles based honey bee educational non-profit organisation.
Holidays & Special Events 