Maple Syrup Day
National Maple Syrup Day is celebrated annually on December 17 to honor the sweet and iconic treat derived from the sap of maple trees. It’s a day to enjoy and appreciate the centuries-old tradition of maple syrup production and its role in culinary delights.
Significant Historical Events
1903 – First Powered Flight by the Wright Brothers
Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first successful powered flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their plane, the Flyer, stayed airborne for 12 seconds, covering 120 feet.
1777 – France Recognizes American Independence
France formally acknowledged the United States as an independent nation, paving the way for military support during the Revolutionary War.
1935 – First Flight of the Douglas DC-3
The DC-3, a revolutionary aircraft that transformed commercial aviation, had its maiden flight. It became one of the most successful planes in history.
1969 – US Air Force Closes Project Blue Book
After investigating over 12,000 UFO sightings, the Air Force ended its UFO study, concluding that most reports had natural explanations.
1989 – First Episode of The Simpsons
The beloved animated series premiered on Fox with the episode Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire. It became the longest-running scripted TV show in history.
2014 – United States Restores Diplomatic Relations with Cuba
President Barack Obama announced the end of a 54-year diplomatic freeze with Cuba, beginning a new era of engagement.
Famous Birthdays
1797 – Joseph Henry
American scientist and inventor, known for discovering electromagnetic induction (independently of Faraday) and for his contributions to early electromagnets.
1908 – Willard Libby
American chemist who developed radiocarbon dating, earning the 1960 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
1930 – Bob Guccione
American publisher, founder of Penthouse magazine.
1936 – Pope Francis
The 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his focus on humility, interfaith dialogue, and social justice.
1975 – Milla Jovovich
Ukrainian-born actress, model, and musician, best known for starring in the Resident Evil film series.
1989 – Taylor York
Guitarist of the rock band Paramore.
Notable Deaths
1830 – Simón Bolívar
Known as “The Liberator,” Bolívar was a Venezuelan military leader and statesman who played a central role in the independence of several South American countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. He passed away at age 47.
1847 – Marie-Louise of Austria
The second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress of France from 1810 to 1814. She died at the age of 56.
1907 – Lord Kelvin (William Thomson)
Renowned British physicist and mathematician who developed the absolute temperature scale (measured in Kelvin) and contributed to the second law of thermodynamics.
1933 – Thubten Gyatso (13th Dalai Lama)
The spiritual leader of Tibet during a critical period of modernization and geopolitical tension.
2011 – Kim Jong-il
Leader of North Korea from 1994 to 2011, known for his secretive regime and controversial policies. His death marked the rise of his son, Kim Jong-un, as the country’s leader.
2016 – Henry Heimlich
American surgeon and inventor of the Heimlich Maneuver, a life-saving technique for choking victims. He passed away at the age of 96.
2020 – Jeremy Bulloch
British actor best known for portraying Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy.
2020 – Pierre Cardin
Famed French fashion designer known for pioneering modern, futuristic designs and transforming the fashion industry.
