Wreaths Across America Day
Wreaths Across America Day is an annual event dedicated to honoring fallen U.S. veterans by laying wreaths at their graves. This event typically takes place on the third Saturday in December. Volunteers across the country gather at cemeteries, memorials, and other designated locations to place wreaths on the graves of veterans to remember their sacrifice, honor their service, and teach future generations about the value of freedom. The event is organized by Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that began as a small effort in 1992 and has since grown into a nationwide movement. The most notable ceremony occurs at Arlington National Cemetery, but similar events are held in thousands of locations across all 50 states and beyond.
Humbug Day
Humbug Day, celebrated on December 21, is a humorous observance that gives people an outlet to vent their holiday frustrations. With the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays—shopping, decorating, cooking, and meeting social obligations—it can be a stressful time for many. Humbug Day encourages people to acknowledge and release their stress in a lighthearted way before embracing the holiday spirit.
Significant Historical Events on December 21
1620: The Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts, establishing Plymouth Colony.
1898: French scientists Pierre and Marie Curie discover radium, a milestone in the study of radioactivity.
1913: The first crossword puzzle is published in the New York World, created by Arthur Wynne.
1937: Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first full-length animated feature film, premieres in Los Angeles.
1968: Apollo 8 is launched, becoming the first manned spacecraft to orbit the Moon.
1988: A terrorist bomb explodes aboard Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 people.
1991: The Soviet Union formally dissolves, with 11 former republics signing the Alma-Ata Protocol to establish the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Famous Birthdays on December 21
1161: King Philip II of France, instrumental in the expansion of French royal power.
1804: Benjamin Disraeli, British Prime Minister and influential political figure.
1879: Joseph Stalin, Soviet dictator and key figure in 20th-century history.
1937: Jane Fonda, American actress, activist, and fitness icon.
1948: Samuel L. Jackson, American actor known for his iconic roles in Hollywood.
Notable Deaths on December 21
1375: Giovanni Boccaccio, Italian writer and poet, best known for The Decameron, a classic of early Italian literature.
1940: F. Scott Fitzgerald, American novelist and author of The Great Gatsby, a cornerstone of American literature.
1945: George S. Patton, American general, a prominent commander in World War II.
1959: Gilda Gray, Polish-American actress and dancer credited with popularizing “The Shimmy” dance.
1992: Albert King, influential American blues guitarist and singer, known for songs like Born Under a Bad Sign.
2014: Udo Jürgens, Austrian singer-songwriter, known for his contributions to European pop music.
2018: Paddy Ashdown, British politician and diplomat, former leader of the Liberal Democrats in the UK.
