September 14

Scott Winters September 14, 2025 1 Comment

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:

1814 – The poem “Defence of Fort McHenry” was written by Francis Scott Key after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, MD, during the War of 1812. The poem was later used as the lyrics of the “Star-Spangled Banner”. The song became the official National Anthem of the United States on March 3, 1931.

1866 – The typewriter ribbon was patented by George K. Anderson.

1901 – President William McKinley died of gunshot wounds inflicted by an assassin on September 6th. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him.

1936 – The first prefrontal lobotomy was performed.

1940 – Congress passed the Selective Service Act, providing for the first peacetime draft in U.S. history.

1948 – A ground-breaking ceremony took place in New York, NY, at the site of the future United Nations’ world headquarters.

1959 – The Soviet space probe Luna 2 became the first man-made object to reach the Moon. It crashed onto the lunar surface.

1960 – The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded. The core members were Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.

1963 – The first surviving quintuplets in the United States were born to Mary Ann Fischer.

1964 – In Cleveland, OH, Pop-Tarts went on sale as a new breakfast option.

1965 – TV’s “My Mother The Car” premiered on NBC. The series was cancelled a few weeks later.

1967 – Raymond Burr returned to TV, playing a wheelchair-bound detective in “Ironside”.

1968 – “The Archies” premiered on CBS. The cartoon was based on the comic book series.

1968 – Denny McClain, of the Detroit Tigers, became the first pitcher to win 30 games in a season since Dizzy Dean 34 years earlier. He went on to win 31.

1972 – TV’s “The Waltons” premiered on CBS.

1978 – The TV show “Mork & Mindy” premiered on ABC.

1979 – Kenny Rogers received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1984 – MTV held its first annual Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York, NY. Bette Midler and Dan Aykroyd co-hosted the event, which was highlighted by Madonna’s memorable performance of “Like a Virgin.” Video of the Year went to The Cars’ “You Might Think.”

1984 – Joe Kittinger became the first person to fly a balloon solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

1985 – The animated TV series “The Care Bears” debuted.

1994 – Baseball’s acting Major League commissioner Bud Selig announced the cancellation of the 1994 season on the 34th day of strike by players.

1995 – Earth, Wind and Fire received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1998 – Telecommunications companies MCI Communications and WorldCom completed their $37 billion merger to form MCI WorldCom.

1998 – Jaime Jarrin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1999 – Disney World closed down for the first time in its 28-year history. The closure was due to Hurricane Floyd heading for Florida.

2000 – Microsoft released the Windows ME operating system.

2001 – In Japan, Nintendo released the GameCube home video game console.

2001 – President George W. Bush led the United States in a day of mourning for the victims of a terrorist attack. Standing on top of the rubble, Bush responded to a fireman’s shouts by saying, “I can hear you, the rest of the world hears you, and the people … and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.” In Washington, the Senate voted 98-0 to give the President “all necessary and appropriate force” to respond to the terrorist attack. On the same day, the FBI released the names of the 19 suspected hijackers that had taken part in the attacks.

2007 – O.J. Simpson was questioned by Las Vegas, NV police about his possible role in a burglary a day earlier at the Palace Station Casino. A memorabilia dealer claimed that Simpson led a team of armed men into his hotel room to steal items that once belonged to the former football star. Simpson claimed he was just retrieving things that were rightfully his.

2008 – Tina Fey unveiled her Sarah Palin impression on the “Saturday Night Live” season premiere.

2010 – George Michael was sentenced to eight weeks in jail after he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and drug possession. The incident occurred on July 4 when he crashed his car into a store.

2018 – Hurricane Florence hit the North Carolina shore. The rain continued for days and caused billions of dollars in damage and more than 50 deaths.

2022 – Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin was taken from Buckingham Palace, placed on a gun carriage of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and moved in a procession to Westminster Hall for her lying in state for four days with the line of mourners stretching for miles.

