December 5

Scott Winters December 5, 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:

1776 – In Williamsburg, VA, at the College of William and Mary, the first scholastic fraternity in America, Phi Beta Kappa, was organized.

1782 – The first native United States President, Martin Van Buren, was born in Kinderhook, NY.

1792 – George Washington was re-elected President.

1843 – The first ship to be called U.S.S. Michigan was launched. It served its time on the Great Lakes.

1848 – President James K. Polk triggered the Gold Rush of ’49 by confirming the gold had been discovered in California.

1876 – The first practical pipe wrench, the Stillson wrench, was patented by D.C. Stillson.

1893 – The first electric car was introduced.

1908 – At the University of Pittsburgh, numbers were first used on football uniforms worn by college football players.

1932 – German physicist Albert Einstein was granted a visa making it possible for him to travel to the United States.

1933 – Prohibition came to an end when Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, thus establishing the required 75% of states needed to enact the amendment.

1935 – The first commercial hydroponics operation was established in Montebello, CA.

1945 – The so-called “Lost Squadron” disappeared. The five U.S. Navy Avenger bombers carrying 14 Navy flyers began a training mission at the Ft. Lauderdale Naval Air Station. They were never heard from again.

1951 – The first push button-controlled garage opened in Washington, DC.

1955 – E.D. Nixon and Rosa Parks lead the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

1955 – The American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations merged to form the AFL-CIO.

1962 – The United States and the Soviet Union agreed to cooperate in the peaceful uses of outer space.

1974 – The BBC aired the last original episode of “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”.

1978 – The American space probe Pioneer Venus I, orbiting Venus, began beaming back its first information and picture of the planet.

1983 – The video arcade game “NFL Football” was unveiled in Chicago, IL. It was the first video arcade game to be licensed by the National Football League.

1984 – The movie “Beverly Hills Cop”, starring Eddie Murphy, premiered in theaters.

1985 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose above 1,500 for the first time.

1988 – Jim Bakker and former aide, Richard Dortch, were indicted by a federal grand jury in North Carolina on fraud and conspiracy charges.

1997 – Matt Damon and Ben Affleck debuted their screenwriting efforts when “Good Will Hunting” opened in theaters.

2002 – The movie “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” opened in theaters.

2008 – O.J. Simpson was sentenced to between 15 and 27 years in prison in a Las Vegas, NV court for kidnapping, armed robbery and 10 other charges.

2008 – The iTunes Music Store reached 300 million applications downloaded.

2008 – The movie “Frost/Nixon” premiered. The film tells the story behind the Frost/Nixon interviews of 1977. The film was directed by Ron Howard.

2010 – Merle Haggard, Paul McCartney and Oprah Winfrey were among those receiving the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C.

2010 – NASA’s Mars Odyssey spacecraft became the longest-operating spacecraft ever sent to Mars. The Odyssey entered orbit around Mars on October 23, 2001.

2014 – NASA’s Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle debuted when it was launched for a four hour test flight. It landed on target in the Pacific Ocean.

2017 – The International Olympic Committee banned Russia from competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics due to doping at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

2018 – The funeral for former President George H.W. Bush was held in Washington, DC. Another service was held in Houston, TX the following day. He was then buried at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, TX, next to his wife, Barbara.

BIRTHDAYS:

Sheldon Glashow – 93 years old (1932) – Physicist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate

Calvin Trillin – 90 years old (1935) – Novelist, humorist, and journalist

James Lee Burke – 89 years old (1936) – Journalist, author, and academic

Jim Messina – 78 years old (1947) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Jim Plunkett – 78 years old (1947) – Football player and radio host

Morgan Brittany – 74 years old (1951) – Actress

Art Monk – 68 years old (1957) – Football player

Osvaldo Golijov – 65 years old (1960) – Argentinian-American composer and educator

Pablo Morales – 63 years old (1962) – Swimmer and coach

Doctor Dré – 62 years old (1963) – Television and radio host

John Rzeznik – 60 years old (1965) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Gary Allan – 58 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Margaret Cho – 57 years old (1968) – Comedian, actress, producer, and screenwriter

