August 7

Scott Winters August 7, 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:

1789 – Congress established the U.S. War Department.

1782 – George Washington ordered the creation of the Badge of Military Merit to honor Revolutionary War soldiers who were wounded in battle. It was later renamed to the more poetic Purple Heart.

1888 – Theophilus Van Kannel received a patent for the revolving door.

1909 – Alice Huyler Ramsey and three friends become the first women to complete a transcontinental auto trip. The trip took 59 days to complete. They traveled from New York, NY to San Francisco, CA.

1926 – Grand River Road (M-16) was opened to traffic as the first paved road across the state of Michigan.

1944 – IBM dedicated the first program-controlled calculator, the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (known best as the Harvard Mark I).

1955 – Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering, the precursor of Sony, sold its first transistor radios in Japan.

1959 – The Lincoln Memorial design on the penny went into circulation. It replaced the “sheaves of wheat” (or “wheat penny”) design and was minted until 2008.

1959 – The U.S. launched Explorer 6, which sent back a picture of the Earth.

1966 – Race riots occurred in Lansing, MI.

1974 – French stuntman Philippe Petit walked a tightrope strung between the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center, 1,368 feet in the air.

1976 – Scientists in Pasadena, CA, announced that the Viking 1 spacecraft had found strong indications of possible life on Mars. That same year Viking 2 entered orbit around Mars.

1978 – President Jimmy Carter declared a federal emergency at Love Canal due to toxic waste that had been negligently disposed of into the canal.

1981 – After 128 years of publication, “The Washington Star” ceased all operations.

1990 – The first American soldiers arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of the Gulf War.

1992 – Carl Lewis set the 100m world record and anchored the 100m relay team at the World Championships.

2003 – In California, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he would run for the office of governor.

2003 – Stephen Geppi bought a 1963 G.I. Joe prototype for $200,000.

2006 – Gene Simmons, of the band KISS, got his own reality TV show when “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” premiered on A&E.

2007 – At AT&T Park, Barry Bonds hit his 756th career home run to surpass Hank Aaron’s 33-year-old record.

2013 – The movie “We’re the Millers”, starring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis, premiered in theaters.

BIRTHDAYS:

Garrison Keillor – 83 years old (1942) – Radio host (PBS’s “A Prairie Home Companion”)

John Glover – 81 years old (1944) – Actor (“RoboCop 2”, “Batman and Robin”, TV’s “Smallville”)

David Rasche – 81 years old (1944) – Actor (TV’s “Sledge Hammer!”)

Wayne Knight – 70 years old (1955) – Actor (“Jurassic Park”, “To Die For”, Played Newman on TV’s “Seinfield”, “Third Rock From the Sun”)

Bruce Dickinson – 67 years old (1958) – Singer (Iron Maiden)

David Duchovny – 65 years old (1960) – Actor (TV’s “The X-Files”, movies “Californication”, “Full Frontal”)

DeLane Matthews – 64 years old (1961) – Actress (Played Beth Barry on TV’s “Dave’s World”)

Harold Perrineau – 62 years old (1963) – Actor (TV’s “Lost”, “Oz”, movies “The Matrix”)

Sydney Penny – 54 years old (1971) – Actress (Played Julia Santos Keefer on TV’s “All My Children” and Samantha “Sam” Kelly on “The Bold and the Beautiful”)

Michael Shannon – 51 years old (1974) – Actor (“Revolutionary Road”, “Take Shelter”, “The Iceman”, “World Trade Center”, “Vanilla Sky”, TV’s “Boardwalk Empire”)

Charlize Theron – 50 years old (1975) – Actress (“Monster”, “North Country”, “Dark Places”, “Mad Max: Fury Road”, “The Cider House Rules”, “The Legend of Bagger Vance”)

TODAY IS:

India Pale Ale Day: Sip on a hoppy and refreshing brew that's perfect for any occasion, whether you're grilling with friends or just kicking back after work.
National Lighthouse Day: Often used as metaphors, lighthouses are the beautiful towers that keep ships safe in the night. Visit one to appreciate their majesty and mystery.
National Handloom Day: National Handloom Day is a celebration of India's rich textile traditions and the people who bring them to life. It highlights the artistry and dedication of Handloom weavers, who create fabrics that are not only beautiful but also deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Handloom textiles, ranging from intricate sarees to...
National Raspberries n’ Cream Day: National Raspberries n’ Cream Day brings a sweet sparkle to everyone who loves this delightful treat. The day is all about celebrating the fantastic blend of fresh raspberries with creamy toppings. This treat isn't just delicious—it also brightens up any dish, from pies to smoothies, making it a favorite for...
Aged Care Employee Day: Show some appreciation to the warm, caring people who take care of the elderly in Aged Care Homes. Send a card or gift basket to say thanks.
Professional Speakers Day: Attend a seminar to see the pros at work, or practice your own public speaking on Professional Speakers Day to appreciate this nerve-wracking role.
National Sea Serpent Day: National Sea Serpent Day brings to life the mystique and excitement surrounding sea serpents, legendary creatures steeped in folklore and myth. Imagine colossal, snake-like beings that roam the depths of our oceans, sparking curiosity and awe. On this day, people embrace the stories of these elusive giants, celebrating the rich...
Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day: Why do I need scissors to open up brand new scissors? Write an email to manufacturers, and talk openly about these ridiculous packaging techniques.
Purple Heart Day: Recognizing sacrifice and valor, this symbol stands as a tribute to those who courageously served their nation.
Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
World Breastfeeding Week: Nurturing a bond like no other, this natural act of love fosters the health and well-being of both mother and child.
National Eisteddfod of Wales: The National Eisteddfod of Wales is a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture, bringing together the best of the nation's music, literature, and performance arts. Each year, the festival moves to a different location within Wales, alternating between the north and south. This week-long event attracts thousands of visitors who immerse...
Stop on Red Week: Crossing at a red light has caused countless fatalities, many of them completely avoidable. These aren’t rare, freak accidents—they happen in everyday traffic, on ordinary roads, during normal routines. Someone rushes to beat the light, doesn’t see the pedestrian, or assumes they’ll make it in time. In a split second...
Farmers Market Week: Farmers Market Week is a vibrant celebration of local markets across the country. It's a time when communities come together to appreciate the fresh, locally grown produce and unique handmade goods that these markets offer. The energy at these markets during this special week is contagious as people of all...
International Assistance Dog Week: International Assistance Dog Week is a special time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hardworking dogs that change lives. These dogs provide essential support to individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate daily challenges. Their incredible skills, combined with their loyal companionship, make them invaluable to those who rely on them...
National Exercise With Your Child Week: Encouraging outdoor play, fostering healthy habits, and instilling a love for movement in children for lifelong well-being.
Simplify Your Life Week: Embracing minimalism, decluttering spaces, and focusing on what truly matters, finding peace in simplicity and mindful living.
International Clown Week: Exploring playful characters, spreading joy with colorful costumes, and delighting audiences with whimsical performances and antics.