Daffodils, v. “February Gold”. Plant source: Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, Gloucester Va.
by Dick Hall-Sizemore
February is known for many things. Although it is the shortest month, some have claimed that, with its usually dreary weather (this year being an exception), it actually feels like the longest. To divert us from its normal dark days, in addition to cheerful early daffodils, February offers us Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day (Washington and Lincoln) and Black History Month.
All of those are worthy subjects for celebration, but only one, Presidents Day, is officially recognized. However, in its infinite wisdom, the Virginia General Assembly has chosen to officially declare February to be:
- Financial Aid Awareness Month
- Winter Honey Month
- Home Education Month
- American Heart Month
- Children’s Dental Health Month
- Love the Bus Month
- Self-Care Month
- Gum Disease Awareness Month
In addition, the legislature has declared that certain weeks in February should be designated for commemorations. National Courtesy Week ends this Saturday (Feb. 18). Next week in Virginia is:
- Eating Disorder Awareness Week
- Exceptional Children’s Week
Finally, the legislature has set aside specific days in February to call attention to specific important issues. For the remainder of the month, mark these on your calendar:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Awareness Day–Feb. 20
- African-American Scientist and Inventor Day–Feb. 25
- Rare Disease Day–Feb. 28
- Spay Day–Feb. 28
Unfortunately for those of us who have a special fondness for the month, February does not have a monopoly on designations of awareness month, week, or day. There are many issues that the General Assembly has deemed important and pressing enough to dedicate a month, week, or day to throughout the year. To discover what else is celebrated in your special month, you can find the entire list here.
