Appreciate Your Social Security Check Day
Appreciate Your Social Security Check Day is observed annually on January 31st as a day to recognize the importance of Social Security benefits for retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors. It serves as a reminder of the financial security these benefits provide and an opportunity to appreciate the system that supports millions of Americans.
Gorilla Suit Day
Gorilla Suit Day is observed on January 31st, where people humorously wear gorilla suits and engage in playful antics. The day originated from a satirical comic by Mad Magazine cartoonist Don Martin, first published in 1963. In the comic, a character is repeatedly attacked by people dressed as gorillas after mocking the idea of Gorilla Suit Day.
Scotch Tape Day
Scotch Tape Day is observed annually on January 31st to celebrate the invention and impact of Scotch® Tape, one of the most versatile adhesive products in history. The holiday marks the innovation of transparent adhesive tape, first developed by Richard Gurley Drew in the early 1930s while working for 3M.
January 31st has witnessed numerous significant historical events across various fields, including politics, science, and culture.
Historical Events on January 31st
1865 – U.S. House passes the 13th Amendment: The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery, was passed by the House of Representatives. It was later ratified in December 1865.
1892 – First modern Coca-Cola ad appears: Coca-Cola ran its first modern advertisement, helping establish the brand as an American icon.
1930 – 3M introduces Scotch Tape: The 3M Company introduced transparent Scotch Tape, a revolutionary adhesive product still widely used today.
1950 – President Truman orders hydrogen bomb development: U.S. President Harry S. Truman publicly announced his decision to develop a hydrogen bomb in response to Soviet nuclear advancements.
1958 – Explorer 1 is launched: The United States launched Explorer 1, its first successful satellite, marking the country’s entry into the Space Race and leading to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts.
1971 – Apollo 14 mission begins: NASA launched Apollo 14, carrying astronauts Alan Shepard, Stuart Roosa, and Edgar Mitchell on a mission to the Moon. Shepard later became the first astronaut to play golf on the lunar surface.
1988 – The Wonder Years premieres: The classic TV show The Wonder Years debuted on ABC, becoming one of the most beloved coming-of-age series.
1990 – First McDonald’s opens in the Soviet Union: A symbol of changing times, the first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Moscow, drawing huge crowds.
Notable Birthdays
1797 – Franz Schubert (Austrian composer known for symphonies and lieder)
1919 – Jackie Robinson (First African American Major League Baseball player)
1921 – Carol Channing (Broadway actress and singer, known for Hello, Dolly!)
1947 – Nolan Ryan (Legendary baseball pitcher)
1981 – Justin Timberlake (Singer, actor, and former NSYNC member)
Notable Deaths
1606: Guy Fawkes, British conspirator involved in the Gunpowder Plot, was executed in London.
1956: A.A. Milne, English author best known for creating Winnie-the-Pooh.
