Plush Animal Lover’s Day
Many people celebrate by displaying their favorite plush animals, sharing photos on social media, and even introducing new additions to their collections. Plush animals, in all their variety, have evolved to cater to diverse preferences, from ultra-soft squishy toys to realistic animal replicas. Plush Animal Lover’s Day is also a popular occasion to give back, with many people choosing to donate gently loved stuffed animals to charities, hospitals, or children’s organizations, spreading the love and comfort these toys bring.
First Responders Day
First Responders Day, observed on October 28th, is a day dedicated to honoring the bravery, dedication, and resilience of the men and women who are first on the scene in emergencies. These individuals include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other rescue workers who put their lives on the line daily to ensure the safety and well-being of others.
October 28th has seen several notable historical events across various fields:
1636 – Harvard University Established: Harvard, the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, was founded on October 28, 1636. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it was initially created to educate clergy but eventually grew to become one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
1886 – Statue of Liberty Dedicated: On this day, the Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated in New York Harbor. A gift from France to the United States, the statue symbolizes freedom and democracy. President Grover Cleveland accepted the statue on behalf of the U.S., and it has since become an iconic symbol of the nation and a welcoming sight to immigrants.
1919 – U.S. Congress Passes the Volstead Act: Known as the National Prohibition Act, the Volstead Act was passed on October 28, 1919, despite President Woodrow Wilson’s veto. It provided the legal framework for Prohibition, which banned the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States, lasting until 1933.
1922 – March on Rome Begins: The March on Rome, led by Benito Mussolini and his followers, began on October 28, 1922. This event marked the start of Mussolini’s rise to power in Italy, eventually leading to his dictatorship and the establishment of Fascist rule in the country.
1962 – Cuban Missile Crisis Ends: On October 28, 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis, a 13-day standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union, came to an end. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev agreed to dismantle Soviet missiles in Cuba in exchange for a U.S. promise not to invade the island, helping to avoid a potential nuclear war.
2005 – Discovery of Eris, a Dwarf Planet: Astronomers discovered Eris, a dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt, on October 28, 2005. Eris was initially thought to be larger than Pluto, leading to debates that ultimately resulted in the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006.
October 28 has seen the birth of many influential figures across history:
Erasmus (1466) – A Dutch Renaissance humanist, theologian, and scholar, Erasmus was one of Europe’s most prominent intellectuals. Known for his satirical critiques of the Catholic Church, he laid the groundwork for later religious reforms.
Elsa Lanchester (1902) – An English-American actress, Lanchester is best known for her role as the Bride in the classic horror film Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Her distinctive performances made her a beloved character actress in Hollywood.
Jonas Salk (1914) – An American medical researcher and virologist, Salk developed the first successful polio vaccine in 1955, revolutionizing public health and effectively eliminating the disease in many parts of the world.
Dr. Jonas Salk (1914) – An American medical researcher and virologist who developed the first safe and effective polio vaccine in 1955, Dr. Salk’s work has saved countless lives and remains a significant achievement in medical history.
Bill Gates (1955) – An American software developer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975, which became a cornerstone of the personal computing industry. Gates is also well-known for his philanthropic work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Julia Roberts (1967) – An Academy Award-winning American actress, Roberts rose to fame in the 1990s with films such as Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, and My Best Friend’s Wedding. Known for her charismatic roles, she is one of Hollywood’s most successful and beloved actresses.
Joaquin Phoenix (1974) – An American actor known for his versatility and intensity, Phoenix has starred in acclaimed films like Gladiator, Walk the Line, and Joker, for which he won an Academy Award. His work is noted for exploring complex, often dark characters.
Brad Paisley (1972) – An American country music singer-songwriter and guitarist, Paisley has released numerous hits, including Whiskey Lullaby and Mud on the Tires. Known for his witty lyrics and exceptional guitar skills, he has received multiple Grammy Awards.
October 28 has marked the passing of several notable individuals throughout history, each leaving a legacy in their respective fields:
John Locke (1704) – An English philosopher and Enlightenment thinker, Locke is often called the “Father of Liberalism.” His ideas on natural rights, government by consent, and personal liberty influenced political thought and contributed to the foundations of modern democracy.
Ted Hughes (1998) – An English poet and author, Hughes was Britain’s Poet Laureate from 1984 until his death. Known for his work inspired by nature and mythology, Hughes’s poems, such as The Hawk in the Rain, remain influential in British literature.
Evalyn Walsh McLean (1947) – An American socialite and the last private owner of the infamous Hope Diamond, McLean was known for her eccentric lifestyle. The Hope Diamond, now displayed in the Smithsonian Institution, is rumored to bring misfortune to its owners.
George Dantzig (2005) – An American mathematician, Dantzig was the founder of linear programming and the simplex algorithm, groundbreaking methods that are widely applied in fields like economics, engineering, and operations research.
Tikhon Khrennikov (2007) – A Soviet and Russian composer and pianist, Khrennikov was a prominent figure in Soviet classical music. While his works were lauded, his role in enforcing Soviet policy on fellow composers has been a point of historical controversy.
James MacArthur (2010) – An American actor best known for his role as “Danno” on the TV show Hawaii Five-O. His catchphrase, “Book ’em, Danno,” became iconic in American pop culture during the show’s original run from 1968 to 1980.
Robert Evans (2019) – A legendary Hollywood producer and studio executive, Evans was known for his work on films such as The Godfather, Chinatown, and Rosemary’s Baby. His influence shaped New Hollywood cinema, and his larger-than-life persona is immortalized in his autobiography and the documentary The Kid Stays in the Picture.
