The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless, and hot. It is curiously silent, too, with blank white dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared with too much color. 
Often at night there is lightning, but it quivers all alone. 

~Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting

August is known for many things, including the dog days of summer, Friendship Day, and back-to-school. Here are a few other fun facts about August:

August flower of the month: Gladiolus

August birthstone: Peridot

August is named after Augustus Caesar, founder and the first emperor of the Roman Empire.

Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977.

Martin Luther King, Jr., is best known for his famed "I have a dream" speech, which was given on Aug. 28, 1963.

Holidays which occur in August:

Friendship Day

U.S. Coast Guard Day

Relaxation Day

Toasted Marshmallow Day

For a special Friendship Day tribute, see our Lifestyle blog post.