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:
1863 – President Abraham Lincoln announced his plan for the Reconstruction of the South.
1886 – At a convention of union leaders in Columbus, OH, the American Federation of Labor was founded.
1936 – The NAACP filed its first lawsuit in a campaign to equalize the salaries of black and white school teachers.
1941 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared December 7 to be “a date which will live in infamy” when the United States entered World War II, declaring war against Japan. The act came one day after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Britain and Canada also declared war on Japan.
1952 – The television show “I Love Lucy” broke a longstanding television taboo by acknowledging a pregnancy.
1953 – In Grand Rapids, MI, WOOD TV changed from its original Channel 7 to its current Channel 8. It became the first Michigan station to broadcast in color.
1953 – Los Angeles, CA became the third largest city in the United States.
1962 – A strike by the International Typographical Union closed nine New York City newspapers. The strike lasted 114 days and ended April 1, 1963.
1963 – A 19 year old Frank Sinatra Jr. was abducted at gunpoint. His father paid $240,000 in ransom and he was released several days later.
1963 – Pan Am Flight 24, a Boeing 707, was struck by lightning and crashed near Elkton, MD, killing all 81 people on board.
1972 – United Airlines Flight 553, a Boeing 737, crashed after aborting its landing attempt at Chicago, IL, Midway International Airport, killing 45. The crash was the first ever loss of a Boeing 737.
1980 – In New York, NY, John Lennon was murdered by Mark David Chapman as he returned home to The Dakota after a recording session at New York’s Record Plant. Earlier in the day, Lennon had autographed an album for Chapman.
1982 – Norman D. Mayer demanding an end to nuclear weapons held the Washington Monument hostage. He threatened to blow it up with explosives he claimed were inside a van. 10 hours later he was shot to death by police.
1982 – The movie “48 Hours”, starring Eddie Murphy, opened in movie theaters.
1984 – In Roanoke, VA, a jury found “Hustler” magazine publisher Larry Flynt innocent of libeling Reverend Jerry Falwell with a parody advertisement. However Falwell was awarded $200,000 for emotional distress.
1993 – President Bill Clinton signed into law the North American Free Trade Agreement.
1998 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police could not search a person, or their cars, after ticketing for a routine traffic violation.
1999 – In Memphis, TN, a jury found that Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. had been the victim of a vast murder conspiracy, not a lone assassin.
2000 – Sting received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2000 – Mario Lemieux announced to the Pittsburgh Penguins that he planned to return to the National Hockey League as a player at age 35. He would be the first modern owner-player in U.S. pro sports.
2010 – With the second launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 and the first launch of the SpaceX Dragon, SpaceX became the first private company to successfully launch, orbit and recover a spacecraft.
2013 – Metallica became the first band to perform a concert on all seven of Earth’s continents. On this day, Metallica performed at the Argentine Carlini Station in Antarctica.
