June 18

Scott Winters June 18, 2025 2 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:

1621 – The first duel in America took place in the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts.

1778 – Britain evacuated Philadelphia, PA during the U.S. Revolutionary War.

1812 – The War of 1812 began as the U.S. declared war against Great Britain. The conflict began over trade restrictions.

1855 – The Steamship Illinois became the first ship to pass through the Sault Ste. Marie Locks.

1863 – J.J. Richardson received a patent for the ratchet wrench.

1873 – Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for attempting to vote for a U.S. President.

1898 – Atlantic City, NJ, opened its Steel Pier.

1923 – Checker Taxi, of Kalamazoo, MI, put their first taxi on the streets. The last Checker cab was made July 12, 1982.

1925 – The first degree in landscape architecture was granted by Harvard University.

1927 – Charles Lindbergh became the first living American to be honored on a postage stamp, which went on sale for 10 cents. The stamp was of Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis”.

1928 – Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly (but not solo) across the Atlantic Ocean as she completed a flight from Newfoundland to Wales. She was a passenger. Wilmer Stultz was the pilot and Lou Gordon was the mechanic.

1936 – The first bicycle traffic court was established in Racine, WI.

1940 – The “Finest Hour” speech was delivered by Winston Churchill.

1948 – The United Nations Commission on Human Rights adopted its International Declaration of Human Rights.

1948 – Columbia Records publicly unveiled its new long-playing phonograph record, the 33 1/3 rpm, in New York City.

1953 – Seventeen major league baseball records were tied or broken in a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers.

1956 – The comedy team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis announced they had broken up.

1959 – The first telecast received from England was broadcast in the U.S. over NBC-TV.

1961 – “Gunsmoke” was broadcast for the last time on CBS radio.

1967 – Grand Valley State Colleges, in Allendale, MI, held their first graduation.

1975 – Fred Lynn of the Boston Red Sox hit three home runs, a triple and a single in a game against the Detroit Tigers.

1979 – In Vienna, President Jimmy Carter and Leonid Brezhnev signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) 2.

1982 – The Senate approved the renewal of the 1965 Voting Rights Act for an additional twenty-five years.

1983 – Dr. Sally Ride became the first American woman in space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.

1993 – The movie “Last Action Hero”, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, premiered in theaters.

1996 – Ted Kaczynski, suspected of being the Unabomber, was indicted on 10 criminal counts.

1996 – In San Jose, California, Richard Allen Davis was convicted for the 1993 kidnap-murder of 12 year old Polly Klaas.

1998 – The Walt Disney Co. purchased a 43% stake in the Web search engine company Infoseek Corp.

1998 – Nine commemorative U.S. postage stamps were re-issued. The stamps were considered to be classically beautiful examples of stamp engraving.

1998 – “The Boston Globe” asked Patricia Smith to resign after she admitted to inventing people and quotes in four of her recent columns.

1999 – Walt Disney’s film “Tarzan” opened in theaters.

2004 – The movie “DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story”, starring Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller, premiered in theaters.

2009 – NASA launched the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter/LCROSS probes to the Moon. It was the first American lunar mission since Lunar Prospector in 1998.

2010 – The movie “Toy Story 3” was released in theaters.

2018 – Donald Trump announced he would set up a sixth branch of the military: Space Force.

2023 – Titan, a submersible operated by OceanGate Expeditions, imploded in the North Atlantic Ocean while attempting to view the wreck of the Titanic, killing all five people on board including the co-founder and CEO of the company, Stockton Rush.

BIRTHDAYS:

Sir Paul McCartney – 83 years old (1942) – Musician (Beatles, Wings)

Linda Thorson – 78 years old (1947) – Actress (TV’s “The Avengers”)

Carol Kane – 73 years old (1952) – Actress (TV’s “Taxi”, movies “Man on the Moon”, “Addams Family Values”, “Jumping Jack Flash”, “Hester Street”, “Carnal Knowledge”)

Isabella Rossellini – 73 years old (1952) – Actress (“Blue Velvet”, “Cousins”, “Wild at Heart”, “Death Becomes Her”)

Nathan Morris – 54 years old (1971) – Singer (Boyz II Men)

