June 14

Scott Winters June 14, 2025 0 Comments

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:

1775 – The Continental Army was founded by the Second Continental Congress. This is considered to be the birth of the United States Army. On June 15, George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief.

1777 – The Continental Congress in Philadelphia, PA adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as the national flag of the United States. The Flag Resolution stated “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” On May 20, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 “Flag Day” as a commemoration of the “Stars and Stripes.”

1789 – Whiskey distilled from maize was first produced by clergyman Rev. Elijah Craig. It was called Bourbon because Craig lived in Bourbon County, KY.

1789 – HMS Bounty mutiny survivors, including Captain William Bligh and 18 others, reached Timor after a nearly 4,600 mile journey in an open boat.

1834 – Isaac Fischer Jr. patented sandpaper.

1837 – The first steamboat was dropped into the channel at Grand Rapids, MI for service on the Grand River. It was called the Governor Mason and was constructed of lumber taken from land owned by the Campau’s within the original plot of Grand Rapids.

1881 – Ephraim Shay, of Cadillac, MI, received a patent for a geared steam engine that went on to be highly successful.

1893 – Philadelphia, PA observed the first Flag Day.

1900 – Hawaii became a U.S. territory.

1919 – Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown made the first trans-Atlantic crossing by air, leaving St. John’s, Newfoundland and landing in Clifden, County Galway, Ireland.

1922 – Warren G. Harding became the first President to be heard on radio. The event was the dedication of the Francis Scott Key Memorial at Fort McHenry.

1937 – The state of Pennsylvania became the first state in the United States to celebrate Flag Day officially as a state holiday.

1943 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that school children could not be made to salute the U.S. flag if doing so conflicted with their religious beliefs.

1951 – “Univac I” was unveiled. It was a computer designed for the U.S. Census Bureau and billed as the world’s first commercial computer.

1952 – The first nuclear powered submarine, The Nautilus, was dedicated.

1954 – President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an order adding the words “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. READ MORE.

1954 – Americans took part in the first nation-wide civil defense test against atomic attack.

1959 – The first daily operating monorail system in the Western Hemisphere, the Disneyland Monorail System, opened to the public in Anaheim, CA.

1967 – Mariner 5 was launched from Cape Kennedy, FL. The space probe’s flight took it past Venus.

1969 – The Calder Stabile “La Grande Vitesse” was dedicated in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.

1971 – In London, the first Hard Rock Cafe opened.

1976 – TV’s “The Gong Show” debuted on NBC’s daytime schedule.

1989 – Zsa Zsa Gabor was arrested in Beverly Hills, CA for slapping a motorcycle policeman.

1989 – Former President Ronald Reagan received an honorary knighthood from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.

1990 – The U.S. Supreme Court upheld police checkpoints that are used to examine drivers for signs of intoxication.

1995 – Michael Jackson appeared on TV, with his wife Lisa Marie Presley, in a live interview with Diane Sawyer on “Prime Time Live”. Sawyer interviewed Jackson about accusations of child molestation against him.

1996 – The movie “The Cable Guy”, starring Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick, premiered in theaters. It was directed by Ben Stiller.

2002 – Near-Earth asteroid 2002 MN missed the Earth by 75,000 miles (about 1/3rd of the distance between the Earth and the Moon).

2002 – Actor Kirk Douglas received the UCLA Medal. The award is presented to people for cultural, political and humanitarian achievements.

2015 – The movie “Jurassic World” became the first film to make $500 million worldwide in its opening weekend.

2019 – The Toronto Raptors won the NBA Championship over the Golden State Warriors in game six by a score of 114-110.

BIRTHDAYS:

Marla Gibbs – 94 years old (1931) – Actress, producer (TV’s “Passions”, “227”, “The Jeffersons”)

Donald Trump – 79 years old (1946) – 45th President of the United States (2017-2021), real estate developer, television personality (TV’s “The Apprentice”, “Celebrity Apprentice”)

Will Patton – 71 years old (1954) – Actor (“Falling Skies”, “Remember the Titans”, “Armageddon”, “Gone in 60 Seconds”, “The Punisher”, “No Way Out”, “The Postman”)

Eric Heiden – 67 years old (1958) – Olympic gold-medal speed skater

Boy George – 64 years old (1961) – Singer (Culture Club)

Chris DeGarmo – 62 years old (1963) – Guitarist (Queensrÿche)

Traylor Howard – 59 years old (1966) – Actress (TV’s “Monk,” “Two Guys and a Girl”)

Yasmine Bleeth – 57 years old (1968) – Actress (TV’s “Baywatch”, “One Life to Live”, “Nash Bridges”, movies “The Last Guy on Earth”, “BASEketball”)

Steffi Graf – 56 years old (1969) – Tennis player

Diablo Cody – 47 years old (1978) – Screenwriter (“Juno”, “Jennifer’s Body”, “Young Adult”, “Rikki and the Flash”)

Kevin McHale – 37 years old (1988) – Actor (TV’s “Glee”)

Lucy Hale – 36 years old (1989) – Actress (TV’s “Pretty Little Liars”)

TODAY IS:

World Gin Day: Distilled from Juniper berries, gin is one of the sweetest, most subtly flavored liquors. Have a martini, gin and tonic, negroni, or any other gin cocktail.
National Strawberry Shortcake Day: In a world of desserts, there's one that reigns supreme, with juicy strawberries and fluffy cake, it's a treat like no other - strawberry shortcake, the perfect indulgence!
National Bourbon Day: The smoothest and most flavorful of all liquors, Bourbon absolutely deserves its own day. Host a tasting, find an event, or treat yourself to an upper-shelf selection.
Army Birthday: Celebrate the birth of bravery and service to the nation! Join the festivities and honor the heroes who defend our freedom. Happy birthday!
National Rosé Day: It’s lighter than a rich red, but still maintains ample flavor of the skin of grape. Gather some friends and family and have a rosé wine tasting party.
Worldwide Knit in Public Day: Show the world you’re proud of your hard-earned knitting skills by taking your needles and yarn out into public and crafting something lovely in front of everyone.
World Juggling Day: Go see a juggling performance, give one yourself, or take this opportunity to start learning and impress your friends and family, alleviate boredom, and show off.
International Bath Day: Take some time to truly relax and unwind from the stress of daily life. Try some bath bubbles, a bath bomb, or some essential oils to up the experience.
National New Mexico Day: National New Mexico Day invites everyone to celebrate the unique charm and heritage of the Land of Enchantment. It's a day full of pride, where the spotlight shines on the diverse cultures and stunning landscapes that define New Mexico. From vibrant arts to ancient history, this special day serves as a...
Cucumber Day: Cucumber Day is a charming celebration that honors this humble vegetable, which plays a big role in the local diet. During this event, cucumbers take center stage in markets, recipes, and decorations! How to Celebrate Cucumber Day Cucumber Day is a fun celebration with lots of creative ways to join the...
National Dog Dad Day: Imagine waking up early on a sunny June morning, the calendar marking National Dog Dad Day. You look at your furry friend, wagging his tail in excitement, unaware of your special plans. Today is about celebrating that unique bond, the countless walks, games of fetch, and moments of companionship. How to...
National Flag Day: Whether it's waving in the wind or printed on your favorite t-shirt, this symbol represents a nation founded on freedom and hope.
National Dragonfly Day: These ethereal creatures, with their shimmering wings and graceful flight, add a touch of magic to the world.
World Doll Day: Take a walk down memory lane by visiting your childhood dolls, or donate old dolls to kids to give others a chance to bond with these popular toys.
National Pop Goes The Weasel Day : Have you ever found yourself humming a tune without even realizing it? That might just be "Pop Goes the Weasel" slipping into your day. There's actually a whole day set aside to celebrate this playful rhyme. It's not just for kids either—this bouncy little melody has a way of sticking...
National Outlet Shopping Day: Bags rustle, people laugh, and sale signs fill every window—this is National Outlet Shopping Day in full swing. It’s not just about grabbing a deal; it’s the thrill of spotting that perfect item at a price that feels like a win. Outlet malls across the country buzz with energy as...
World Blood Donor Day: Hospitals, clinics, and other medical institutions are always in need of more blood. Find a blood donation center near you and save a life with just one visit.
Falkland Islands Liberation Day: Liberation Day on the Falkland Islands is a day full of meaning and remembrance. This special day marks the end of the Argentine occupation during the Falklands War, celebrating the return of freedom to the islanders. The people of the Falklands hold this day dear, honoring the courage and sacrifices...
Meet A Mate Week: Attend any number of fun events and meetups for singles during Meet a Mate week, and take the chance on finally finding your true love, no app required.
Loneliness Awareness Week: Exploring the impact of social isolation reveals profound insights into mental health, well-being, and community connections.
Oxfam Water Week: Oxfam Water Week is a vibrant event that spotlights the global water crisis. This week-long celebration encourages people to come together to address water scarcity and the need for clean water! How to Celebrate Oxfam Water Week Celebrating Oxfam Water Week involves various community activities aimed at education and action. Participants...
Team Green Britain Bike Week: Team Green Britain Bike Week is a vibrant event that promotes cycling across the UK. It encourages everyone to get on their bikes, enjoy the outdoors, and embrace a healthier lifestyle. The week is filled with various activities and events that cater to all age groups and skill levels, making...
Diabetes Week: Did you know that the number of people with diabetes keeps growing each year? Diabetes Week aims to highlight this and raise awareness about living with this condition. This event brings attention to the struggles and achievements of those affected by diabetes. It encourages everyone to engage in conversations about...
Scleroderma Awareness Week: Scleroderma Awareness Week is a special time dedicated to shedding light on a little-known but impactful disease. This week aims to bring attention to scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and other connective tissues. The week encourages conversations about the challenges faced by...
National Pet Wedding Week: Did you know that there's a special week just for pet lovers to celebrate their furry friends uniquely? National Pet Wedding Week, observed annually during the second week of June, is a time when pets get to experience the joys of a wedding ceremony! How to Celebrate National Pet Wedding...
International Clothesline Week: International Clothesline Week, celebrated annually, spotlights the old yet highly beneficial practice of drying clothes. It's a week dedicated to embracing the simple joy and advantages of hanging laundry outdoors. The fresh air and sunshine make clothes smell great and bring a bit of exercise and relaxation into our daily routines. How...
British Heart Week: British Heart Week is a vital event dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and the importance of heart care. Organized by the British Heart Foundation, this week-long observance emphasizes the significance of cardiovascular well-being. How to Celebrate British Heart Week Get Moving Why not kick off British Heart Week with a...
National Little League Baseball Week: Batter up! Kids swinging for the fences, cheers from the crowd, and an abundance of team spirit. It's baseball fun for everyone!