In God We Trust Day, celebrated on April 22, came about as a result of a law that the U.S. Congress passed to effect the inscription of the same phrase on U.S. coins. On April 22, 1864, the United States Congress passed an act allowing for ‘In God We Trust’ to begin appearing on U.S. coins. From 1864 until 1938 it appeared on various U.S. coins, each for a different duration. It has appeared on the penny since 1909, the dime since 1916, and on all gold coins, silver dollars, half dollars, and quarter-dollar coins since 1908. ‘In God We Trust’ is also the official motto of the United States, and can be found in most federal institutions.
International Hemp Day
International Hemp Day is celebrated every April 21 to appreciate the benefits of hemp and what it has offered to us. Did you know that hemp has been used in manufacturing clothes, ropes, shoes, and paper as far back as the fifth millennium B.C.? Hemp, also known as industrial hemp, is a cannabis plant mainly cultivated for industrial and medicinal purposes. Unlike marijuana, hemp has a low amount of T.H.C. (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical compound that causes “high” in marijuana. Hemp has many industrial applications, including cordage, bioplastics, shoes, paper, clothing, and hempcrete. Its seeds are consumed as healthy food, and its seed milk can serve as an alternative to dairy milk. Hemp, alongside bamboo, are the fastest-growing plant.
San Jacinto Day
San Jacinto Day is observed every April 21. It celebrates the Battle of San Jacinto. It was the final battle of the Texas Revolution when Texas won its independence from Mexico on April 21, 1836. This day is a partial state public holiday. State government offices are closed, but some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. An annual festival takes place on the site of the battle. A reenactment group from East Texas, the Sabine Volunteers, participates in the San Jacinto Reenactment annually. The name of this group is taken from an actual militia group during the Texas Revolution.