The first Friday in June in the United States is known as National Donut Day — and it is more than just a day for companies to offer deals on delicious pastries to get people in stores.
National Donut Day's origins are actually in World War I, and involved hungry and homesick soldiers from the United States.
To assist with the war effort, the Salvation Army — a Protestant church and charitable organization — sent about 250 women to France to boost the morale of the soldiers fighting there. They set up shop in huts at the side of battlefields.
The women came with supplies, clothes, smiling faces, and, notably: freshly fried donuts.
At their peak, the women were serving 9,000 donuts a day. They became known as the "Donut Lassies" ("Donut Dollies" in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam).
"These sweet treats became a symbol of comfort and a morale booster for soldiers, and the Donut Lassies are often credited with popularizing the donut in the United States when the troops returned home," said the Salvation Army.
After World War I ended, the soldiers returned home. In 1938, to raise money and to honor the work of the "lassies," the Salvation Army established National Donut Day.
"National Donut Day is a time to remember the lasting impact of a unique piece of history and to honor the heroic men and women who have served our country,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army in a press release.
“Their courage and dedication to serving others reflect the heart of our mission and continue to inspire the work we do every day in communities across the country.”
World War I is one of history's worst wars in terms of number of deaths. Some 10 million soldiers died in the four-plus years of the war. Twice that number of people were wounded.
Another 10 million civilians were killed.
World War I pope
Shortly before his death, Pope Francis made a surprise visit to St. Peter's not dressed in his usual white cassock. He went there to visit the tomb of his predecessor who "wept" at World War I.
Pope Francis' has referred to his predecessor Pius X, the 257th pope, on a number of occasions. He began the papacy on April 9, 1903, and served through the difficult period of the lead-up to World War I, dying August 20, 1914, just a month after the Great War had officially started.
"I love Pius X very much and have always loved him," Pope Francis wrote in the preface to a book dedicated to this pope. "Pius X was a pope who wept in the face of [the First] World War, of which he was considered the first victim, imploring the powerful to lay down their arms,” wrote Pope Francis, recalling the tragic death of his Italian predecessor.
The Church marks Pius X's feast day each August 21.
This pope is especially known for expanding the frequency of the reception of Holy Communion, and lowering the age of First Communion.
