June 21

Scott Winters June 21, 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:

1788 – The U.S. Constitution went into effect when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it.

1834 – Cyrus McCormick patented the first practical mechanical reaper for farming. His invention allowed farmers to more than double their crop size.

1859 – Andrew Lanergan received the first rocket patent.

1893 – The Ferris Wheel was introduced at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, IL.

1913 – Georgia Broadwick became the first woman to jump from an airplane.

1938 – In Washington, DC, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the $3.75 billion Emergency Relief Appropriation Act.

1939 – Lou Gehrig quit baseball due to illness.

1940 – Richard M. Nixon and Thelma Catherine ‘Pat’ Ryan were married in Riverside, CA.

1942 – Ben Hogan recorded the lowest score (at that time) in a major golf tournament. Hogan shot a 271 for 72 holes in Chicago, IL.

1945 – Pan Am announced an 88-hour round-the-world flight at a cost of $700.

1946 – Bill Veeck Jr., whose father once owned the Chicago Cubs, purchased the Cleveland Indians for $2.2 million.

1948 – Dr. Peter Goldmark of Columbia Records introduced the 33 1/3 rpm long play record at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, NY.

1948 – The First Bill Knapp’s Restaurant Opened in Battle Creek, MI.

1954 – The American Cancer Society reported significantly higher death rates among cigarette smokers than among non-smokers.

1954 – Australian John Landy ran the mile in 3:58. He was the second person to achieve the feat.

1958 – In Arkansas, a federal judge let Little Rock delay school integration.

1963 – Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini was elected as Pope Paul VI.

1963 – In St. Louis, MO, Bob Hayes set a record when he ran the 100-yard dash in 0:09.1.

1964 – Jim Bunning, of the Philadelphia Phillies, pitched the National League’s first perfect game in 84 years, topping the Mets 6-0 on Father’s Day.

1970 – The James C. Veen Observatory, on Kissing Rock Road in Lowell, MI, was dedicated.

1970 – Tony Jacklin became the second British golfer in 50 years to win the U.S. Open golf tournament.

1972 – Pinball machines were legalized in liquor establishments in Michigan.

1973 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states may ban materials found to be obscene according to local standards.

1974 – The U.S. Supreme Court decided that pregnant teachers could no longer be forced to take long leaves of absence.

1977 – Former President Richard Nixon aide H.R. Haldeman entered prison.

1982 – John Hinckley Jr. was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan.

1989 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that burning the American flag as a form of political protest was protected by the First Amendment.

1990 – Little Richard received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

1996 – The Disney animated film “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” debuted in theaters.

1997 – The WNBA made its debut as the New York Liberty defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 67-57.

2002 – The Disney animated feature “Lilo and Stitch” opened in theaters nationwide.

2002 – The movie “Minority Report”, starring Tom Cruise and directed by Steven Spielberg, debuted in theaters.

2003 – The fifth Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” was published by J.K. Rowling. Amazon.com shipped out more than one million copies making the day the largest distribution day of a single item in e-commerce history. The book set sales records around the world with an estimated 5 million copies sold on the first day.

2004 – Ben Affleck became the California State Poker champion, winning $356,000 by beating a pro named Stan Goldstein in a round of no-limit hold ’em.

2004 – SpaceShipOne, designed by Burt Rutan and piloted by Mike Melvill, reached 328,491 feet above Earth in a 90 minute flight. The height is about 400 feet above the distance scientists consider to be the boundary of space. Michael Melvil became the first person to do so in a privately developed aircraft.

2006 – Pluto’s newly discovered moons were officially named Nix and Hydra.

2013 – The U.S. charged Edward Snowden with espionage, theft of government property, unauthorized communication of national defense information and willful communication of classified communications intelligence.

2018 – In Grand Rapids, MI, the yearly ArtPrize competition announced that after their 10 year anniversary, the yearly event would become an every other year event. On the “off” years, they will hold public art projects that will take place from September through October at different places around the city, and include education and cultural programming that is free and open to the public.

