Hashtag Holiday Calendar and Pop Quiz: Military Spouses, Sharks, and Sock Tributes

Friday, May 9 marks a quirky and meaningful mix of national observances, celebrated on NBC Palm Springs' Hashtag Holiday Calendar and Pop Quiz, sponsored by Inland Empire Health Plan.

First up: Fin-tastic Friday — a day dedicated to marine animals with dorsal fins. While Shark Week is still months away, today gives us a chance to honor sharks and other finned sea creatures. One anchor recalled being invited to do a cage dive with sharks in South Africa, responding with a firm “no way!”

Next, we paused for National Lost Sock Memorial Day, paying tribute to all the socks that mysteriously vanish in laundry cycles. Whether they’re hiding behind machines or spirited away by unknown forces, today is their moment. One host confessed to a growing pile of unmatched socks still holding out hope.

Then came National Tear the Tags Off Mattresses Day, referencing the long-standing urban legend that removing tags from pillows or mattresses was illegal. It was—but only for retailers after 1951, and later clarified in the 1970s. Consumers, feel free to tear away.

More significantly, today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day, honoring those who support loved ones serving in the armed forces. That inspired two pop quiz questions:

Question 1: Which branch of the military does Chloe Carlson’s husband, Chris, serve in?
Answer: B, Marines – Semper Fi, Chris!

Question 2: Which act had a No. 1 country hit in 2003 with “Traveling Soldier”?
Answer: A, Dixie Chicks – The song, written by Bruce Robison, tells the emotional story of a young soldier and the girl he leaves behind.

A salute to all military spouses on this special day—and a smile for everyone missing a sock or tempted to tug a mattress tag.

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