Lisa Marie – 57 years old (1968) – Model and actress

Lydia Millet – 57 years old (1968) – Novelist

Eric Etebari – 56 years old (1969) – Actor, director, and producer

Morgan J. Freeman – 56 years old (1969) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Michel'le – 55 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter

Ashia Hansen – 54 years old (1971) – American-English triple jumper

Kali Rocha – 54 years old (1971) – Actress

Cliff Floyd – 53 years old (1972) – Baseball player and sportscaster

Duane Ross – 53 years old (1972) – Hurdler and coach

Brian Lewis – 51 years old (1974) – Sprinter

Paula Patton – 50 years old (1975) – Actress

Amy Acker – 49 years old (1976) – Actress

Rachel Komisarz – 49 years old (1976) – Swimmer and coach

Neil Druckmann – 47 years old (1978) – Video game designer and author

Nick Stahl – 46 years old (1979) – Actor

Eddy Curry – 43 years old (1982) – Basketball player

Keri Hilson – 43 years old (1982) – Singer-songwriter and actress

Gabriel Luna – 43 years old (1982) – Actor

Lauren London – 41 years old (1984) – Actress

Frankie Muniz – 40 years old (1985) – Actor, drummer, and race car driver

Josh Smith – 40 years old (1985) – Basketball player

LeGarrette Blount – 39 years old (1986) – Football player

Justin Smoak – 39 years old (1986) – Baseball player

A. J. Pollock – 38 years old (1987) – Baseball player

Ross Bagley – 37 years old (1988) – Actor

Tina Charles – 37 years old (1988) – Basketball player

Kyle Long – 37 years old (1988) – Football player

Jurrell Casey – 36 years old (1989) – Football player

Montee Ball – 35 years old (1990) – Football player

Cam Fowler – 34 years old (1991) – Canadian-American ice hockey player

Christian Yelich – 34 years old (1991) – Baseball player

Semi Ojeleye – 31 years old (1994) – Basketball player

Levy Rozman – 30 years old (1995) – Chess International Master , streamer and YouTuber

Maddie Poppe – 28 years old (1997) – Singer-songwriter and musician

Quinnen Williams – 28 years old (1997) – Football player

Conan Gray – 27 years old (1998) – Singer-songwriter

TODAY IS:

