Facebook’s Birthday
Facebook was launched on February 4, 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his co-founders Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes while they were students at Harvard University. Originally called TheFacebook, the platform was initially limited to Harvard students before expanding to other universities and eventually the public. Since its launch, Facebook has grown into one of the world’s largest social media platforms, with billions of users worldwide. It played a significant role in shaping online communication, digital advertising, and social networking.
National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
National Thank a Mail Carrier Day is celebrated on February 4th each year. This day recognizes the hard work and dedication of mail carriers, who ensure that letters, packages, and important documents are delivered to homes and businesses in all kinds of weather.
Liberace Day
Liberace Day is celebrated on February 4th in honor of Władziu Valentino Liberace, the legendary pianist, entertainer, and showman. Known simply as Liberace, he dazzled audiences with his flamboyant performances, extravagant costumes, and virtuosic piano skills. Liberace became one of the highest-paid entertainers of his time, blending classical piano with pop culture in a way that captivated millions. He was famous for his sparkling outfits, candelabra-adorned pianos, and larger-than-life personality.
February 4th has seen several notable historical events.
Historical Events
1789 – George Washington elected as the first U.S. President: On February 4th, the U.S. Electoral College unanimously elected George Washington as the first president of the United States.
1824 – The “Corrupt Bargain” and U.S. Presidential Election: The U.S. presidential election of 1824 ended without a clear winner, and the decision was made by the House of Representatives, leading to accusations of a “corrupt bargain” between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay.
1917 – The U.S. breaks diplomatic relations with Germany: During World War I, the United States severed diplomatic ties with Germany, a key step toward the U.S. entering the war.
1941 – The first flight of the B-17 Flying Fortress: The U.S. Army Air Forces made the first flight of the B-17 Flying Fortress, a long-range bomber that would play a significant role in World War II.
1957 – The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1 into orbit: This was the beginning of the space race, as Sputnik 1 became the first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union, sparking a global interest in space exploration.
1961 – JFK establishes the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order creating the Peace Corps, which became an important organization that encouraged American volunteers to assist in developing countries.
1994 – Former U.S. President Richard Nixon makes a historic visit to China: Former President Nixon returned to China for the first time since his famous trip in 1972, marking an important step in U.S.-China relations.
Notable Birthdays
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960) – American artist known for his graffiti-inspired artwork.
Charles Lindbergh (1902) – American aviator famous for being the first to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Alice Cooper (1948) – Rock singer known for his theatrical performances and iconic music in the shock rock genre.
Babe Ruth (1895) – Legendary American baseball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in sports history.
Notable Deaths
1783 – Johannes Gutenberg: The inventor of the printing press, which revolutionized the spread of knowledge and made books more widely available.
1924 – Woodrow Wilson: The 28th President of the United States, known for his leadership during World War I and his role in founding the League of Nations.
1959 – Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper: These rock and roll stars tragically died in a plane crash in Iowa, an event famously referred to as “The Day the Music Died.”
1961 – Anna May Wong: The first Chinese-American Hollywood movie star, known for her roles in silent films and early sound cinema.
1989 – John Cassavetes: American actor, director, and filmmaker who was a pioneer of independent cinema, known for his work in films like A Woman Under the Influence and The Killing of a Chinese Bookie.
1995 – Patricia Highsmith: The American novelist best known for creating the Tom Ripley series, which includes The Talented Mr. Ripley and Strangers on a Train.
2012 – Ben Gazzara: American actor, known for his roles in films like The Big Lebowski and Road House, as well as in television and theater.
2021 – Captain Sir Tom Moore: A British Army veteran who became a national hero after raising millions for the NHS by walking laps in his garden at the age of 99.
