Discover what happened on August 14 in history as landmark legislation, world-changing events, unforgettable entertainment, and remarkable milestones helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on August 14 in History?
On this day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, President Harry Truman announced Japan’s surrender to end World War II, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show premiered in theaters.
AUGUST 14 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1848 – The Oregon Territory was established.
1885 – Rust-proof paint was patented in Japan.
1888 – Thomas Edison’s phonograph was introduced in London, England.
1888 – A patent for the electric meter was issued to Oliver B. Shallenberger.
1896 – Gold was discovered in Canada’s Yukon Territory. Within a year more than 30,000 people rushed to the area looking for gold.
1919 – A state law in Michigan went into effect requiring all drivers of motor vehicles to carry licenses while driving.
1935 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, creating a government pension system for the retired.
1941 – Congress appropriated the funds to construct the Pentagon (approximately $83 million). The building was the new home of the U.S. War Department.
1945 – President Harry Truman announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally, bringing World War II to an end.
1953 – The whiffle ball was invented.
1959 – The American Football League (AFL) held its founding and first official meeting.
1962 – A U.S. mail truck was held up in Plymouth, MA. The robbers got away with more than $1.5 million dollars.
1975 – “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” opened at the USA Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. It went on to become the longest-running release in film history.
1980 – People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was incorporated.
1985 – Michael Jackson outbid Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono for the ATV music-publishing catalog. Jackson paid $47.5 million for the rights to more than 250 songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
1992 – Wayne Newton filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
1995 – Shannon Faulkner became the first female cadet in the history of The Citadel, South Carolina’s state military college. She quit the school less than a week later.
1998 – A U.S. federal appeals court in Richmond, VA, ruled that the Food and Drug Administration had no authority to regulate tobacco. The FDA had established rules to make it harder for minors to buy cigarettes.
2000 – Valujet was ordered to pay $11 million in fines and restitution for hazardous waste violations in the crash that killed 110 people in 1996.
2000 – It was announced that Charles Grodin would be joining CBS’ “60 Minutes II” as a commentator.
2003 – A massive power blackout affected parts of the northeastern United States and Canada, leaving millions without electricity. Some areas took nearly two weeks to fully recover. Read more about it here.
2007 – Apple announced that the entire catalog of John Lennon would be available at iTunes Music Store.
2015 – In Havana, Cuba, the U.S. Embassy was re-opened after being closed 54 years earlier.
2017 – The Corner Bar, in Rockford, MI, burned for hours after a gas meter exploded. The building was pretty much destroyed. They have since rebuilt and are open for business once again.
2023 – Former President Donald Trump was charged in Georgia along with 18 others in attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election in that state, his fourth indictment of 2023.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 14:
Frederic Raphael – 95 years old (1931) – Journalist, author, and screenwriter
John Brodie – 91 years old (1935) – Football player
Connie Smith – 85 years old (1941) – Country music singer-songwriter and guitarist
Ben Sidran – 83 years old (1943) – Jazz and rock keyboardist
Steve Martin – 81 years old (1945) – Actor, comedian, musician, producer, and screenwriter
Antonio Fargas – 80 years old (1946) – Actor
Larry Graham – 80 years old (1946) – Soul/funk bass player and singer-songwriter
Susan Saint James – 80 years old (1946) – Actress
Danielle Steel – 79 years old (1947) – Author
Bob Backlund – 77 years old (1949) – Wrestler
Gary Larson – 76 years old (1950) – Cartoonist
Carl Lumbly – 75 years old (1951) – Actor
Debbie Meyer – 74 years old (1952) – Swimmer
Stanley A. McChrystal – 72 years old (1954) – General
Jackée Harry – 70 years old (1956) – Actress and television personality
Rusty Wallace – 70 years old (1956) – Race car driver
Frank Brickowski – 67 years old (1959) – Basketball player
Marcia Gay Harden – 67 years old (1959) – Actress
Magic Johnson – 67 years old (1959) – Basketball player and coach
Fred Roberts – 66 years old (1960) – Basketball player
Susan Olsen – 65 years old (1961) – Actress and radio host
Mark Gubicza – 64 years old (1962) – Baseball player
Neal Anderson – 62 years old (1964) – Football player and coach
Halle Berry – 60 years old (1966) – Model, actress, and producer