BIRTHDAYS:

Walter Koenig – 89 years old (1936) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter

Larry Brown – 85 years old (1940) – Basketball player and coach

Joan Trumpauer Mulholland – 84 years old (1941) – Civil rights activist

Oliver Lake – 83 years old (1942) – Saxophonist, flute player, and composer

Joey Heatherton – 81 years old (1944) – Actress, singer, and dancer

Jon Bauman – 78 years old (1947) – Singer

Mike Nifong – 75 years old (1950) – Lawyer and politician

Robert Wisdom – 72 years old (1953) – Actor

Steve Berlin – 70 years old (1955) – Saxophonist, keyboard player, and producer

Geraldine Brooks – 70 years old (1955) – Australian-American novelist and journalist

Edu Manzano – 70 years old (1955) – American-Filipino actor and politician

Beth Nielsen Chapman – 69 years old (1956) – Singer-songwriter

Tim Wallach – 68 years old (1957) – Baseball player and coach

John Berry – 66 years old (1959) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Mary Crosby – 66 years old (1959) – Actress

Melissa Leo – 65 years old (1960) – Actress

Wendy Thomas – 64 years old (1961) – Businesswoman

Bonnie Jo Campbell – 63 years old (1962) – Novelist and short story writer

Faith Ford – 61 years old (1964) – Actress

Michelle Stafford – 60 years old (1965) – Actress, producer, and screenwriter

Ben Garant – 55 years old (1970) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

Ketanji Brown Jackson – 55 years old (1970) – Lawyer and jurist, associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States

Craig Montoya – 55 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and bass player

Jeff Loomis – 54 years old (1971) – Guitarist and songwriter

Christopher McCulloch – 54 years old (1971) – Voice actor, producer, and screenwriter

Kimberly Williams-Paisley – 54 years old (1971) – Actress, director, and producer

Notah Begay III – 53 years old (1972) – Golfer

David Bell – 53 years old (1972) – Baseball player and coach

Terrell Fletcher – 52 years old (1973) – Football player

Nas – 52 years old (1973) – Rapper

Chad Bradford – 51 years old (1974) – Baseball player

Austin Basis – 49 years old (1976) – Actor

Ron DeSantis – 47 years old (1978) – Politician, 46th Governor of Florida

Danielle Peck – 47 years old (1978) – Singer-songwriter

Katie Lee – 44 years old (1981) – Chef, author, and critic

SoShy – 43 years old (1982) – French-American singer-songwriter

Josh Outman – 42 years old (1983) – Baseball player

Frostee Rucker – 42 years old (1983) – Football player

Adam Lamberg – 41 years old (1984) – Actor

Paolo Gregoletto – 40 years old (1985) – Bass player and songwriter

Trevis Smith – 40 years old (1985) – Football player

Delmon Young – 40 years old (1985) – Baseball player

Jonathan Monaghan – 39 years old (1986) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Reggie Williams – 39 years old (1986) – Basketball player

Michael Crabtree – 38 years old (1987) – Football player

Jimmy Butler – 36 years old (1989) – Basketball player

Tony Finau – 36 years old (1989) – Golfer

Logan Henderson – 36 years old (1989) – Singer-songwriter

Jesse James – 36 years old (1989) – Actor

Jonathon Simmons – 36 years old (1989) – Basketball player

Dee Milliner – 34 years old (1991) – Football player

Shayne Topp – 34 years old (1991) – Actor and Smosh cast member

Connor Fields – 33 years old (1992) – Cyclist

Brandon Brown – 32 years old (1993) – Race car driver

Gary Harris – 31 years old (1994) – Basketball player

Jevon Carter – 30 years old (1995) – Basketball player

Deshaun Watson – 30 years old (1995) – Football player

Emma Kenney – 26 years old (1999) – Actress

TODAY IS:

