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:
1712 – The Pennsylvania Assembly banned the importation of slaves.
1775 – The United Colonies changed their name to the United States.
1776 – Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, proposed to the Continental Congress a resolution calling for a Declaration of Independence.
1892 – J.F. Palmer patented the cord bicycle tire.
1892 – Benjamin Harrison became the first U.S. President to attend a baseball game.
1892 – John Joseph Doyle became the first pinch-hitter in baseball when he was used in a game.
1929 – The sovereign state of Vatican City came into existence as copies of the Lateran Treaty were exchanged in Rome.
1932 – Over 7,000 war veterans marched on Washington, DC, demanding their bonuses.
1942 – The Battle of Midway ended. The sea and air battle lasted 4 days. Japan lost four carriers, a cruiser, and 292 aircraft, and suffered 2,500 casualties. The U.S. lost the Yorktown, the destroyer USS Hammann, 145 aircraft, and suffered 307 casualties.
1944 – Off of the coast of Normandy, France, the Susan B. Anthony sank. All 2,689 people aboard survived.
1953 – The television puppet show “Kukla, Fran and Ollie” was broadcast from Boston, MA, in history’s first “compatible color” television show.
1955 – The TV game show, “The $64,000 Question”, premiered.
1958 – The freighter, Hull 301, was launched. The ship later became known as the Edmund Fitzgerald.
1966 – Sony Corporation unveiled its brand new consumer home videotape recorder, the CV-2000. The black and white only unit sold for $995.
1965 – The Supreme Court of the U.S. handed down its decision in Griswold v. Connecticut, effectively legalizing the use of contraception by married couples.
1965 – In the U.S., the Gemini 4 mission was completed. The mission featured the first spacewalk by an American.
1968 – Legoland Billund opened in Billund, Denmark. It was the original Legoland park.
1969 – Johnny Cash debuted his own network show on CBS-TV. It ran for two years.
1975 – Sony introduced the Betamax, the first consumer videocassette recorder. The bulky machine sold for $995.
1976 – TV’s “The NBC Nightly News”, with John Chancellor and David Brinkley, aired for the first time.
1982 – In Memphis, TN, Priscilla Presley opened Graceland to the public. The bathroom where Elvis Presley died five years earlier was kept off-limits. The mansion soon became the top tourist attraction in Memphis.
1985 – The film “The Goonies” opened in theaters.
1990 – Universals Studios Florida opened in Orlando, FL.
1993 – The ground breaking ceremony was held for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, OH.
1993 – On his 35th birthday, Prince changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol, and asked to be referred to as “The Artist Formerly Known As Prince”. In May 2000, he went back to being known as Prince.
1994 – The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia declared the RMS Titanic, Inc. (RMST) salvor-in-possession of the wreck and the wreck site of the RMS Titanic.
1995 – Michael Jackson set a Billboard chart record as “Scream” entered The Hot 100 at #5, the highest debut ever on the chart.
1997 – The Detroit Red Wings completed a sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers with a 2-1 win in Game 4 of the Final at Joe Louis Arena. It was the first championship victory for the Red Wings since 1955.
1998 – In a hate crime that shocked the nation, James Byrd Junior was chained to a pickup truck and dragged to his death in Jasper, TX. Two white men are later sentenced to death for the crime. A third received life in prison.
2000 – U.S. Federal Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson ordered the breakup of Microsoft Corporation.
2002 – A Connecticut jury found Michael Skakel, 41, a Kennedy cousin, guilty of the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley.
2018 – The journal Science announced that the Mars Curiosity Rover found organic matter, including methane, on the planet Mars.
2021 – In Siberia, a microscopic multi-cleed organism was brought back to life after being frozen for 24,000 years.
BIRTHDAYS:
Tom Jones – 85 a old (1940) – Singer
Jenny Jones – 79 a old (1946) – Talk show host (TV’s “The Jenny Jones Show”)
Anne Twomey – 74 a old (1951) – Actress (“Deadly Friend”, “Last Rites”, “The Scout”, “Picture Perfect”, “The Confession”)
Liam Neeson – 73 a old (1952) – Actor (The “Taken” movies, “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace”, “Schindler’s List”, “Wrath” and “Clash of the Titans”, “The Grey”, “Unknown”, “The A-Team”, “Kinsey”, “Batman Begins”, “Michael Collins”)
Colleen Camp – 72 a old (1953) – Actress (“The Swinging Cheerleaders”, “Police Academy” movies, “Apocalypse Now”, “The Seduction”, “Clue”)
L.A. Reid – 69 a old (1956) – Record producer, TV judge (First season of “The X Factor”)
Janice Lawrence Braxton – 63 a old (1962) – Women’s basketball player
Mick Foley – 60 a old (1965) – Retired pro wrestler
Eric Kretz – 59 a old (1966) – Drummer (Stone Temple Pilots)
Dave Navarro – 58 a old (1967) – Guitarist, singer (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nine Inch Nails, Jane’s Addiction)
Helen Baxendale – 55 a old (1970) – Actress (TV’s “Cold Feet”)
Allen Iverson – 50 a old (1975) – Basketball player
Bill Hader – 47 a old (1978) – Actor, comedian (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”, “Trainwreck”)
Anna Torv – 46 a old (1979) – Actress (TV’s “Fringe”)
Anna Kournikova – 44 a old (1981) – Tennis player
Larisa Oleynik – 44 a old (1981) – Actress (TV’s “The Secret World of Alex Mack”, movies “The Baby-Sitters Club”, “10 Things I Hate About You”)
Michael Cera – 37 a old (1988) – Actor (“Juno,” “Superbad”, “This Is the End”, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”, “Year One”)
Emily Ratajkowski – 34 a old (1991) – Actress (TV’s “iCarly”, “Gone Girl”, “Entourage”, “We Are Your Friends”)
George Ezra – 32 a old (1993) – Singer
TODAY IS:
- National Chocolate Ice Cream Day: Buy your own favorite version of chocolate ice cream (Rocky Road, maybe?), or visit a local ice cream shop and try some new flavors of this classic treat.
