July 11

Scott Winters July 11, 2025 1 Comment

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1796 – The United States took possession of Detroit from Great Britain under the terms of the Jay Treaty.

1798 – “An Act for Establishing a Marine Corps” passed by the U.S. Congress formally re-establishes the U.S. Marine Corps. The act also created the U.S. Marine Band. The Marines were first commissioned by the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775.

1804 – Alexander Hamilton (the United States’ first Secretary of the Treasury), was killed by Vice President Aaron Burr in a duel.

1860 – The river steamer “Michigan” burned up after seven years of service on the Grand River.

1913 – The Great Lakes Flying Boat Race started in Chicago, IL. The 884 mile route took it up Lake Michigan, through the Straits, and down Lake Huron to Detroit, MI. Only one plane finished the race.

1914 – George “Babe” Ruth made his Major League Baseball debut playing for the Baltimore Orioles. The team named him “Babe” because, at the age of 19, he was the youngest player on the team.

1955 – The phrase “In God We Trust” was added to all U.S. currency.

1955 – The U.S. Air Force Academy was dedicated at Lowry Air Base in Colorado.

1960 – “To Kill a Mockingbird”, by Harper Lee, was first published in the United States.

1962 – The Telstar satellite (launched the day prior) transmitted the first transatlantic TV signal.

1966 – The TV game show “The Newlywed Game” debuted on ABC.

1973 – The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament started in Lowell, MI.

1977 – Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. posthumously received the Medal of Freedom award in a White House ceremony.

1979 – America’s first space station, Skylab, was destroyed as it re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere over the Indian Ocean. Parts of the Indian Ocean and Australia were littered with debris.

1985 – Dr. H. Harlan Stone announced that he had used medical zippers instead of stitches on 28 patients. The zippers were used in case he may have to re-operate.

1997 – The movie “Contact”, starring Jodie Foster, debuted in theaters.

1998 – U.S. Air Force Lt. Michael Blassie, a casualty of the Vietnam War, was finally laid to rest near his home in Missouri after his remains were positively identified. He was previously buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, VA.

1999 – A U.S. Air Force jet flew over the Antarctic and air dropped off emergency medical supplies. Dr. Jerri Nelson discovered a lump in her breast while at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Research Center.

2007 – The fifth Harry Potter movie, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, premiered in theaters.

2008 – Apple released the iPhone 3G.

2012 – Astronomers announced the discovery of Styx, the fifth moon of Pluto.

2013 – The SyFy networked premiered their first “Sharknado” film.

2013 – The Netflix TV show “Orange is the new Black” debuted.

2015 – Former Mexican drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán escaped from the maximum security Altiplano prison in Mexico. It was his second escape.

2021 – Richard Branson became the first civilian to be launched into space via his Virgin Galactic spacecraft.

BIRTHDAYS:

John Quincy Adams – July 11, 1767-February 23, 1848 – Sixth President of the United States

Giorgio Armani – 91 years old (1934) – Fashion Designer

Jeff Hanna – 78 years old (1947) – Singer, lead guitarist, drummer, washboard player (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band). Born in Detroit, MI.

Jay Johnson – 76 years old (1949) – Actor, ventriloquist (TV’s “Soap”)

Leon Spinks – 72 years old (1953) – Boxer

Sela Ward – 69 years old (1956) – Actress (“Once and Again,” “Sisters”)

Richie Sambora – 66 years old (1959) – Guitarist, singer, songwriter (Bon Jovi)

Suzanne Vega – 66 years old (1959) – Singer (“Luka”)

Lil’ Kim – 50 years old (1975) – Rapper

TODAY IS:

