Let the rant begin.
Here in Great Britain, we had a public holiday today. It was called - wait for it - The Summer Bank Holiday. We won't be having another public holiday until December 25th which, in case you didn't know, is Christmas Day.
In Britain there are only eight public holidays each year but over in The USA, there are ten public holidays per year. By the way, Australians only get seven public holidays.
Three of our public holidays are just called "bank holidays" but over in America, every public holiday has special significance. You have got George Washington's Birthday, Martin Luther King Day, Labour Day, Memorial Day and since 2021 Juneteenth National Independence Day which marks and celebrates the end of slavery and occurs each June 19th.
Great Britain has a much longer and perhaps richer history than America and yet our public holidays appear to suggest that we are mostly concerned with when banks are closed. I would like to see another public holiday introduced in November and renaming of the three bank holidays - giving them more focused significance.
The extra holiday in November would be called "Heroes' Day" in acknowledgement of all those who served this country in wartime - especially those who laid down their lives.
My suggestions for the three existing bank holidays would be:-
Pankhurst Day - in memory of Emmeline Pankhurst, the famous suffragette leader and as a reminder that the battle for gender equality continues. It may never end.
Rainbow Day - in recognition of the fact that this country has become a rainbow nation with citizens from across the world. The special day would also recognise our country's widespread dream of public acceptance - no matter what race, what religion, what sexual orientation.
Health Day - celebrating the National Health Service and focusing on healthy habits. The media would promote various aspects of healthcare and there'd be sponsored walks, fun runs, free health checks and gym sessions. Just to get people thinking about good health.
There are not many high street banks left anyway so why should we be bothered if they are open or closed? Of course many citizens would refuse to participate in the associated bank holiday events but these focuses would be hard to ignore and for millions of others, including children, the themes might reap untold benefits.
Rant over.
from Yorkshire Pudding https://ift.tt/ofl1hDn