Wear Something Gaudy Day
Wear Something Gaudy Day is celebrated on October 17th each year. It’s a fun and lighthearted holiday that encourages people to embrace loud, flashy, and over-the-top fashion choices. The idea is to wear bold colors, mismatched patterns, and anything that stands out, breaking away from traditional fashion norms. Wear Something Gaudy Day was popularized by the TV sitcom Three’s Company, where the character Larry Dallas (played by Richard Kline) would declare this day as an excuse to wear outlandish clothes. It has since been embraced as a playful day for self-expression and fun.
Women in Military Service for America Memorial Anniversary
The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Anniversary is observed on October 17th, commemorating the dedication of the memorial in 1997. Located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, the memorial honors the women who have served in the U.S. military throughout history. This anniversary serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of women who have fought and sacrificed for their country.
Here are some notable events, birthdays, and deaths that occurred on October 17th throughout history:
Historical Events
October 17, 1777 – British Surrender at Saratoga: British General John Burgoyne surrendered to American forces after the Battle of Saratoga during the American Revolutionary War. This victory was a turning point in the war, convincing France to enter the conflict as an ally of the United States.
October 17, 1931 – Al Capone Convicted of Tax Evasion: Infamous American gangster Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion, leading to his imprisonment. This marked the downfall of one of the most notorious figures in organized crime during the Prohibition era.
October 17, 1979 – Mother Teresa Awarded Nobel Peace Prize: Mother Teresa, known for her charitable work with the poor in India, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian efforts and dedication to helping those in need.
October 17, 1989 – Loma Prieta Earthquake: A devastating earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area during the World Series, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The earthquake registered 6.9 on the Richter scale and resulted in 63 deaths.
Birthdays
October 17, 1915 – Arthur Miller: American playwright, best known for his works Death of a Salesman and The Crucible. He was a major figure in 20th-century American theater and literature.
October 17, 1972 – Eminem: American rapper, songwriter, and record producer, widely considered one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop artists of all time.
Notable Deaths
October 17, 1849 – Frédéric Chopin: Famous Polish composer and virtuoso pianist, known for his beautiful piano compositions. His works remain a cornerstone of classical piano repertoire.
October 17, 2006 – Anna Politkovskaya: Russian journalist and human rights activist, known for her reporting on the Second Chechen War and her criticism of the Russian government.
