September 8

Scott Winters September 8, 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:

1565 – The first permanent European settlement in North America was established by a Spanish expedition at St. Augustine, FL.

1860 – The steamship Lady Elgin sank on Lake Michigan, with the loss of around 300 lives.

1866 – The first recorded birth of sextuplets took place in Chicago, IL. The parents were James and Jennie Bushnell.

1892 – An early version of “The Pledge of Allegiance” was first recited.

1900 – A powerful hurricane hit Galveston, Texas, killing about 8,000 people.

1921 – In Atlantic City, NJ, 16 year old Margaret Gorman of Washington, DC wins the city’s Golden Mermaid award. Pageant officials later dubbed her the first “Miss America”.

1930 – 3M began marketing Scotch transparent tape.

1945 – A bus equipped with a two-way radio was put into service for the first time in Washington, DC.

1945 – Bess Myerson of New York, NY was crowned “Miss America”. She was the first Jewish contestant to win the title.

1952 – The Ernest Hemingway novel “The Old Man and the Sea” was published.

1960 – In Huntsville, AL, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center was dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. NASA had already activated the facility on July 1st.

1960 – The Alfred Hitchcock directed film “Psycho”, starring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh, premiered in theaters.

1966 – The TV show “That Girl”, starring Marlo Thomas as Ann Marie, an aspiring actress who moved to try to make it big in New York City. The series ran on ABC from 1966 to 1971.

1966 – TV’s “Star Trek” debuted on NBC with it’s first episode “The Man Trap”. The show ran until September 2, 1969.

1973 – Hank Aaron hit his 709th home run.

1974 – President Gerald Ford granted a “full, free, and absolute pardon” to former President Richard Nixon for any crimes Nixon may have committed while in office.

1980 – The TV cartoon “Bobby’s World” aired its first episode.

1986 – TV’s “The Oprah Winfrey Show” debuted nationwide.

1988 – Yellowstone National Park was closed for the first time due to ongoing fires.

1996 – The children’s TV show “Blue’s Clues” premiered on Nickelodeon. It was originally hosted by Steve Burns, who left in 2002 and was replaced by Donovan Patton.

1997 – The TV show “Ally McBeal” debuted.

1997 – America Online acquired CompuServe.

1997 – The second version of “The People’s Court” premiered, four years after the original version went off the air. The new version featured former New York City Mayor Ed Koch behind the bench. Current host, retired Florida State Circuit Court Judge Marilyn Milian, took over on March 12, 2001.

1998 – Mark McGwire, of the St. Louis Cardinals, hit his 62nd home run of the season. He had beaten a record that had stood for 37 years by Roger Maris. McGwire would eventually reach 70 home runs on September 27.

1999 – Russia’s Mission Control switched off the Mir space station’s central computer and other systems to save energy during a planned six months of unmanned flights.

2003 – The daily TV talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, debuted.

2004 – NASA’s unmanned spacecraft Genesis crash landed when it’s parachute failed to open.

2004 – Memos written by George W. Bush’s squadron commander in the National Guard and revealed on “60 Minutes”, suggested the President received preferential treatment. The report is later largely discredited, costing several journalists their jobs.

2015 – British researchers announced that evidence of a larger version of Stonehenge had been located about 2 miles from the Stonehenge location. There were 90 buried stones that had been found by ground penetrating radar.

2016 – NASA launched OSIRIS-REx, its first asteroid sample return mission. The probe was scheduled to visit 101955 Bennu and was expected to return with samples in 2023.

2022 – Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom died after reigning for 70 years. Her son Charles, Prince of Wales, ascended the throne upon her death.

BIRTHDAYS:

Jacqueline Ceballos – 100 years old (1925) – Activist, founded the Veteran Feminists of America

Sam Nunn – 87 years old (1938) – Lawyer and politician

Quentin L. Cook – 85 years old (1940) – Religious leader

Jack Prelutsky – 85 years old (1940) – Author and poet

Bernie Sanders – 84 years old (1941) – Politician

Sal Valentino – 83 years old (1942) – Rock singer-songwriter and guitarist

Adelaide C. Eckardt – 82 years old (1943) – Academic and politician

Lem Barney – 80 years old (1945) – Football player

Aziz Sancar – 79 years old (1946) – Turkish-American biologist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate

Ann Beattie – 78 years old (1947) – Novelist and short story writer

Marianne Wiggins – 78 years old (1947) – Author

Zachary Richard – 75 years old (1950) – Singer-songwriter and poet

Mike Simpson – 75 years old (1950) – Dentist and politician

Tom Gullikson – 74 years old (1951) – Tennis player and coach

Will Lee – 73 years old (1952) – Bass player

Ruby Bridges – 71 years old (1954) – Civil rights activist

Michael Shermer – 71 years old (1954) – Historian, author, and academic, founded The Skeptics Society

Terry Tempest Williams – 70 years old (1955) – Environmentalist and author

Mick Brown – 69 years old (1956) – Drummer

Maurice Cheeks – 69 years old (1956) – Basketball player and coach

Heather Thomas – 68 years old (1957) – Actress and activist

Bart Batten – 67 years old (1958) – Wrestler

Michael Lardie – 67 years old (1958) – Keyboard player, songwriter, and producer

Aimee Mann – 65 years old (1960) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress

Daniel Wolpert – 62 years old (1963) – Scientist

Michael Johns – 61 years old (1964) – Businessman and political activist

Raven – 61 years old (1964) – Wrestler

Kimberly Peirce – 58 years old (1967) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Neko Case – 55 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Nidal Hasan – 55 years old (1970) – Soldier, psychiatrist, and mass murderer

Latrell Sprewell – 55 years old (1970) – Basketball player

Lodi – 55 years old (1970) – Wrestler

David Arquette – 54 years old (1971) – Actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and wrestler

Brooke Burke – 54 years old (1971) – Actress and television personality

Dustin O'Halloran – 54 years old (1971) – Pianist and composer

Kennedy – 53 years old (1972) – Radio and television host

Gabrial McNair – 52 years old (1973) – Saxophonist, keyboard player, and composer

Troy Sanders – 52 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter and bass player

Tanaz Eshaghian – 51 years old (1974) – Iranian-American director and producer

Rick Michaels – 51 years old (1974) – Wrestler

Larenz Tate – 50 years old (1975) – Actor, director, and producer

Nate Corddry – 48 years old (1977) – Actor and comedian

Gil Meche – 47 years old (1978) – Baseball player

Angela Rawlings – 47 years old (1978) – Canadian-American author and poet

Rebel – 47 years old (1978) – Wrestler

Pink – 46 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actress

Eric Hutchinson – 45 years old (1980) – Singer-songwriter

Jonathan Taylor Thomas – 44 years old (1981) – Actor

Travis Daniels – 43 years old (1982) – Football player

Will Blalock – 42 years old (1983) – Basketball player

Nick Hundley – 42 years old (1983) – Baseball player

Wali Lundy – 42 years old (1983) – Football player

Jason Mattera – 42 years old (1983) – Writer and conservative activist

Sarah Stup – 42 years old (1983) – Writer and autism activist

Bobby Parnell – 41 years old (1984) – Baseball player

Matt Grothe – 39 years old (1986) – Football player

Derrick Brown – 38 years old (1987) – Basketball player

Wiz Khalifa – 38 years old (1987) – Rapper and actor

Arrelious Benn – 37 years old (1988) – Football player

Matt Barkley – 35 years old (1990) – Football player

Gerrit Cole – 35 years old (1990) – Baseball player

Za'Darius Smith – 33 years old (1992) – Football player

Cameron Dallas – 31 years old (1994) – Internet personality

Lars Nootbaar – 28 years old (1997) – Baseball player

Miles McBride – 25 years old (2000) – Basketball player

Gaten Matarazzo – 23 years old (2002) – Actor and singer

Nicolas Cantu – 22 years old (2003) – Actor and internet personality

TODAY IS:

Star Trek Day: Binge Star Trek: The Original Series, or whichever series you like best, to honor the progressive cultural touchstone created by Gene Roddenberry in the 1960s.
Actors’ Day: Take part in a local theater production, perhaps by auditioning or simply supporting local actors. Give some appreciation to this difficult but entertaining skill.
National Ampersand Day: National Ampersand Day, celebrated every year on September 8th, pays tribute to the iconic "&" symbol. This special day brings attention to its importance in writing and design. The ampersand isn't just a symbol; it's a practical tool that connects ideas in a way that adds flair to any text...
World Physical Therapy Day: Physical therapy can help everything from minor pains to serious injuries, and understanding how the body works can help you keep yours healthy and comfortable.
National Iguana Awareness Day: Learn about how to properly care for, love, and treat the magnificent creatures known as iguanas, and decide if they could be the right fit for your home.
National Dog Walker Appreciation Day: National Dog Walker Appreciation Day shines a light on the essential role dog walkers play in our pets’ lives. These people do much more than lead dogs on a leash. In fact, they ensure our furry friends are active, happy, and safe. This special day recognizes their dedication and the...
Pardon Day: Be polite and make sure you say “pardon” and “excuse me” when necessary, but more importantly examine the grudges you hold and see who you need to pardon.
National Boss/Employee Exchange Day: Swap roles with your boss (or employees if you’re the boss!) and gain some perspective on how to make everyone’s life better through work/life balance.
National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day: National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day honors the dedicated nurses who care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. These nurses work tirelessly to provide medical and emotional support to their young patients and their families. Their role is crucial, as they help guide families through the...
International Literacy Day: Head to the library, volunteer for an event, or donate books or money to help improve the world’s ability to read and give people better opportunities in life.
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...
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...
National Child Protection Week: National Child Protection Week is a fantastic opportunity to come together and focus on keeping our kids safe. It's all about raising awareness, having fun, and learning important safety tips. This week serves as a powerful reminder that everyone plays a role in protecting children. The theme underscores the importance...
National Waffle Week: National Waffle Week is a delightful celebration of one of the most beloved breakfast foods. It shines a spotlight on waffles and encourages people to enjoy this crispy, golden treat in all its forms. Throughout this week, waffle lovers are invited to explore different recipes and toppings, transforming their morning...
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...
Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...
National Assisted Living Week : When older folks who need a little help move into an assisted living facility, it can sometimes feel isolating. National Assisted Living Week is here to bring attention to the ways that communities can live in a more multi-generational manner, and honor those in all phases of life while promoting...