Black text over an illustration of holly on a white background

Holly is a genus of around 600 species of shrubs and trees in the family Aquifoliaceae. A great number of these species are cultivated as ornamentals for their distinctive foliage and red or black fruits, which will endure well into the winter and are popular for holidays at that time of year. As a modern-day symbol, holly can represent happiness, peace, and optimism. In Christian tradition, holly represents protection and safety, as well as rebirth and renewal, as it is the last birth flower of the year and brings hope for the new year. The traditional use of holly as a holiday decoration can be traced as far back as to a pre-Christian era when Druids in England and northern Europe would use it as a symbol of fertility and new life. These Druids also believed that holly could protect people from harm, bring good luck to the home, and ensure a bountiful harvest.

Red text around a blue illustration of a woman's head wearing a nurse hat on a white background

The first National Hospital Day was declared by U.S. president Warren G. Harding in 1921 as a way to rebuild the public's trust in city hospitals after the devastating 1918 Spanish flu pandemic claimed the lives of more than 675,000 Americans. National Hospital Day was designated as a day for hospitals to educate the public about medical care. It was originally celebrated on May 12, the birthday of famed nurse, Florence Nightingale, who had helped to establish hospital standards during the Crimean War of 1854. In 1953, National Hospital Day was expanded to National Hospital Week. 

White text on a blue background around an illustration of two women on either side of a shield shape with a scale.

The National Export Exposition was held from September to November of 1899 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at a special campus erected in 1899 by chief engineer John Birkinbine. The exposition was held for the advancement of American manufactures and the extension of export trade. The Philadelphia Commercial Museum and the Franklin Institute sponsored this event conducted by the Philadelphia Exposition Association displaying American manufacturing products advertised for export.

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July 4th, 1976 marked the two-hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. On this occasion, the National Archives hosted President Gerald Ford on July 2 of that year, as the president had a busy schedule of events on July 4th and the days leading up to it. At the archives, President Ford spoke briefly and viewed the Declaration, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. The three documents were on display for the public on that day and on July 4th.

Red text with a white background over an illustration of a reindeer in a white apron vacuuming up red and green ribbons on a blue background

Founder Russ Berrie started his business with $500, he rented a garage in Palisades Park, New Jersey, and launched his own firm named after himself. Berrie intended to design, market, and distribute “impulse” gift items. From the start, Russ Berrie & Company produced a string of hit products that quickly found their way onto countertops, desks, and dashboards across the country. Among the company’s earliest creations: Fuzzy Wuzzies (tiny fur ball-like critters bearing messages like “You’re My Best Friend” or “Wild Thing”), troll dolls (squat gnomes with plumes of brightly colored hair) and the Bupkis Family (a motley collection of endearingly ugly rubber figurines). The owner believed in the power of “transformational giving,” partnering with energetic, visionary leaders to change the world for the better. He took an entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy, using his keen interpersonal skills to identify people and causes in which to invest and working closely with partners to hone strategies and set expectations.  “There is nothing more important in life than helping a fellow human being.”  — Russell Berrie (1933-2002).

Black text around an illustration of Santa's head on a blue and yellow background on a white background

Black text and a red illustration of a person holding a crutch sitting in a circle on a light blue background

Mary’s Peak Trek is an annual fundraiser hosted by Shrine Clubs to raise funds for the Portland Shrine Hospital for Crippled Children, now known as Shiners Hospital for Children.  The event has been hosted since 1946 and been called the “world’s largest family picnic.” It is hosted on the first Sunday in August each year at Mary’s Peak, the tallest mountain in Oregon’s Coast Range, and includes prizes for participants in addition to entertainment and games during the day.

Black text with illustrations of black and white hands on a white background with the number 100252.   

The March on Washington was a protest that took place in August, 1963. Over 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C. to draw attention to the inequalities and challenges of African Americans, calling for equal opportunity in employment and fair treatment to all citizens regardless of race. During this event, Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his famous "I have a dream" speech.

Although each of these participant badges produced by Donnelly/Colt has a unique number on it from 100001 to 100999, not all participants were given numbered badges for showing up at the event. Many who participated in the protest were dressed in fine clothes and did not wear tokens to distinguish themselves as part of the protest on their person. Many other items exist promoting the event and encouraging participation as there was no standard issue design. Many designs for the March on Washington include portrayals of black and white hands shaking hands, raising fists, or showing peace signs.

Blue text on gold with an illustration of a white dove with a blue female symbol with a blue background

International Women’s Day has been celebrated in the United States since 1909. Despite its socialist roots, the holiday has become a rallying point for suffragettes, women’s rights advocates, and anti-war activists. In 1917, as World War I made basic goods increasingly difficult to obtain, Russian women protested for “Bread and Peace” on March 8. The UN later adopted this date as International Women’s Day.

The dove emblem is possibly a reference to peace, in keeping with the day’s association with anti-war causes. The logo featured on the bottom of the button is that of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (Alliance de la Fonction publique du Canada). Today, the union represents workers in federal agencies throughout Canada.

Illustration of a pink flamingo with a yellow sun on a blue background with black text

The Mainsail Arts festival started in 1976 by the marina of Saint Petersburg Florida. The festival’s trademark logo was a large hoisted sail, and in 1986, they added the pink flamingo. Over the years, many events have been hosted during the festival including an awards ceremony and Sunday morning breakfast. In the beginning, they had only a first and second place award for each category of art. In 2008, they added awards of excellence among other merits. Cash prize was around $4,200 total when the festival began and now, the prizes add up to $50,000. Entertainment during the festival showcases local and regional artists and bands.