1-31 October Gay and Lesbian History Month October was selected to commemorate the first two lesbian and gay marches on Washington in October 1979 and 1987. To increase awareness of the role of physical therapy in health care, thousands of physical therapists nationwide celebrate by hosting special activities such as fitness clinics, open houses, hotlines, athletic events, health seminars and exhibits. This festival relates to the old story of the Han Dynasty, when a sooth-sayer advised a man to take his family to a high place on the ninth day of the ninth moon for 24 hours in order to avoid disaster. The man obeyed and found, on returning home, that all living things had died a sudden death in his absence. Part of the celebration is climbing to high places.
Festival lasts two weeks.
8 October Yom Kippur begins at sundown Jewish Day of Atonement. 9 October Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement Holiest Jewish observance. A day for fasting, repentance and seeking forgiveness. 9 October Columbus Day Presidential Proclamation always the second Monday in October. Observed on 12 October form 1934 to 1970.