Alana de la Garza – 49 years old (1976) – Actress (TV’s “Law & Order”, “Law & Order: LA”, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, “CSI: Miami”, “Forever”, “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders”)

Blake Shelton – 49 years old (1976) – Singer, Judge (TV’s “The Voice”)

TODAY IS:

International Picnic Day: Join a picnic-centric event like a charity or school event on International Picnic Day, or make your own picnic to appreciate food in a new light.
National Go Fishing Day: Fly fishing, worm fishing, boating or wading…whatever your preference, get yourself up and out early to catch yourself the biggest fish you can.
International Sushi Day: Hit up your favorite local sushi joint, or try your hand at making your own. From raw salmon to fried avocado, there’s something for everyone with sushi.
Sustainable Gastronomy Day: Imagine a day dedicated to celebrating the art and science of food, where every bite is a step towards a healthier planet. That's what Sustainable Gastronomy Day is all about. Celebrated each year on June 18, this special day illuminates how we produce, consume, and think about food. It's a...
National Splurge Day: Just for one day, forget about your careful budgeting and responsibility, and go out and indulge in those cute shoes, that nice restaurant, whatever you like.
International Panic Day: Take some time to reduce the panic and stress of daily life by talking to your loved ones, meditating, and doing things that make you feel happy and relaxed.
International Day for Countering Hate Speech: The first official observance of this day took place in 2022, emphasizing the urgent need to raise awareness about the dangers of hate speech to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Various initiatives and strategies were recommended for governments and stakeholders to develop comprehensive approaches to prevent and...
Autistic Pride Day: Embrace and celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives of the autism community, fostering understanding and inclusion for all.
Clean Your Aquarium Day: Keep your fish, plants, and other assorted marine life happy and healthy by fully cleaning your aquarium, from the rocks at the bottom to the glass sides.
National Black America’s Day of Repentance: National Black America’s Day of Repentance is a day for stillness, healing, and deep spiritual focus. It gives people space to pause, turn inward, and release what weighs them down. The day encourages prayer, fasting, and honest reflection. It’s not about performance or pressure. It’s about reconnecting with faith and clearing...
National Wanna Get Away Day: National Wanna Get Away Day invites everyone to break free from daily routines and embrace the joy of travel. Established by Southwest Airlines, this special day encourages individuals to explore new destinations, reconnect with loved ones, and create lasting memories. Whether it's a spontaneous weekend trip or a well-planned vacation...
National Thank a Teacher Day: Acknowledging educators' dedication, commitment, and impact on shaping minds, fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Waste & Recycling Workers Week: Give a big thanks to the men and women who keep your community sanitary and hygienic on Garbage Man Day, or Waste & Recycling Workers Week.
National Play Catch Week: Connecting through a simple toss, a timeless game fosters bonds, laughter, and shared moments of pure joy.
Learning Disability Week: Understanding diverse learning needs empowers educators to create inclusive environments where every student can thrive and succeed.
National Craft Spirits Week: National Craft Spirits Week is a lively celebration of small-batch distillers across the country. Walk into a distillery during National Craft Spirits Week, and the air feels different. There’s the scent of oak, spice, and citrus. Bottles line the walls, each with its own label and story. This week isn’t about...
Royal Ascot: Opulent hats, majestic horses, and a regal ambiance define an event where elegance and tradition gracefully intertwine.
International Phace Syndrome Awareness Week: PHACE Syndrome Awareness Week brings attention to a rare condition that often starts with a bright red birthmark on a child’s face. This mark can signal deeper medical problems involving the brain, heart, eyes, or arteries. Parents usually notice the birthmark first, but doctors soon find more going on. That moment...
Animal Rights Awareness Week: Animal Rights Awareness Week is a significant event celebrated every year during the third week of June. This week is dedicated to educating people about the importance of animal rights globally. It provides a platform to discuss how animals are unfairly used in industries such as entertainment, cosmetics, and science...
Refugee Week: Being a refuge is more than seeking shelter. It’s about finding a community that celebrates the vibrant tapestry of stories and cultures that refugees bring with them. How to Observe Refugee Week Throw a Culture Bash Why not kick things off with a festive gathering? Invite friends or community members to share...