Sacher-Torte Day: Indulging in a decadent dessert that harmoniously blends rich chocolate and a hint of fruity sweetness, creating a symphony of flavors.
International Ninja Day: Stealthily slip into black attire to channel your inner ancient warrior, gather your gang of like-minded spies and binge some classic ninja movies.
Krampusnacht: Embracing a darker yuletide tradition with chilling festivities, when a fearsome figure roams the streets, evoking both shivers and revelry.
Bathtub Party Day: There's nothing quite like soaking in warm, bubbling water with friends or alone. It's a relaxing way to unwind and melt your troubles away!
National Communicate with Your Kids Day: National Communicate with Your Kids Day is a wonderful occasion celebrated on December 5th each year. It's a day that underlines the importance of building strong communication bridges between parents and their children. Starting conversations, listening intently, and understanding each other better are the core ideals of this day. It...
National Blue Jeans Day: Did you know that National Blue Jeans Day lights up our calendars on December 5 every year? This special day honors the timeless appeal of blue jeans, a staple in wardrobes worldwide. From rugged workwear to a fashion favorite, jeans have truly seen it all. Their durability and versatility make...
National Repeal Day: If you like a drink, then National Repeal Day is all about you. On the 5th of December, it's time to raise a glass to all things cocktails, beer and spirit, and celebrate your right to have a cheeky little (or large!) tipple now and then. Whether you enjoy a...
Global Fat Bike Day: Experience winter cycling like never before with extra wide fat bikes, providing ultimate stability on snow, sand, and mud.
International Volunteer Day: Extending a helping hand, volunteering enriches communities, cultivates empathy, and fosters meaningful connections among individuals.
Crate Day: Crate Day is a lively and cherished event in New Zealand, bringing people together to celebrate with crates of beer. The day symbolizes the start of summer, encouraging friends to gather and enjoy each other’s company. This unofficial holiday has become a staple in Kiwi culture, emphasizing the joy of...
World Soil Day: The Earth's foundation for life, where plants, animals, and humans thrive. Without it, we wouldn't have food, clean air, or water.
National Rhubarb Vodka Day: National Rhubarb Vodka Day is an exciting celebration dedicated to a unique and flavorful blend of rhubarb and vodka. This day brings together cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with new tastes. Rhubarb's tartness pairs perfectly with vodka, creating a delightful drink that's both sweet and tangy. The vibrant pink hue...
Coats and Toys for Kids Day: Coats and Toys for Kids Day is a special event that brings communities together. It's an inspiring day when people donate winter coats and toys to children who need them. This simple act of kindness warms both bodies and hearts, creating a ripple of joy and hope. The day is celebrated...
Chester Greenwood Day: Chester Greenwood Day, celebrated annually in Farmington, Maine, honors the town's beloved inventor of earmuffs. This lively event draws crowds with its unique charm, highlighting the importance of a simple invention that brought warmth to many ears. The day is filled with colorful parades, local crafts, and a strong sense...
World Pear Day: World Pear Day brings a burst of flavor and fun to fruit lovers everywhere. This global celebration highlights the pear's sweet charm and its place in kitchens around the world. From crisp slices in salads to warm poached desserts, pears add a touch of delight to any dish. On this special...
Light Up A Life Day: Light Up A Life Day is a gentle, heartfelt way to remember someone special. It’s not loud or grand—it’s quiet, personal, and full of meaning. People come together, often in the chill of early evening, and light candles or decorate trees with tiny lights. Each light stands for a name, a...
SKYWARN™ Recognition Day: SKYWARN™ Recognition Day is an exciting event honoring the dedication of volunteer radio operators who report severe weather conditions. These volunteers, known as SKYWARN spotters, provide critical real-time information to the National Weather Service (NWS). This annual celebration highlights the invaluable role they play in keeping communities safe during severe...
National AFL-CIO Day: National AFL-CIO Day is a day dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the contributions of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). This organization plays a crucial role in improving the lives of workers across various industries. By advocating for better wages, safer working conditions, and fair...
Zagreb Advent: Zagreb Advent is a magical celebration that transforms Croatia's capital into a winter wonderland. The streets light up with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wooden stalls filled with handmade crafts and delicious treats line the squares, and the air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and...
Hanukkah: The festival of lights — a time for family, delicious eats, and stories that remind of hope's enduring glow in the darkest times.
Candle Day: Candles offer more than just light — fill your home with sweet scents and transform any space into a warm oasis.
Advent: Advent marks a period of eager anticipation and preparation for Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Each year, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which can fall anywhere between November 27 and December 3, ending on Christmas Eve, December 24. This timing reminds us that the holiday...
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week: Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week spotlights these often misunderstood conditions. It aims to educate the public about the challenges faced by those with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The week-long event helps make the invisible symptoms of these diseases more visible to everyone. This awareness is crucial for fostering understanding...
National Cookie Cutter Week: National Cookie Cutter Week is a fun and festive time dedicated to the art of making shaped cookies. This celebration encourages people to dive into the holiday spirit by using cookie cutters to create unique and delightful cookie designs. It's a week where creativity in the kitchen flourishes, turning simple...
Tree Dressing Day: Trees are essential for sustaining life, offering oxygen, shelter, and support to countless species. Tree Dressing Day is a lively celebration that invites communities to honor the beauty and significance of these natural giants. This event motivates people to decorate trees with colorful ribbons, fabrics, and natural ornaments. The decorations...
Hornbill Festival: The Hornbill Festival is a vibrant celebration that brings together various tribes in Nagaland, India. This colorful event showcases traditional music, dance, and art, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the Naga people. Visitors from around the world come to experience this lively festival. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement...
Rakia and Spirits Festival: The Rakia and Spirits Festival in Bulgaria celebrates Balkan culture through its iconic fruit brandy, rakia, and other spirits. Set in a lively venue, the festival showcases a dazzling variety of distilled drinks, from traditional flavors to creative new blends. Visitors can sample drinks from local distilleries as well as...
Blue Christmas: While most people are at home opening presents, emergency workers are on duty, ensuring the safety of their communities over the holidays.