Office of Special Programs

As the academic year winds down or transitions into summer terms, June offers a valuable opportunity for reflection, planning, and renewal. It is a month marked by important observances such as Juneteenth, Flag Day, and Father’s Day, inviting us to acknowledge historical milestones and personal connections. For many in academia, this time also signals transitions—from graduations and semester wrap-ups to the start of summer research, instructional planning, or administrative projects. Whether concluding the term or launching new initiatives, June provides a natural moment to refocus and look ahead.

Some Important Days to Note in June: 

International Day Against Child Labor (Thursday, June 12): The International Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on June 12. Established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002, this day aims to raise global awareness about the plight of child laborers and to promote efforts to eliminate child labor worldwide. In the United States, the Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) leads efforts to combat child labor through research, policy development, and international collaboration. While there isn't a dedicated U.S. website for this observance, ILAB provides resources and updates on initiatives aimed at eliminating child labor. In 2025, the observance will highlight the release of updated global estimates and trends on child labor, providing critical insights into the progress made and the challenges that remain in eradicating child labor.

Flag Day (Saturday, June 14): Flag Day is observed annually on June 14 in the United States to commemorate the adoption of the national flag on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. The resolution stated: "That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." In 2025, Flag Day falls on Saturday, June 14. While it is not a federal public holiday, it is a day of national observance, and many Americans commemorate it by displaying the flag at homes and public buildings. The week of June 14 is designated as National Flag Week, during which the President often issues a proclamation encouraging citizens to fly the flag and participate in patriotic activities.

The idea of celebrating Flag Day was popularized by Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher who, in 1885, held the first recognized formal observance at the Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin. His advocacy led to President Woodrow Wilson issuing a proclamation in 1916 establishing June 14 as Flag Day, and in 1949, Congress officially designated it as National Flag Day. Flag Day serves as a reminder of the enduring symbol of the American flag and the values it represents, including liberty, unity, and national pride.

Father's Day (Sunday, June 15): Father's Day in the United States is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. This annual observance honors fathers and father figures, recognizing their contributions to families and society. The tradition began in 1910 in Spokane, Washington, when Sonora Smart Dodd proposed a day to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent. While the idea gained some traction, it wasn't until 1972 that Father's Day was officially recognized as a national holiday in the U.S., following a proclamation by President Richard Nixon.

Juneteenth (Thursday, June 19): Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation issued more than two years earlier. This day marks the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the United States. The day is recognized as a federal holiday, following its official designation in 2021. Federal offices, banks, and many state agencies will be closed in observance. Communities across the nation will celebrate with parades, festivals, educational events, and cultural activities that honor African American history and heritage. Juneteenth serves as a time for reflection on the struggles and achievements in the pursuit of freedom and equality, and it continues to inspire conversations and actions toward a more just society.

Summer Solstice (Friday, June 20- Saturday, 21): The summer solstice is the moment when the Earth's North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun, resulting in the Sun reaching its highest and northernmost point in the sky. This leads to the longest day and shortest night of the year, with the most extended period of daylight for the Northern Hemisphere. The Summer Solstice in 2025 will occur on Friday, June 20, at 9:42 PM Central Daylight Time (CDT), marking the official start of astronomical summer in the United States and the Northern Hemisphere. Throughout history, the summer solstice has been celebrated by various cultures worldwide. In modern times, festivals and gatherings continue to honor this celestial event, celebrating themes of light, growth, and renewal.

In Wichita, Kansas, and across the U.S., the summer solstice offers an excellent opportunity for stargazing and observing celestial events. Around this time, the night sky features prominent constellations like Scorpius, Libra, and Cygnus, and planets such as Jupiter, Mercury, and Mars become visible in the evening sky.

International Yoga Day (Saturday, June 21): The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on June 21, aligning with the summer solstice—the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This date was chosen for its symbolic significance in yoga philosophy, representing light, renewal, and the pursuit of health and harmony. In 2025, the world will commemorate the 11th International Day of Yoga, continuing the tradition initiated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Globally, the day is marked by various activities, including mass yoga sessions, workshops, seminars, and cultural events, organized by governments, educational institutions, and community groups. These events aim to make yoga accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, promoting its holistic benefits.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (Thursday, June 26): June 26, 2025, marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a United Nations observance established in 1987 to strengthen global action and cooperation in achieving a drug-free world. This day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the impact of illegal drug trade on society. In the United States, this day serves as a platform to address the ongoing challenges of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. Federal agencies, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), often collaborate with local organizations to host educational events, community outreach programs, and policy discussions aimed at prevention, treatment, and recovery.

The month of June is also an opportunity to raise awareness about some important mental health issues as follow:

National PTSD Awareness Month: June 2025 marks National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month in the United States, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of PTSD, reducing stigma, and encouraging those affected to seek effective treatment. PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events such as combat, natural disasters, accidents, or assaults. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in thinking and mood, and heightened reactions. While PTSD is often associated with military service, it can affect anyone, including survivors of abuse, first responders, and individuals who have experienced significant trauma.

Throughout June, organizations like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) promote resources and host events to support those affected by PTSD. Activities include educational campaigns, community events, and the dissemination of materials to raise awareness about the condition and available treatments. A significant date within this month is National PTSD Awareness Day, observed on Friday, June 27, 2025. Established by the U.S. Senate in 2010, this day honors the memory of Staff Sergeant Joe Biel, a National Guard member who died by suicide after struggling with PTSD. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing PTSD and supporting those who live with it.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: June 2025 is recognized as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in the United States, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, promoting brain health, and supporting those affected by these conditions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting over 7 million Americans aged 65 and older. It is a progressive neurological disorder that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior, eventually interfering with daily tasks. While age is the greatest known risk factor, Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve quality of life for individuals and their caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 for information, support, and resources.