- National Cancer Survivors Day: Join an organization or event to celebrate those who have fought or are fighting their battle against cancer, and raise awareness of the struggles they face.
- World Food Safety Day: Imagine a day dedicated to ensuring the food on our tables is safe -- well, that's World Food Safety Day's purpose! It's a day when people worldwide focus on the importance of keeping food free from contaminants and diseases. The United Nations and various health organizations mark this day to...
- Seamen’s Day: Seamen’s Day, also known as Fishermen’s Day, is a cherished celebration in Iceland. It honors the vital contributions of those who work at sea, particularly fishermen and sailors. The day is filled with events and festivities across the country, especially in coastal towns where fishing is central to life. From...
- National VCR Day: Lean into nostalgia by digging out that dusty old VCR player, a few VHS tapes, and hosting a movie watching party with some of your old favorites from those days.
- World Caring Day: Extending a helping hand, bringing light to someone's darkness, fostering hope and connection in adversity.
- National Oklahoma Day: National Oklahoma Day is a chance to celebrate everything that makes the state special. From open prairies to lively cities, Oklahoma is a place of contrast and charm. It’s where cowboy culture meets modern innovation, and where history blends with progress. This day reminds people of the state's deep roots...
- National Boone Day: National Boone Day honors the legacy of Daniel Boone, the legendary American frontiersman. Renowned for his exploration and settlement efforts, Boone played a significant role in westward expansion. His adventures have become emblematic of the pioneering spirit, inspiring countless tales of courage and discovery. Celebrating National Boone Day offers an opportunity...
- June Bug Day: Did you know June bugs, known scientifically as Phyllophaga, play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity? Their larvae help break down organic material in the soil, enriching it and aiding plant growth. While the adults are often seen fluttering around lights on warm summer nights, their lifecycle underground makes them...
- National Fishing and Boating Week: National Fishing and Boating Week is a special time each year that encourages everyone to explore the joys of fishing and boating. Celebrated annually, it's a perfect moment to get outdoors, enjoy the water, and perhaps catch some fish. It's a period packed with fun, relaxation, and learning for people...
- Rose Festival: The Rose Festival in Bulgaria is a captivating celebration of the country’s cherished flower, the Bulgarian rose. Held in the heart of the Rose Valley, this vibrant event transforms the region into a sea of color and fragrance. How to Celebrate the Rose Festival The Rose Festival in Bulgaria offers a delightful...
- America The Beautiful Week: America The Beautiful Week lights up the first week of June. It's a special time to appreciate the song "America the Beautiful" and to honor the love for the country. This week encourages us to reflect on the natural beauty and patriotic spirit that defines America! How to Celebrate America...
- Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: Securing healthcare integrity, ensuring resources reach those in need, and safeguarding against deceptive practices for a healthier community.
- National Trailer Safety Week: National Trailer Safety Week is a dedicated week when experts, manufacturers, dealers, and trailer users unite to raise awareness about towing safety. It focuses on sharing clear, helpful tips—for instance, choosing the right hitch, checking tire pressure, and loading cargo properly—to prevent common problems like sway, light failures, or loose...
- National Commuter Challenge: The National Commuter Challenge is an exciting event that invites people across Canada to leave their cars at home and embrace sustainable transportation. During this week-long challenge, participants can walk, cycle, carpool, or use public transit instead of driving alone. It's a fun competition between cities and workplaces, encouraging everyone...
- National CPR and AED Awareness Week: Have you ever needed to use CPR or an AED in an emergency? National CPR and AED Awareness Week, celebrated during this time in early June, shines a spotlight on the importance of these life-saving skills. This special week is all about educating people on how to respond to a cardiac...
- 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...
- Vivid Sydney: Vivid Sydney is a dazzling celebration that transforms the city into a vibrant playground of lights, music, and creativity. For weeks, iconic landmarks and urban spaces glow with stunning light installations and 3D projections, captivating both locals and tourists. This festival draws millions of visitors each year, offering an enchanting...
- 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...
- Canadian Environment Week: Canadian Environment Week is a lively celebration highlighting Canada's commitment to the environment. This special event invites everyone to appreciate nature, raise awareness, and take action to protect the planet. This week coincides with global events like World Environment Day and Clean Air Day, making it a perfect time for...
- National Garden Week: Cultivating nature's beauty offers peace, creativity, and a rewarding escape from daily life's hustle and bustle.
- National Automotive Service Professional Week: National Automotive Service Professional Week is a special time set aside each year to celebrate the skilled individuals who maintain our vehicles. Scheduled in early June, this week acknowledges the hard work and expertise of mechanics and other service professionals who keep our cars running smoothly. Their dedication ensures that...
- National Headache Awareness Week: National Headache Awareness Week aims to shed light on the significant impact headaches have on everyday life. Celebrated in early June, this awareness week draws attention to the millions who suffer from migraines and other types of headaches. The event plays a crucial role in driving conversation and support around...
- Stepparents Week: Stepparents Week is a special time to honor those who step into the role of parenthood with open hearts. Celebrated anually, this event recognizes the vital contributions of stepmoms and stepdads. It's all about the love, guidance, and care they provide to children, who are not their own by birth...
- National Patient Participation Week: Have you ever felt excluded from decisions about your healthcare? National Patient Participation Week aims to change that. Taking place each year, this significant event highlights the crucial role patients play in shaping healthcare services. By bringing together patients and healthcare providers, the week fosters better communication and emphasizes the...
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