BIRTHDAYS:

Bernie Kopell – 92 years old (1933) – Actor (Play Doc on TV’s “The Love Boat”, “Get Smart”)

Monte Markham – 90 years old (1935) – Actor (TV’s “Hawaii Five O”, “The Six Million Dollar Man”, “The Golden Girls”)

Mariette Hartley – 85 years old (1940) – Actress (TV’s “Peyton Place”, “Gunsmoke”, “The Bob Newhart Show”, Polaroid commercials)

Ray Davies – 81 years old (1944) – Lead singer, rhythm guitarist (The Kinks)

Meredith Baxter Birney – 78 years old (1947) – Actress (TV’s “Family Ties”)

Michael Gross – 78 years old (1947) – Actor (TV’s “Family Ties”, “Tremors” film and TV series)

Joey Kramer – 75 years old (1950) – Drummer (Aerosmith)

Nils Lofgren – 74 years old (1951) – Musician (The E Street Band)

Robyn Douglass – 72 years old (1953) – Actress, model (“Breaking Away”, “Romantic Comedy”, “The Lonely Guy”, TV’s “Galactica 1980”)

Leigh McCloskey – 70 years old (1955) – Actress (TV’s “Dallas”, movie “Inferno”)

Berkeley Brethed – 68 years old (1957) – Cartoonist (Bloom County)

Mark Brzezicki – 68 years old (1957) – Drummer (Big Country)

Kathy Mattea – 66 years old (1959) – Country singer

Sammi Davis – 61 years old (1964) – Actress (“Mona Lisa”, “The Rainbow”, “A Prayer for the Dying”, “Hope and Glory”, TV’s “Homefront”)

Doug Savant – 61 years old (1964) – Actor (TV’s “Melrose Place”, “Desperate Housewives”)

Michael Dolan – 60 years old (1965) – Actor (“Summer of ’76”, “Light of Day”, “Hamburger Hill”, “Biloxi Blues”)

Jim Breuer – 58 years old (1967) – Comedian, impressionist (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”)

Derrick Coleman – 58 years old (1967) – Basketball player (Detroit Pistons 2004-2006)

Allison Moorer – 53 years old (1972) – Country singer

Juliette Lewis – 52 years old (1973) – Actress (“Cape Fear”, “Kalifornia”, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”, “Natural Born Killers”, “Strange Days”, “From Dusk Till Dawn”, “Way of the Gun”, “August: Osage County”, TV’s “Secrets and Lies”)

Maggie Siff – 51 years old (1974) – Actress (TV’s “Billions”, “Sons of Anarchy”, “Mad Men”, movies “The 5th Wave”, “Funny People”, “Push”)

Chris Pratt – 46 years old (1979) – Actor (“Jurassic World”, “Guardians of the Galaxy”, TV’s “Everwood”, “The OC”, “Parks and Recreation”)

Jussie Smolett – 43 years old (1982) – Actor, singler (TV’s “Empire”, “On Our Own”)

Prince William – 43 years old (1982) – Duke of Cambridge

Edward Snowden – 42 years old (1983) – Leaked U.S. government secrets in 2013

Kris Allen – 40 years old (1985) – Singer (Winner of TV’s “American Idol: Season 8”)

Rebecca Black – 28 years old (1997) – Singer (“Friday”)

TODAY IS:

