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:
1789 – The first U.S. Federal Government agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs, was established. It would later be renamed the Department of State.
1909 – Orville Wright set a record for the longest airplane flight. He was testing the first Army airplane. He was in the air 72 minutes.
1940 – Warner Bros. released the animated short, “A Wild Hare”, introducing Bugs Bunny.
1965 – The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act was signed into law. The law required health warnings on cigarette packages.
1974 – Congress asked for impeachment procedures against President Richard Nixon.
1980 – The upper tail of an earthquake centered in Kentucky hit Michigan. The earthquake was felt in Allegan, Coldwater, Flint, Hastings, and Mount Pleasant. During the fifth inning of a ball game at Tiger Stadium, the upper levels swayed.
1981 – Adam Walsh, the 6 year old son of John Walsh, was kidnapped in Hollywod, FL. He was found murdered two weeks later.
1995 – The Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC.
1996 – In Atlanta, GA, a pipe bomb exploded at Centennial Olympic Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics. One woman was killed and a cameraman suffered a heart attack trying to flee the scene. 111 were injured.
1999 – The U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery completed a five-day mission. It was commanded by Air Force Col. Eileen Collins. She was the first woman to command a Shuttle mission.
1999 – Tony Hawk landed the first 900 on a skateboard (2-1/2 complete revolutions) at the 5th annual X Games in San Francisco, CA.
2003 – It was reported by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corp.) that there is no monster in Loch Ness. 600 sonar beams and satellite navigation technology were used in the investigation. Sightings of “Nessie” go back to the 6th century.
2005 – NASA grounded the Space Shuttle, pending an investigation of the problem of the shedding foam insulation from the external fuel tank.
2007 – “The Simpson’s Movie” premiered in theaters.
2012 – The opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics took place at the Olympic Stadium in London, England.
2022 – After more than 60 years, Sprite announced that it is ditching its signature green bottle, replacing it with a more environmentally friendly clear container.
BIRTHDAYS:
Bobbie Gentry – 83 years old (1942) – Country singer (“Ode to Billie Joe”)
Peggy Fleming – 77 years old (1948) – Olympic figure skater
Betty Thomas – 77 years old (1948) – Actress, director (“Brady Bunch Movie”, “Private Parts”, “Doctor Dolittle”, “I Spy”, TV’s “Hill Street Blues”)
Maureen McGovern – 76 years old (1949) – Singer (“The Morning After”)
Carol Leifer – 69 years old (1956) – Comedian
Bill Engvall – 68 years old (1957) – Comedian (“Blue Collar TV”)
Rex Brown – 61 years old (1964) – Bassist (Pantera)
Juliana Hatfield – 58 years old (1967) – Singer
Julian McMahon – 57 years old (1968) – Actor (TV’s “Nip/Tuck”, “Charmed”, “The Profiler”, movie “The Fantastic Four”)
Maya Rudolph – 53 years old (1972) – Actress, comedian (“Bridesmaids”, “Grown Ups”, “Away We Go”, TV’s “Saturday Night Live”)
Alex Rodriguez – 50 years old (1975) – Baseball player
TODAY IS:
- National Walk On Stilts Day: Ever wonder what it’s like to be really tall? Find a supplier, order them online, or build your own stilts and get into this fun, silly hobby.
- National Scotch Day: With a rich history and a touch of smokiness, sipping on this amber spirit can turn an ordinary evening into something special.
- National Tree Day: National Tree Day is a vibrant celebration dedicated to the importance of trees in our lives. It's a day when people come together to appreciate the beauty and benefits of trees. This event encourages everyone to plant trees and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re in a city park or your...
- National Chicken Finger Day: Popular with kids and adults of all ages, treat yourself to an order of chicken fingers or try making them from scratch. Share your results on social media!
- Sleepy Head Day: Always the last one in the family to wake up and climb out of bed? This event might be something to be aware of lest it result in a rude awakening of being doused with water as part of this Finnish tradition! How to Celebrate Sleepy Head Day Take a look...
- Auntie’s Day: Oooh, aunties! They're like a special blend of a second mom and a best friend rolled into one. Always ready with a warm hug or a funny story, aunties seem to know just when to swoop in with a batch of your favorite cookies or some sage advice. They just...
- Norfolk Day: If you live in Norfolk, rejoice! If not, learn about this beautiful area of England and consider planning a trip to see why it gets its very own day.
- World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: The wise souls who bring family tales to life with stories of the past, offering warmth and wisdom through the ages.
- Gary Gygax Day: Gather together your friends and play a game of Dungeons & Dragons to honor the life and legacy of Gary Gygax, creator of this beloved game.
- National Love is Kind Day: In overcoming deeply challenging situations, individuals display immense strength and resilience — breaking free, they pave a path to healing and renewed hope.
- National Creme Brûlée Day: Rich, creamy custard topped with a layer of crunchy caramelized sugar: try making your own creme brûlée or treat yourself to a dessert after a nice dinner out.
- National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day: National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day honors those who fought in a war often called the “Forgotten War.” But for the brave men and women who served, their sacrifice was anything but forgotten. They answered the call, stepping into a distant land to defend freedom. Many never came home. Those who...
- International Safe Places to Work Day: Some jobs offer perks. Others offer peace of mind. International Safe Places to Work Day focuses on that second kind—the rare kind. It’s a day that puts the spotlight on spaces where people feel free to speak, question, disagree, and be themselves without fear. Not every workplace gets this right. But...
- Take Your Pants for a Walk Day: Take Your Pants for a Walk Day is a quirky excuse to stretch your legs and shake off the indoors. It’s light, silly, and strangely uplifting. You pull on a pair of pants, head out the door, and let your feet carry you somewhere—anywhere. That little burst of movement often brings...
- Cross Atlantic Communication Day: Cross Atlantic Communication Day celebrates the moment when laying a wire under the ocean connected two far‑flung shores. What once took weeks now shrunk to minutes. People learned that messages no longer needed ships or storms to cross oceans. A cable laid in 1866 made this possible. It carried signals fast...
- Bagpipe Appreciation Day: Bagpipe Appreciation Day is a celebration of the bagpipe—an instrument that shapes the sound of parades, ceremonies, and stirring gatherings. People from many backgrounds pause to enjoy its raw, resonant tones. Musicians and fans come together to feel the energy this instrument brings. It feels alive, bold, and emotional, uniting listeners...
- National New Jersey Day: National New Jersey Day celebrates the Garden State's unique contributions and character. Known as the third state to join the Union, New Jersey boasts a rich tapestry of culture and history. From its scenic beaches to bustling cities, the state offers a diverse array of experiences. This day invites residents...
- Take Your Houseplant For A Walk Day: Take your houseplant out on a walk around the neighborhood for a change of pace and some slightly different fresh air, and a chance to introduce it to neighbors.
- National Parents’ Day: Give a thoughtful gift, plan an outing, or write a letter to show your parent or parents that you appreciate their hard work and unconditional love.
- Galway International Arts Festival: The Galway International Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity that takes over the city of Galway each year. This event brings together artists, performers, and visitors from around the globe for two weeks of music, theatre, dance, visual arts, and more. The festival transforms Galway into a hub of...
- Love Parks Week : Enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery, and leisure activities that rejuvenate the mind and body in nature's embrace.
- National Moth Week: Sign up for an event or citizen project during Moth Week to get involved, take and post photos, and get a good look at the interesting varieties of moths out there.
Powered by Days Of The Year
For additional information check out websites like: www.on-this-day.com, www.born-today.com, www.famousbirthdays.com, www.daysoftheyear.com, and www.nationaldaycalendar.com.