Medal of Honor Day
Medal of Honor Day is observed annually on March 25 in the United States. It’s a day set aside to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest and most prestigious military decoration. This award is presented by the President of the United States, in the name of Congress, to members of the armed forces who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. This date commemorates the very first official group presentation of the Medal of Honor. On March 25, 1863, six members of Andrew’s Raiders were awarded the Medal for their actions during the American Civil War.
Tolkien Reading Day
Tolkien Reading Day is celebrated every year on March 25—a date chosen by the Tolkien Society because it marks the defeat of Sauron and the fall of Barad-dûr in The Lord of the Rings. It’s a day for fans around the world to read, share, and celebrate the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the legendary author of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.
March 25th has seen some major historical moments across different eras and regions.
Historical Events:
421 AD – Founding of Venice: According to tradition, the city of Venice was founded at noon on March 25, 421 AD, with the dedication of the San Giacomo Church on the islet of Rialto.
1306 – Robert the Bruce crowned King of Scots: A key figure in Scotland’s wars of independence, Robert the Bruce took the throne just weeks after murdering his rival John Comyn.
1634 – Maryland Founded: The first European settlers arrived in what is now Maryland, establishing the settlement of St. Mary’s City, marking the beginning of the colony.
1807 – British Parliament Abolishes the Slave Trade: The Slave Trade Act was passed, making it illegal to engage in the slave trade in the British Empire (though slavery itself continued until 1833).
1911 – Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: A tragic industrial fire in New York City killed 146 garment workers, most of them women. It led to major reforms in labor laws and factory safety.
1957 – Treaty of Rome Signed: The founding treaty of what would become the European Union was signed by six countries, laying the groundwork for deeper European integration.
Notable Birthdays:
Béla Bartók (1881) – Influential Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist.
Aretha Franklin (1942) – “Queen of Soul,” iconic American singer and civil rights activist.
Elton John (1947) – Legendary British singer, songwriter, and pianist.
Notable Deaths:
1603 – Elizabeth I of England (b. 1533)
The iconic Tudor queen who reigned for 44 years, bringing stability and prosperity to England during the Elizabethan era. Her death marked the end of the Tudor dynasty and the beginning of the Stuart era with James I.
1914 – Frédéric Mistral (b. 1830)
French poet who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1904. He worked to preserve and revitalize the Occitan language and culture of southern France.
1918 – Claude Debussy (b. 1862)
Renowned French composer and one of the most influential figures in impressionist music (though he disliked the label). Known for works like Clair de Lune and Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune.
1975 – Faisal of Saudi Arabia (b. 1906)
King Faisal was a key modernizing figure in Saudi Arabia and a prominent leader in the Arab world. He was assassinated by a nephew in 1975.
2006 – Richard Fleischer (b. 1916)
American film director known for movies like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Soylent Green, and Conan the Destroyer.
2008 – Abby Mann (b. 1927)
American screenwriter and producer, best known for Judgment at Nuremberg (for which he won an Oscar) and various TV dramas focusing on justice and civil rights.
2022 – Taylor Hawkins (b. 1972)
Drummer for the Foo Fighters, widely respected in the rock world. His sudden death at age 50 shocked fans around the globe.