National Cream Filled Donut Day: Soft pastry delights with a surprise inside, a delightful blend of textures and sweetness that brings smiles and comfort.
National Rosa Tequila Day: Crafted with a delicate blend, this tequila captivates with floral notes, offering a unique and exquisite tasting experience.
National Hug Your Hound Day: Give your own hound a big hug on Hug a Hound Day, consider adoption, or volunteer at a dog shelter to make sure these dogs get the love they deserve.
Frevo Day: Frevo Day honors Frevo's vibrant spirit, a lively dance and music style that fills the streets with energy. The day is all about celebrating the colorful culture of Pernambuco, where Frevo was born. This unique dance form, with its quick footwork and twirling umbrellas, brings joy to everyone involved. It's...
National Sober Day: National Sober Day shines as a beacon for those embracing a lifestyle free from alcohol. This special day champions sobriety, celebrating the strength and achievements of individuals who've chosen to live alcohol-free. It’s a time for community and connection, where support flows freely, making the journey of recovery a shared...
Gobstopper Day: Pop a gobstopper in your mouth, fire up a Willy Wonka or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie, and enjoy the pop culture treat brought to you by Roald Dahl.
National Eat A Hoagie Day: If you can’t make it to Philadelphia for the world’s best hoagies, pick up ingredients at the supermarket and make your own meat, cheese, and veggie sandwich.
National Coloring Day: A fun and delightful pastime, coloring isn’t just for kids anymore! National Coloring Day was created to celebrate the fun and relaxation that coloring can bring. How to Celebrate National Coloring Day Try celebrating National Coloring Day with some of these fun ideas that you can do on your own...
National Virginia Day: National Virginia Day is a special occasion that honors the state's rich heritage and contributions to the United States. Known as the "Old Dominion," Virginia played a crucial role as one of the original thirteen colonies and was the tenth state to ratify the Constitution. This day invites everyone to appreciate...
National Pet Memorial Day: Losing a pet leaves a void in our hearts. National Pet Memorial Day offers a special time to remember and celebrate these cherished companions. This day encourages pet owners to reflect on the joy and love their animals brought into their lives. It's a moment to honor their memory and...
National Parents Day Off: National Parents Day Off is all about giving parents a real break. Not just a quick moment between errands or after bedtime stories—but a full chance to breathe. It shines a light on everything parents do, day in and day out. Packing lunches, wiping tears, fixing things, making memories. This...
National Live Creative Day: A blank page, a block of clay, a humming melody—creativity begins anywhere. National Live Creative Day shines a light on that spark inside each of us. It’s a time to explore what you can make with your hands, your voice, your mind. This day doesn’t ask for perfection. It simply...
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrates one of the most powerful symbols in Christianity— the Cross. This day honors the Cross as more than just a reminder of suffering; it represents hope and salvation. It marks the moment when the Cross, once a tool of punishment...
Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
National Neonatal Nurses Week : Providing compassionate care to newborns and support for families, these healthcare heroes play a crucial role in healthcare.
Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
Fiesta de San Pacho: Fiesta de San Pacho is a vibrant celebration that fills the streets of Quibdó with music, dance, and color. The festival honors Saint Francis of Assisi, blending Catholic traditions with Afro-Colombian culture uniquely and joyfully. As the day unfolds, the city becomes a stage where people showcase their rich heritage...
Healthcare Environmental Services Week: Healthcare Environmental Services Week honors the crucial role of EVS professionals in keeping healthcare spaces clean and safe. These skilled workers use careful cleaning and disinfection to stop harmful pathogens. Their efforts help prevent infections that could harm patients, families, and staff. This week highlights their daily dedication, commitment, and...
European Heritage Days: European Heritage Days open doors across Europe, inviting people to explore places often hidden from view. From grand palaces to quiet chapels, these events reveal stories etched into stone and wood. Each year, around 70,000 events unfold across 48 countries, offering free access to cultural sites and experiences. It's a...
Biscuits and Gravy Week: National Biscuits and Gravy Week offers a perfect opportunity for lovers of this delicious dish to pay it some well-deserved respect, or for some of the more inexperienced to learn more and discover some new flavors! History of National Day A decidedly American dish, biscuits and gravy are believed to have...
Housekeepers Week: Housekeeping is tough and often thankless work, so make sure to give a big thank-you and even a small gift to the housekeepers who keep hotels and the like clean.