2019 – The first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in China
BIRTHDAYS:
Bob Arum – 94 years old (1931) – Boxing promoter, founded Top Rank
Mary Woronov – 82 years old (1943) – Actress, director, and screenwriter
Bertie Higgins – 81 years old (1944) – Singer-songwriter
Julie Heldman – 80 years old (1945) – Tennis player
John Rubinstein – 79 years old (1946) – Actor, director, and composer
Thomas Cech – 78 years old (1947) – Chemist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate
Margaret Geller – 78 years old (1947) – Astrophysicist, astronomer, and academic
Luis Caffarelli – 77 years old (1948) – Argentinian-American mathematician and academic
Mary Gordon – 76 years old (1949) – Author, critic, and academic
Nancy Meyers – 76 years old (1949) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Robert Sternberg – 76 years old (1949) – Psychologist and academic
Rick Baker – 75 years old (1950) – Actor and makeup artist
Tim Foli – 75 years old (1950) – Baseball player, coach, and manager
Bill Bryson – 74 years old (1951) – Essayist, travel and science writer
Kim Basinger – 72 years old (1953) – Actress
Norman Finkelstein – 72 years old (1953) – Author, academic, and activist
Roy Firestone – 72 years old (1953) – Sportscaster and journalist
Harold Hongju Koh – 71 years old (1954) – Lawyer, academic, and politician
Warren Cuccurullo – 69 years old (1956) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Slick – 69 years old (1956) – Wrestler and manager
Rob Byrnes – 67 years old (1958) – Author and blogger
Bob Greene – 67 years old (1958) – Physiologist and author
George Rogers – 67 years old (1958) – Football player
Mark Steyn – 66 years old (1959) – Canadian-American author and critic
Ann Coulter – 64 years old (1961) – Political commentator and author
Steve Elkington – 63 years old (1962) – Australian-American golfer
Marty Friedman – 63 years old (1962) – American-Japanese guitarist, songwriter, and television host
Greg Howe – 62 years old (1963) – Guitarist, songwriter, and producer
Wendell Pierce – 62 years old (1963) – Actor
Teri Hatcher – 61 years old (1964) – Actress
Teresa Weatherspoon – 60 years old (1965) – Basketball player and coach
Matthew Labyorteaux – 59 years old (1966) – Actor
Jeff George – 58 years old (1967) – Football player
Michael Cole – 57 years old (1968) – Sportscaster and journalist
Mike Mussina – 57 years old (1968) – Baseball player and coach
Kristin Lauter – 56 years old (1969) – Mathematician and cryptographer
Janae Kroc – 53 years old (1972) – Powerlifter
Corey Taylor – 52 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter, musician, and actor
Nick Zinner – 51 years old (1974) – Guitarist, songwriter, and producer
Kevin Harvick – 50 years old (1975) – Race car driver
Brettina – 49 years old (1976) – Bahamian-American singer-songwriter and actress
Reed Johnson – 49 years old (1976) – Baseball player
Ryan Newman – 48 years old (1977) – Race car driver
Ian Somerhalder – 47 years old (1978) – Actor
Vernon Wells – 47 years old (1978) – Baseball player
Ingrid Michaelson – 46 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter and pianist
Brandt Snedeker – 45 years old (1980) – Golfer
Jeremy Accardo – 44 years old (1981) – Baseball player
Philip Rivers – 44 years old (1981) – Football player
Chrisette Michele – 43 years old (1982) – Singer-songwriter
Nicki Minaj – 43 years old (1982) – Trinidadian-American rapper and actress
Sam Hunt – 41 years old (1984) – Singer-songwriter
Josh Donaldson – 40 years old (1985) – Baseball player
Dwight Howard – 40 years old (1985) – Basketball player
Enzo Amore – 39 years old (1986) – Wrestler and rapper
Kate Voegele – 39 years old (1986) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress
Cara Mund – 32 years old (1993) – Model, Miss America 2018
AnnaSophia Robb – 32 years old (1993) – Actress
Thatcher Demko – 30 years old (1995) – Ice hockey player
Hakeem Adeniji – 28 years old (1997) – Football player
Sam Hauser – 28 years old (1997) – Basketball player
Josh Dunne – 27 years old (1998) – Ice hockey player
Owen Teague – 27 years old (1998) – Actor
Tyrus Wheat – 26 years old (1999) – Football player
DeMario Douglas – 25 years old (2000) – Football player
Bayron Matos – 25 years old (2000) – Dominican American football player
Josh Christopher – 24 years old (2001) – Basketball player
Billie Starkz – 21 years old (2004) – Professional wrestler
TODAY IS:
- Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day: Spin tall tales about journeys through the past or future, and leave folks with raised eyebrows and a confused chuckle.
- National Brownie Day: Indulge in a rich, chocolatey dessert, whether a mixed selection from the bakery, a tray bake rustled up at home or a brownie gathering with friends.