Ben Bass – 58 years old (1968) – Actor
Catherine Bell – 58 years old (1968) – English-American actress and producer
Tracy Caldwell Dyson – 57 years old (1969) – Chemist and astronaut
Kevin Cadogan – 56 years old (1970) – Rock guitarist
Mark Loretta – 55 years old (1971) – Baseball player
Chucky Atkins – 52 years old (1974) – Basketball player
Christopher Gorham – 52 years old (1974) – Actor
Mike Vrabel – 51 years old (1975) – Football player
Juan Pierre – 49 years old (1977) – Baseball player
Earl Barron – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player
Julius Jones – 45 years old (1981) – Football player
Kofi Kingston – 45 years old (1981) – Ghanaian-American wrestler
Scott Lipsky – 45 years old (1981) – Tennis player
Mila Kunis – 43 years old (1983) – Ukrainian-American actress
Lamorne Morris – 43 years old (1983) – Actor and comedian
Spencer Pratt – 43 years old (1983) – Television personality
Clay Buchholz – 42 years old (1984) – Baseball player
Johnny Gargano – 39 years old (1987) – Wrestler
Tim Tebow – 39 years old (1987) – Football and baseball player and sportscaster
Doechii – 28 years old (1998) – Rapper
Marsai Martin – 22 years old (2004) – Actress and producer
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 14:
- World Lizard Day: Discover the fascinating world of scaly creatures with vibrant colors, unique adaptations, and diverse habitats to explore.
- Navajo Code Talkers Day: Navajo Code Talkers Day honors a unique group of World War II heroes. The Navajo Code Talkers created an unbreakable code, helping the U.S. military win crucial battles. Their bravery and creativity saved countless lives. This day reminds us of their extraordinary contributions and the power of cultural knowledge in...
- National Tattoo Removal Day: Tattoos are permanent, but people change. Luckily, tattoos can actually be removed. Get rid of any unwanted ink and put your regrets behind you.
- National Creamsicle Day: Savoring that perfect blend of citrus and cream on a hot day — a frozen treat that's like sunshine on a stick.
- National Social Security Day: Take some time to consider your role as a member of a society on National Social Security Day, and think what you can do for those less fortunate than you.
- Afternoon Tea Week: Host a British-inspired Afternoon Tea and plug that gap between lunch and dinner with tea, biscuits (cookies), scones, clotted cream, whatever you like.
- Internet Blackout Day in Malaysia: Internet Blackout Day in Malaysia was a day of protest against a law that many saw as a threat to online freedom. Websites across the country went dark, displaying messages that highlighted the risks posed by the new amendment to the Evidence Act. This law made anyone associated with a...
- Falklands Day: Falklands Day is a vibrant celebration of the people of the Falkland Islands. This special day commemorates the first recorded sighting of the islands by English explorer John Davis. Islanders and visitors come together to honor this significant historical event, reflecting on the natural beauty and rich culture of the...
- Financial Awareness Day: Being able to manage your money is one of the most important life skills you can have. Financial Awareness Day highlights how simple actions—like budgeting, saving, or planning ahead—can make a huge impact. It’s a reminder that financial confidence doesn’t come from luck, but from knowledge and steady habits. Whether you...
- International Plum Fair: Plum Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a lively celebration that brings together communities and showcases the region's deep-rooted connection to this fruit. The event, held in the town of Gradačac, attracts hundreds of exhibitors and visitors from across the country and beyond. It’s more than just an agricultural fair...
- Pakistan Independence Day: Visit a festival or celebration, or learn about the history of Pakistan and its liberation from British rule, now commemorated on Pakistan Independence Day.
- 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...
- Brussels Flower Carpet: Brussels Flower Carpet turns the city’s Grand Place into a breathtaking floral masterpiece. Every two years, a vast carpet made entirely of flowers blankets the square, drawing visitors from around the world. The Flower Carpet celebrates Belgium’s love for flowers, especially begonias, which thrive in the region. It also highlights...
- Sarajevo Film Festival: The Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) is Southeast Europe's largest and most vibrant film event. Each year, it transforms the city into a lively hub, drawing filmmakers, actors, and movie enthusiasts from around the globe. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, the festival offers a space where local and international cinema...
- Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...
- National Bargain Hunting Week: Exploring discounts and deals, seekers unearth treasures while navigating the maze of savings, discovering hidden gems.
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