January 12, 2022 - National Pharmacist Day | National Curried Chicken Day

Welcome to January 12th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate historical healthcare and chickens with “kick.” Because of its busy port Philadelphia was one of the fastest-growing cities in the American Colonies. As the population grew, so did the need for medical care. Enter Benjamin Franklin. In addition to all of his inventions and political influence, Franklin helped create America’s first public hospital along with the first hospital pharmacy. At the time, medicine was shipped in from Great Britain, so when the War of Independence began, drugs were in short supply. As a result, the role of the pharmacist became much more important. They found homeopathic remedies for their patients, which helped shape the future of medicine in the United States. On National Pharmacist Day we celebrate the men and women who continue to shape our healthcare system. Country Captain is a chicken curry dish with a long association to the American South. But just when did this marriage of exotic spices and humble chicken take place? We know that Britain’s longtime presence in India gave them a taste for curry’s spicy mix of cumin, coriander, ginger garlic and turmeric. Country Captain was served aboard British trading ships, with the word “country” referring to things indigenous to India. This food sailed west to the ports of Charleston and Savannah and eventually became a favorite of Franklin D. Roosevelt and General George Patton. It was even added to the United States Army’s Field Ration Menu because Patton loved it so much. On National Curried Chicken Day we celebrate the culinary union that has lasted for ages. I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices