July 28

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:

1866 – The metric system was legalized by the United States Congress for the standardization of weights and measures throughout the U.S.

1866 – Beatrix Potter was born in England. In 1894, in a letter to a critically ill child, she told a story of four little rabbits: Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter. The story, since published in 17 languages, was inspired by her own pet rabbit, Benjamin H. Bouncer.

1868 – The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution was declared in effect. The Amendment guaranteed African American citizenship and due process of law.

1896 – The city of Miami, FL, was incorporated.

1914 – World War I officially began when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

1933 – Rudy Vallee received the very first singing telegram on his 32nd birthday.

1939 – Judy Garland recorded the song “Over the Rainbow.”

1941 – The United States House of Representatives approved plans for the Pentagon.

1945 – A U.S. Army bomber crashed into the 79th floor of New York City’s Empire State Building. 14 people were killed and 26 were injured.

1951 – The Walt Disney film “Alice in Wonderland” was released.

1978 – The movie “National Lampoon’s Animal House” debuted in theaters.

1982 – San Francisco, CA, became the first city in the United States to ban handguns.

1989 – The movie “Turner and Hooch”, starring Tom Hanks, premiered in theaters.

1993 – The Mel Brooks movie, “Robin Hood: Men in Tights”, debuted in theaters.

1995 – The movie “Waterworld” premiered in theaters.

1996 – The remains of a prehistoric man were discovered near Kennewick, WA.

1996 – Dr. Jochen Heuer of Luebeck, Germany, not only performed a successful kidney transplant operation, but also provided his own kidney for the transplant.

1998 – Bell Atlantic and GTE announced $52 billion deal that created the second-largest phone company.

1998 – Monica Lewinsky received blanket immunity from prosecution to testify before a grand jury about her relationship with President Bill Clinton.

2000 – Kathie Lee Gifford made her final appearance as co-host of the ABC talk show “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee.”

2002 – After spending 77 hours in a dark and flooded shaft 240 feet below ground, nine mine workers in Pennsylvania emerged in good health.

2009 – The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Sonia Sotomayor to be the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court.

2018 – The longest “blood moon” eclipse of the 21st century lasted 1 hour, 43 minutes.

2022 – Catastrophic floods devastated Eastern Kentucky, resulting in 45 fatalities and damage to thousands of homes and businesses.

BIRTHDAYS:

Jim Davis – 80 years old (1945) – Cartoonist (“Garfield”)

Jonathan Edwards – 79 years old (1946) – Singer (“Sunshine”)

Linda Kelsey – 79 years old (1946) – Actress (Played Billie Newman on TV’s “Lou Grant”)

Sally Struthers – 78 years old (1947) – Actress (TV’s “All in the Family”, “Gilmore Girls”, “Gloria”, “9 to 5”)

Simon Kirke – 76 years old (1949) – Drummer (Bad Company, Free)

Lori Loughlin – 61 years old (1964) – Actress (Played Rebecca Donaldson-Katsopolis on TV’s “Full House”)

Elizabeth Berkley – 53 years old (1972) – Actress (“Showgirls”, “Cover Story”, “Roger Dodger”, TV’s “Saved by the Bell”, “Dancing With the Stars: Season 17”). Born in Farmington Hills, MI.

TODAY IS:

• National Soccer Day: The beautiful game — a global passion, where players display skill, teamwork, and unbridled enthusiasm for scoring goals.
• World Nature Conservation Day: Caring for the planet's beauty and creatures is like giving the Earth a big, loving hug. Join the effort and make a positive impact!
• World Hepatitis Day: Take care of your health, get vaccinated, and have your doctor screen for hepatitis to prevent health complications. Raise awareness to help others do the same.
• National Milk Chocolate Day: Smooth and creamy, it's like a sweet hug for your taste buds, making any moment a little bit better.
• ​World Conservation Day: ​World Conservation Day is a global event highlighting the need to protect our planet's natural resources. It emphasizes the critical role each person plays in maintaining a healthy environment. This observance encourages us to reflect on our connection with nature and the steps we can take to ensure its preservation. The...
• National Waterpark Day: Bright colors, rushing water, and endless excitement fill the air. National Waterpark Day celebrates the joy of cooling off in a place designed for pure fun. Towering slides send riders speeding down into sparkling pools, while lazy rivers offer a gentle drift under the sun. Every splash, laugh, and thrilling...
• Buffalo Soldiers Day: Buffalo Soldiers Day celebrates the courage of African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War. These men wore the uniform with pride, defending frontier lands and building roads in harsh conditions. Despite facing prejudice, they stood strong, proving their skill and dedication. Their story is...
• King Rama X’s Birthday: King Rama X's Birthday is a significant day in Thailand. Grand ceremonies and nationwide celebrations honor the current monarch, highlighting the deep respect and affection the Thai people hold for their King. Citizens and government officials alike engage in various activities to express their loyalty and appreciation. It's a time...
• Love Parks Week : Enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery, and leisure activities that rejuvenate the mind and body in nature's embrace.

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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.