National French Fry Day: What could be better than potato fried in oil? Visit your favorite fast food joint, restaurant, or try frying up your own French fries. Don’t forget ketchup!
National Mojito Day: Rum, lime, simple syrup, club soda, ice and mint leaves: mix them together and share the refreshing cocktail known as a Mojito with friends or family.
National Free Slurpee Day: Hunt around for a vendor who’s celebrating free Slurpee day, and get your free icy drink in your favorite flavor. Try mixing a drink or adding ice cream for a bonus.
National Blueberry Muffin Day: Visit a bakery or get baking and share the joy of a fresh-baked blueberry muffin with your friends, family, or coworkers to brighten everyone’s day.
World Kebab Day: Perfectly cooked meat, vegetables, and seasonings on an easy-to-eat, low-mess stick. Visit a restaurant or food vendor and enjoy a kebab, or make your own.
World Population Day: Take some time to consider your own plans for a family, and help others get resources to properly plan theirs and diminish the effects of overpopulation.
National Swimming Pool Day: Where liquid serenity welcomes weary souls, offering respite from the world's cares in its shimmering, aqua embrace.
Collector Car Appreciation Day: Preserving automotive heritage, these cherished vehicles embody the spirit of bygone eras and captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
International Essential Oils Day: Explore natural remedies that promote relaxation, enhance well-being, and offer aromatic benefits for a balanced lifestyle.
National Cheer Up the Lonely Day: Brightening solitary moments, weaving joy into solitude, casting beams of warmth in isolated hearts, and spreading comfort.
Bowdler’s Day: Bowdler’s Day honors the man behind a famous literary edit. It marks the birthday of an English doctor who made Shakespeare more family‑friendly. Readers debate whether his edits helped share poetry with more people or crossed a line in censorship. This day draws attention to how careful words shape what...
National Polyphenol Day: National Polyphenol Day celebrates plant-based compounds called polyphenols. These natural nutrients fuel our cells and guard against damage. You feel their power in foods like berries, dark chocolate, coffee, tea, and olive oil. They protect blood vessels, soothe inflammation, and support healthy digestion by feeding good gut bacteria. More than 8,000...
National State Fair Food Day: National State Fair Food Day throws a spotlight on the wild, joyful world of fairground snacks. It’s all about those bold, flavorful treats that bring a grin to your face the moment you smell them. Corn dogs with a golden crunch, fried candy that drips sweetness, and warm funnel cakes piled...
National 7-Eleven Day: National 7-Eleven Day is a summertime celebration that brings people together for one simple reason—free Slurpees. Each year, this event turns a regular day into a mini adventure, with customers lining up at their nearest store for a refreshing treat. That first icy sip is pure joy, especially on a...
World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day: World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day brings attention to the hidden risks of medications often used for anxiety and sleep problems. These drugs can be helpful in the short term, but long-term use may lead to dependence and tough withdrawal symptoms. Many people take them without knowing the full effects. This day...
National Rainier Cherry Day: National Rainier Cherry Day brings attention to one of summer’s sweetest treasures. These golden cherries, blushed with red, stand out in any fruit bowl. Their thin skin gives way to juicy, honey-like flesh that almost melts in your mouth. A single bite delivers a burst of rich, sun-ripened flavor. Unlike...
All-American Pet Photo Day: All-American Pet Photo Day invites pet owners nationwide to celebrate their furry, feathered, or scaly companions through photography. This special day encourages capturing the unique personalities of pets. By sharing these snapshots, we not only showcase our pets' charm but also strengthen the bond we share with them. Participating in this...
The Day of the Flemish Community: The Day of the Flemish Community is a vibrant celebration that highlights the cultural pride and unity of the Flemish people. It’s a day filled with festivities where the community gathers to honor their shared heritage. The event brings together people from all walks of life, creating an atmosphere of...
Fiesta de la Tirana: Fiesta de la Tirana is a vibrant celebration held in northern Chile. It transforms the small town of La Tirana into a bustling center of energy, color, and sound. Thousands of people come together, filling the streets with traditional costumes, lively dances, and rhythmic music. It's a festival where faith...
Wimbledon: Wimbledon stands out as one of the most iconic and prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. The event draws attention not only for the high level of competition but also for its rich traditions. Players, fans, and even members of the British Royal Family come together to celebrate the sport...
Running of the Bulls: The Running of the Bulls draws people from around the world. This thrilling spectacle involves a group of bulls charging through narrow streets, guided by daring runners. The excitement is electric, and thousands watch and participate. It's a day filled with anticipation, adrenaline, and community spirit. Whether you're a participant...
National Transplant Week: National Transplant Week highlights the vital role organ donation plays in saving lives. It's a time to consider the impact of giving and receiving transplants. The week aims to raise awareness and encourage more people to consider becoming donors. It's a reminder of the life-changing potential within us all. Celebrating this...