February 16

Observed annually on February 16, the Day of the Shining Star commemorates the birth of Kim Jong Il, the former Supreme Leader of North Korea born in 1942. Established as one of the country’s most important national holidays, it reinforces the guiding ideology of the Kim dynasty. Festivities include mass gatherings, cultural performances, and synchronized displays of loyalty by citizens. Key sites such as the Mansu Hill Grand Monument and the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun are adorned with floral tributes and visited by officials and families. The day serves both as a tribute to leadership and a means of fostering national unity under state tradition.

On February 16, 1918, the Council of Lithuania signed the Act of Independence, restoring the nation’s sovereignty after over a century of foreign domination. This declaration ended occupations by the Russian Empire and the German Empire and laid the foundation for modern Lithuania. Each year, the holiday features presidential addresses, flag-raising ceremonies, and solemn tributes at Vilnius Cathedral. Citizens participate in parades, concerts, and educational programs that celebrate Lithuanian culture and history. Restoration of Lithuania's Statehood Day strengthens national identity and honors the resilience and unity of the Lithuanian people.

Elizabeth Peratrovich (1911–1958) was a Tlingit civil rights leader whose powerful testimony in 1945 led to the passage of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act, the United States’ first anti-discrimination law. Declared an official state holiday in 2015, Elizabeth Peratrovich Day recognizes her legacy in advancing equality and justice. The day is marked by educational programs in schools, public lectures, and cultural events led by Native communities. Officials and citizens alike reflect on the ongoing work for civil rights and the importance of protecting human dignity. Elizabeth Peratrovich Day inspires continued advocacy and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Alaska Natives.