- National Donair Day: Savoring succulent meat, creamy sauce, and fresh veggies wrapped in warm pita offers a delightful taste experience.
- National Blue Collar Day: Have you ever heard of National Blue Collar Day? It’s celebrated every December 8 to honor the hardworking people in blue-collar jobs. These crucial yet often undervalued jobs keep our communities running smoothly every day. This day shines a spotlight on those who perform physical work in fields like construction, manufacturing...
- National Lard Day: National Lard Day lights up kitchens and tables across the nation every December 8th. It's a day that brings a once-shunned ingredient back into the spotlight. People celebrate lard for its rich culinary history and its comeback as a healthier and more flavorful alternative to processed oils and fats. The story...
- National Health Savings Account Day: Have you ever considered how a health savings account (HSA) might help you manage healthcare costs? National Health Savings Account Day is an important reminder of the benefits these accounts offer. By setting aside pre-tax dollars, you can save money on medical expenses. This day highlights the value of planning...
- National Crossword Solvers Day: Word lovers and puzzle fans get a moment in the spotlight with National Crossword Solvers Day. It’s a time to cheer for those who chase down clues, fill in tricky grids, and enjoy every “aha” moment along the way. Crossword solving isn’t just about sitting with a newspaper or screen—it’s...
- Bodhi Day: Have you ever heard of Bodhi Day? It's a special occasion in Buddhism that honors the moment when Siddhartha Gautama, a prince who left his royal life behind, achieved enlightenment under a tree. This awakening transformed him into the Buddha, the "Awakened One." The term "Bodhi" means awakening or enlightenment...
- Take it in the Ear Day: Take it in the Ear Day is an unusual and fun celebration. The name might sound odd, but it actually encourages us to focus on listening. This day reminds us to pay attention to sounds around us, whether it's enjoying music, engaging in conversations, or simply taking a moment to...
- Immaculate Conception: The Immaculate Conception is a belief held by many Christians, particularly within the Catholic Church. It teaches that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin. This means she was pure from the very start of her existence, chosen for a special purpose. Her purity, free from sin...
- 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.
- 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...
- National Influenza Vaccination Week: National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is an important event that highlights the necessity of getting the flu vaccine. This week serves as a timely reminder for everyone to get vaccinated before the peak flu season hits. It's a crucial effort to prevent the spread of influenza, especially as the colder months...
- Older Driver Safety Awareness Week: Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is an important event that highlights the unique challenges older drivers face. This week encourages conversations about driving safety and mobility independence for seniors. With an aging population, the need for awareness and proactive measures is more critical than ever. The goal is to keep...
- Inclusive Schools Week: Inclusive Schools Week is a vibrant annual event that spotlights progress and dedication toward more inclusive educational environments. Celebrated during the first full week of December each year, this special week applauds schools, communities, and individuals who are pushing forward the inclusion of students from diverse backgrounds. It involves students...
- Clerc-Gallaudet Week: Clerc-Gallaudet Week is a special time when people stop and recognize two key figures who changed Deaf education in America. Laurent Clerc and Thomas Gallaudet weren’t just teachers — they were trailblazers who believed every Deaf child deserved a chance to learn and be heard. Their teamwork opened the door for...
- 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...
- National Handwashing Awareness Week: National Handwashing Awareness Week highlights the importance of keeping our hands clean. This week reminds us how simple actions can protect our health. Clean hands can stop the spread of germs, making everyone safer. Handwashing is celebrated for many reasons. First, it reduces the risk of getting sick. By washing hands...
- Blue Christmas: While most people are at home opening presents, emergency workers are on duty, ensuring the safety of their communities over the holidays.
- Day of the Little Candles: Day of the Little Candles is a special celebration that lights up Colombian communities with warmth and joy. On this day, people fill their streets, windows, and balconies with small candles, creating a mesmerizing glow that stretches far into the night. The sight of countless flickering flames brings neighbors together...
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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.
