June 23 National Days

June 23 is the 174th day of the year (175th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 191 days until the end of the year. Today’s celebrations cover everything from hydration and porridge to engineering, pizza, and pink flamingos.

Here’s a full overview of the 13 national and international days observed on June 23.

National and International Days on June 23

International Olympic Day: Celebrated each year on June 23, this day commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee in 1894. It was first observed in 1948 and promotes Olympic values such as excellence, friendship, and respect. Events on this day often encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in physical activity and embrace the spirit of global sportsmanship.

International Widows Day: The Loomba Foundation established this observance in 2005 to raise awareness about the hardships faced by widows, especially in developing countries. It marks the day in 1954 when Lord Loomba’s mother became a widow. In 2010, the United Nations officially recognized it, and the first UN-backed observance took place in 2011. The day highlights issues such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources.

International Women in Engineering Day: Originally launched as National Women in Engineering Day in the UK in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society, this observance became international in 2017. It aims to recognize the achievements of women in engineering fields and to encourage more girls and women to consider careers in areas like aerospace, electrical, and civil engineering.

National Detroit-Style Pizza Day: First celebrated in 2021 to mark the 75th anniversary of Detroit-style pizza, this day was founded by Buddy’s Pizza, where the style originated in 1946. Known for its square shape, thick yet airy crust, and caramelized edges, the pizza is baked in heavy steel pans once used in auto shops. This local specialty has grown into a national favorite.

🍕 See also our complete list of pizza-related national days.

National Family Owned & Operated Businesses Day: Created by the AG Center in 2021, this day celebrates the resilience and legacy of family-run businesses across the U.S. It honors the values passed down through generations and encourages recognition of the dedication that goes into maintaining these enterprises in a changing economic climate.

National Hydration Day: Founded in 2016 by SafeTGard Corporation, this day honors Coach Victor Hawkins, who invented a mouthguard that released electrolytes to keep athletes hydrated. Observed on the anniversary of his passing in 2012, the day promotes awareness about the importance of staying hydrated, especially during sports and hot weather.

National Let It Go Day: Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays, this day encourages emotional release and self-forgiveness. Observed annually on June 23, it’s a reminder to let go of regrets and burdens from the past to make space for healing and growth.

National Pecan Sandies Day: Celebrated each year on June 23, this day spotlights the crumbly, buttery cookie filled with chopped pecans. The term “sandies” refers to their sandy texture, with roots in the French sablé cookie. Keebler trademarked the name in 1955, helping popularize pecan sandies across the United States. Though the exact origin is debated, the cookie has become a classic treat enjoyed with coffee or tea.

National Pink Day: This annual celebration embraces the color pink in fashion, decor, and self-expression. While it has no clear founding origin, the day has been used to support awareness campaigns like breast cancer initiatives and anti-bullying efforts.

👚 Similar days include International Day of Pink celebrated on the second Wednesday in April and Wear It Pink Day in October in the UK 🇬🇧, both promoting kindness and unity.

National Porridge Day: Porridge has a long history as a nourishing and affordable dish made from grains like oats, rice, or cornmeal. National Porridge Day on June 23 highlights its role as a global comfort food. While this day celebrates porridge in general, World Porridge Day on October 10 supports Mary’s Meals, a charity providing porridge-based meals to children in developing countries.

National Typewriter Day: June 23 marks the anniversary of Christopher Latham Sholes receiving the U.S. patent for the typewriter in 1868. Sholes’ model became the first commercially successful typewriter and helped launch a revolution in written communication. While the typewriter is mostly obsolete today, the day honors its impact on publishing, office work, and even modern keyboards.

Pink Flamingo Day: First proclaimed in 2007 by Dean Mazzarella, the mayor of Leominster, Massachusetts, this day honors Don Featherstone, who designed the original plastic pink flamingo in 1957. Featherstone’s creation became a cultural icon of kitsch and suburban charm. Celebrations now include art exhibits and public displays in various cities, keeping the flamingo’s legacy alive.

United Nations Public Service Day: In 2003, the UN General Assembly designated June 23 to recognize the role of public service in community development. It also marks the anniversary of the International Labour Organization’s 1978 Convention on Labor Relations. The UN Public Service Awards are presented on this day to honor innovative contributions in governance and service delivery around the world.