Motorcycle Day
Motorcycle Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the joy, freedom, and culture of motorcycle riding. Observed by enthusiasts around the world, it typically involves group rides, rallies, and events that bring together bikers to share their passion for two-wheeled travel. It’s a day to appreciate the craftsmanship of motorcycles, the thrill of the open road, and the camaraderie among riders. Motorcycle Day also promotes safety and awareness, encouraging responsible riding and respect between motorcyclists and other road users.
Etch-A-Sketch Day
Etch A Sketch Day, celebrated on July 12th, honors the iconic drawing toy that has sparked creativity and imagination for generations. Invented in the late 1950s by André Cassagnes and introduced by the Ohio Art Company in 1960, the Etch A Sketch has become a beloved classic. Its simple yet ingenious design, featuring a magic screen and two knobs, allows users to create endless line drawings, erase them, and start anew. Etch A Sketch Day is a time for nostalgic reflection and playful exploration, encouraging both children and adults to embrace their artistic side and appreciate this timeless toy’s role in popular culture.
July 12th has witnessed a variety of significant historical events across different periods and fields.
Historical Events
1543 – Marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine Parr:
King Henry VIII of England married his sixth and final wife, Catherine Parr. This marriage lasted until Henry’s death in 1547.
1812 – War of 1812:
U.S. forces led by General William Hull invaded Canada, marking a significant moment in the early stages of the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain.
1862 – Medal of Honor Created:
The United States Congress authorized the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
1933 – U.S. Industrial Recovery Act:
The U.S. Congress passed the Industrial Recovery Act, a key part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, aimed at stimulating economic recovery during the Great Depression.
1962 – First Live Television Broadcast from the United States to Europe:
Telstar 1, the first active communications satellite capable of broadcasting television signals, enabled the first live transatlantic television feed.
1998 – France Wins FIFA World Cup:
The French national football team won its first FIFA World Cup by defeating Brazil 3-0 in the final match held in Paris.
Notable Birthdays
1817 – Henry David Thoreau:
American essayist, poet, and philosopher, best known for his book “Walden” and his essay “Civil Disobedience.”
1904 – Pablo Neruda:
Chilean poet-diplomat and politician who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971.
1937 – Bill Cosby:
American comedian, actor, and producer, known for his work on “The Cosby Show.”
Notable Deaths
1804 – Alexander Hamilton:
American Founding Father, the first Secretary of the Treasury, and a key author of the Federalist Papers, Hamilton died from wounds sustained in a duel with Aaron Burr.
1849 – Dolley Madison:
The wife of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, Dolley Madison was celebrated for her role as First Lady and her contributions to American social and political life.
1910 – Charles Rolls:
Co-founder of the Rolls-Royce automobile company, Charles Rolls was an aviation pioneer who tragically died in a plane crash, becoming the first Briton to be killed in an aviation accident.
1945 – Wolfram von Richthofen:
A German field marshal during World War II, Richthofen was a prominent military leader known for his role in the Luftwaffe.
1984 – Francis Schaeffer:
An American evangelical theologian and Presbyterian pastor, Schaeffer was a significant figure in the rise of the Christian right in the United States.
2020 – Kelly Preston:
An American actress and model, Kelly Preston appeared in numerous films, including “Jerry Maguire” and “Twins,” and was married to actor John Travolta.
