Kickball Day
Kickball Day is typically celebrated on April 17th each year. It’s a fun, unofficial holiday that encourages people of all ages to get outside and enjoy a game of kickball — a playground classic that combines elements of baseball and soccer. Organize a game with friends, family, or coworkers at a park or schoolyard. Teach kids how to play if they’ve never tried it before. Share your favorite memories of kickball on social media. Add a twist by playing themed kickball (e.g., costumes, glow-in-the-dark, etc.).
Ford Mustang Day
Ford Mustang Day is celebrated on April 17th each year, marking the anniversary of the Mustang’s debut in 1964 at the New York World’s Fair. It’s a day for fans, owners, and car enthusiasts to honor one of the most iconic American muscle cars. Ways People Celebrate Ford Mustang Day are car shows and meetups with Mustang clubs and enthusiasts, cruise events or road trips in Mustangs, sharing photos and stories online using hashtags like #MustangDay or #FordMustang, and visiting dealerships or museums that feature classic and modern Mustangs.
2A Day
2A Day, short for Second Amendment Day, is typically observed by supporters of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. There’s no official, universally recognized date for 2A Day, but it is often observed by gun rights advocates, firearms organizations, and some state legislatures.
April 14th has seen many significant events throughout history across various fields, including politics, science, and culture.
Historical Events
1865 – Abraham Lincoln is shot
U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. He died the following morning, making Vice President Andrew Johnson the 17th President of the United States.
1912 – RMS Titanic strikes iceberg
The Titanic hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic late on April 14. The “unsinkable” ship would sink in the early hours of April 15, leading to the deaths of over 1,500 people.
1931 – Spanish Republic proclaimed
King Alfonso XIII leaves Spain and the Second Spanish Republic is declared after municipal elections show overwhelming support for republicanism.
1945 – Allied troops liberate Buchenwald concentration camp
U.S. forces entered the Buchenwald concentration camp, freeing thousands of prisoners in one of the earliest liberations during World War II.
2003 – Human Genome Project is declared complete
Scientists announced the successful mapping of the human genome, a major milestone in genetics and medical research.
Famous Birthdays
1578 – Philip III of Spain – King of Spain and Portugal during a time of relative peace and decline of Spanish power.
1904 – Sir John Gielgud – Renowned English actor and director, known for his work in Shakespearean theatre and film.
1925 – Rod Steiger – American actor, Oscar winner for In the Heat of the Night.
1935 – Erich von Däniken – Swiss author best known for Chariots of the Gods?, popularizing ancient astronaut theories.
1941 – Pete Rose – Legendary MLB player and all-time hits leader, later banned for betting on baseball.
Notable Deaths
1865 – Abraham Lincoln (died April 15 after being shot on April 14).
**1912 – Over 1,500 people perished in the Titanic disaster, including millionaire John Jacob Astor IV and Isidor Straus (co-owner of Macy’s).
1986 – Simone de Beauvoir, French writer, philosopher, and feminist, author of The Second Sex.