World Music Day: From Beethoven to Taylor Swift, there’s music for everyone. Revisit your old favorites or discover new artists from different cultures on World Music Day.
Wagyu Day: With its tender texture, this premium beef creates a melt-in-your-mouth sensation, leaving taste buds in a state of pure delight.
National Smoothie Day: A delicious and refreshing drink that's perfect for any time of day, packed with nutrients and flavor — it's the ultimate healthy indulgence!
International Yoga Day: Yoga benefits both your mental and physical health, and can be done just about anywhere. Sign up for a class, or perhaps find a Youtube tutorial to get started.
National Selfie Day: Get out your phone or camera and start snapping selfies. Post your favorites, and let yourself feel comfortable in your own skin and proud of your photos.
World Martini Day: Gin and vermouth, shaken not stirred…and garnished with olives. The classic and iconic Martini had been a favorite of everyone from James Bond to Ernest Hemingway.
National Cookie Dough Day: Unbaked delight with a mix of sweetness and texture, a culinary temptation awaiting the oven's transformative touch.
Go Skateboarding Day: In addition to looking incredibly cool, skateboarding is great for your health and a fun social outlet. Go out and practice your kick flip until you can nail it.
International Surfing Day: Hit the waves on International Surfing Day, or volunteer or donate to help clean up the oceans and keep them clean and surf-friendly for years to come.
National Dachshund Day: Celebrating the charm and tenacity of those lovable, elongated canine companions, adding joy and laughter to everyday moments.
World Motorcycle Day: Rev your engines and get ready to feel the wind rushing in your face. Get out on the road and experience the freedom of open air on World Motorcycle Day.
World Humanist Day: Consider your own agency and actions as a human, and how you might benefit yourself and others by striving to do good, be kind, and participate in society.
National Flexible Working Day: Embracing adaptable schedules, fostering productivity and work-life balance, amplifying efficiency and satisfaction in professional endeavors.
World Giraffe Day: Donate to help preserve the strange, long-necked majestic creatures known as giraffes. Visit a preserve, and see if you can meet one in person.
National Peaches ‘N’ Cream Day: Incredibly simple but oh so delicious, the combination of peaches and cream is sure to delight your friends and family, not to mention your own taste buds.
Suffolk Day: Nestled in picturesque landscapes, this vibrant county charms with its breathtaking countryside and fascinating history.
National Daylight Appreciation Day: On the longest day of the year, appreciate all the benefits of daylight. From mood boosts and Vitamin D to more time for outdoor activities, sunlight is our friend.
International Vanlife Cooking Day: Creative culinary adventures unfold in compact mobile kitchens, turning camper van travels into delicious gastronomic journeys.
National Dog Party Day: National Dog Party Day is all about giving dogs their own special moment. Think happy tails, wagging in every direction, as pups meet new friends and soak up attention. Parks turn into play zones. People laugh while their dogs chase balls, flop in the grass, or sniff out the snack...
Shades for Migraine: Shades for Migraine is a global awareness campaign that invites people to wear sunglasses in public, showing solidarity with those who face severe light sensitivity during migraine episodes. That day encourages friends, family, and colleagues to rally around sufferers. It builds bridges when people share their stories in posts or...
Summersgiving Day: Imagine a sunlit afternoon where laughter fills the air, tables overflow with delicious dishes, and loved ones gather to celebrate togetherness. This is the essence of Summersgiving—a festive occasion that blends the warmth of summer with the gratitude of a traditional feast. Friends and family come together, sharing stories, savoring...
National Arizona Day: Arizona has a way of pulling people in with its wide-open deserts, towering red rocks, and endless sunshine. National Arizona Day is all about soaking in that magic. It’s a chance to admire the landscapes that stretch for miles, from the deep canyons to the saguaro-dotted trails. But it’s not...
World Hydrography Day: World Hydrography Day brings attention to the hidden world beneath the water’s surface. Oceans, rivers, and lakes hold secrets that hydrography helps uncover. This science maps the underwater landscape, ensuring that ships navigate safely and that researchers better understand marine environments. Without it, travel on the water would be riskier...
National Day of the Gong: National Day of the Gong begins with a single strike that fills the air with deep, rolling echoes. A gong isn’t just an instrument—it’s a force that vibrates through your chest, quieting the noise in your head. Whether in meditation, music, or ceremony, its sound carries power, drawing people into...
Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day: Learn about the various cultures and traditions of Canada’s Indigenous People, or join an event or ceremony to see how they have been preserved over time.
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.
English Wine Week: English Wine Week is a vibrant celebration of the burgeoning English wine industry. It's an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the diversity and quality of wines produced across the country. Vineyards open their doors, offering a range of activities like tours, tastings, and special events. This week is not...
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...