Page 18 - May-June 2025 Life In Naples Magazing

Summertime

by Lois Bolin, Ph.D., Old Naples Historian Remembrances

ollier County has many remembrances POTUS Donald J. Trump Birthday: June 14
to celebrate during the summertime. Father’s Day: 3rd Sunday in June
C The City of Naples, once called a Veterans Golden Age Games: May 31 - June 5
‘nothing-to-do-in little town’ in a 1949 Florida Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday: June 23
Trend magazine article, and was also once PTSD Awareness Day: June 27
called ‘the little bend in the road’. The road to JULY
which they were referring was the Tamiami Independence Day: July 4
Trail, completed April 26, 1928, by Baron Gift Collier, whose National Hire a Veteran Day: July 25
personal pledge to finish the highway between Tampa and Miami National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day: July 27
led the Florida State Legislature to create Collier County on National Buffalo Soldiers Day: July 28
May 8, 1923. Army Chaplain Corps Anniversary: July 29
nd
On Collier County’s 22 birthday, there was a bigger A FAMILY AFFAIR
celebration Naples shared with America -VE Day-the ending of Summertime is for families and this summer is offering a special
WWII in Europe. VE Day is part of several remembrance days opportunity for one of our local families –a beauty pageant– not
in the month of May, which eventually led the United States just any beauty pageant – a pageant which promotes today's married
Congress in 1999 to make May our official National Military women, their accomplishments, and commitment to family and
Appreciation Month (NMAM). marriage.
Each May, Naples traditionally celebrates Military The concept of bringing together a group of women and judging
Appreciation month; but at Life in Naples, we offer opportunities their beauty to crown a winner date back to the ancient Greeks.
th
to appreciate our Veterans, active military, first responders and But it wasn’t until the 19 century that the formal modern contest
their families all summer long. Here is a list of all 2025 holidays, that we all know today, began to take shape.
observances and events recognized in May, June, and July where Yes, beauty pageants, a dazzling spectacle where “tiaras meet
you, your family or company can pay special tribute to a variety of tears, rhinestones clash with ribbons, and where the art of walking
groups that make our country and county so special. in heels is raised to a competitive sport.”
MAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Month of the Military Caregiver The Mrs. International Competition under the leadership of
National Military Appreciation CEO, Mel Richardson and Executive Director, Mary Richardson,
Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW): first full week in May have established the premiere pageant for married women. The
National Correctional Officers Week: first full week in May Mrs. International® Competition 2025 will be held July 18-19,
Silver Star Service Banner Day: May 1 2025, in Kingsport, Tennessee. Events and activities leading up
Loyalty Day: May 1 to the Pageant begin on July 14, 2025, giving each contestant the
National Day of Prayer: First Thursday of May opportunity to learn about customs and family life in other countries,
National Nurses Week: May 6 - May 12
along with the chance to share her beliefs and make new friends.
VE Day: May 8 (Victory in Europe)
Mrs. International® was developed to have higher standards than
Military Spouse Appreciation Day: Friday before Mother’s Day
other pageant systems. The focus behind Mrs. International® is
Mother’s Day: 2nd Sunday in May
to showcase women 21 to 56 years old, married at least six months
nd
Armed Forces Week: begins the 2 Saturday of May
and a resident of the state or a citizen of the country she represents.
Children of Fallen Patriots Day: May 13
Each contestant competes in Interview Competition, which is
Peace Officers Memorial Day: May 15
valued for 50% of her overall score, Evening Gown, valued for 25%
rd
Armed Forces Day: 3 Saturday in May
and Fitness Wear for 25%. Each contestant has the opportunity to
Maritime Day: May 22
select a platform of her choice that she spends the year promoting.
Memorial Day: last Monday in May
Husbands are a direct part of the show, escorting their wives in the
JUNE
Evening Gown competition, and the husband crowns his wife
PTSD Awareness Month
title holder.
D-Day: June 6
Women Veterans Day: June 12 We want to wish this stellar professional, outstanding wife,
Army Birthday: June 14 and mom of 5 the best of luck at the upcoming Mrs. International®
U.S. Flag Day: June 14 competition, Dr. Kanema Clark.
National Flag Week: the week that includes June 14 This summer we will surely have many remembrances to celebrate.
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