Bill of Rights Day
Bill of Rights Day is observed every year on December 15th in the United States to commemorate the ratification of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791. After the U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787, many Americans feared it gave too much power to the federal government without guaranteeing individual freedoms. To address these concerns, James Madison introduced a series of amendments in 1789. These amendments were designed to protect personal liberties and limit government power. On December 15, 1791, the first ten amendments—collectively known as the Bill of Rights—were ratified by the states.
December 15th has seen numerous significant events throughout history across various fields
Historical Events:
1791 – Bill of Rights Ratified:
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified. These amendments guarantee fundamental freedoms such as speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.
1891 – Basketball Invented:
Dr. James Naismith introduced the game of basketball in Springfield, Massachusetts, as an indoor activity for students during winter.
1939 – Premiere of Gone with the Wind:
The classic film based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel premiered in Atlanta, Georgia, becoming one of the most iconic movies in Hollywood history.
1941 – Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet Commissioned:
The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Hornet, which later played a critical role in the Doolittle Raid during World War II.
1961 – Adolf Eichmann Sentenced to Death:
A Jerusalem court sentenced the Nazi officer Adolf Eichmann, a key figure in orchestrating the Holocaust, to death for his crimes against humanity.
1970 – Soviet Spacecraft Venera 7 Lands on Venus:
Venera 7 became the first spacecraft to successfully transmit data from the surface of Venus, marking a milestone in space exploration.
Birthdays:
Gustave Eiffel (1832–1923):
French engineer and architect known for designing the Eiffel Tower and contributions to the Statue of Liberty.
Paul Getty (1892–1976):
American industrialist and founder of the Getty Oil Company, one of the world’s richest individuals of his time.
Deaths:
Walt Disney (1966) – The legendary creator of Mickey Mouse and a pioneer in animation and theme parks, Disney’s death marked the end of an era in family entertainment.
Johannes Vermeer (1675) – The Dutch painter famous for works like Girl with a Pearl Earring, he was a master of light and realism.
Christopher Hitchens (2011) – A renowned journalist, author, and critic known for his provocative writing and debates on religion and politics.
Bob Feller (2010) – A Hall of Fame baseball player who spent most of his career with the Cleveland Indians.
Glenn Miller (1944) – A bandleader and trombonist who played a major role in swing music, tragically lost in a plane disappearance during WWII.
