April 17

Scott Winters April 17, 2025 0 Comments

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1629 – Horses were first imported into the colonies by the American Massachusetts Bay Colony.

1704 – John Campbell published what would eventually become the first successful American newspaper. It was known as the Boston “News-Letter.”

1810 – Pineapple cheese was patented by Lewis M. Norton.

1861 – Virginia became the eighth state to secede from the Union.

1865 – Mary Surratt was arrested as a conspirator in the President Abraham Lincoln assassination.

1907 – The Ellis Island immigration center processed 11,747 people…more than on any other day.

1917 – A bill in Congress to establish Daylight Saving Time was defeated. It was passed a couple of months later.

1937 – “Daffy Duck” made his debut in a “Porky Pig” cartoon titled “Duck Hunt”.

1941 – Igor Sikorsky accomplished the first successful helicopter lift-off from water near Stratford, CT.

1941 – The office of Price Administration was established in the U.S. to handle rationing.

1947 – Jackie Robinson (Brooklyn Dodgers) performed a bunt for his first major league hit.

1961 – About 1,400 U.S.-supported Cuban exiles invaded Cuba at the Bay of Pigs in an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro. It was an unsuccessful attack.

1964 – Jerrie Mock became first woman to fly an airplane solo around the world.

1964 – The FBI lab reported that it could not determine the lyrics to “Louie Louie.”

1964 – The Ford Motor Company unveiled its new Mustang model. Base price was $2,368.

1967 – “The Joey Bishop Show” debuted on ABC-TV.

1967 – The U.S. Supreme Court barred Muhammad Ali’s request to be blocked from induction into the U.S. Army.

1969 – In Los Angeles, CA, Sirhan Sirhan was convicted of assassinating Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

1970 – Apollo 13 returned to Earth safely after an on-board accident with an oxygen tank.

1973 – George Lucas began writing the treatment for “The Star Wars”.

1973 – Federal Express (later shortened to just FedEx) began operations when 14 planes carrying 186 packages took off from Memphis (TN) International Airport, headed to 25 U.S. cities.

1980 – Lansing, MI police arrested three adult sisters. They had been running around naked after smearing mustard on their bodies. They said they were looking for the Garden of Eden.

1985 – The U.S. Postal Service unveiled its new 22-cent, “LOVE” stamp.

1993 – A federal jury in Los Angeles, CA, convicted two former police officers of violating the civil rights of beaten motorist Rodney King. Two other officers were acquitted.

1996 – Erik and Lyle Menendez were sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing their parents.

2002 – The television show “Ally McBeal” went off the air after five seasons.

2011 – The TV show “Game of Thrones” debuted on HBO.

2014 – NASA’s Kepler space telescope confirmed the discovery of the first Earth-size planet in the habitable zone of another star.

2021 – The funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, took place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

BIRTHDAYS:

Dennis Hextall – 82 years old (1943) – Hockey player (Detroit Red Wings 1975-1979)

Jan Hammer – 77 years old (1948) – Composer, musician (TV’s “Miami Vice” Theme)

Pedro Garcia – 75 years old (1950) – Baseball player (Detroit Tigers 1976)

Michael Sembello – 71 years old (1954) – Composer, musician (“Maniac” from “Flashdance”)

Teri Austin – 68 years old (1957) – Actress (TV’s “Knots Landing”)

Nick Hornby – 68 years old (1957) – Novelist (“High Fidelity”, “About a Boy”, “Fever Pitch”, screenplay “An Education”)

Sean Bean – 66 years old (1959) – Actor (“Goldeneye”, “The Lord of the Rings” series)

Boomer Esiason – 64 years old (1961) – Football player, TV commentator

Lela Rochon – 61 years old (1964) – Actress (“Why Do Fools Fall in Love”, “Waiting to Exhale”)

William Mapother – 60 years old (1965) – Actor (TV’s “Lost)

Henry Ian Cusick – 58 years old (1967) – Actor (TV’s “Lost”, “Scandal”, “The 100”)

Kimberly Elise – 58 years old (1967) – Actress (“The Great Debaters”, “Pride”, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”, “John Q”, “Beloved”, “Set It Off”, TV’s “Close to Home”)

Marquis Grissom – 58 years old (1967) – Baseball player

Liz Phair – 58 years old (1967) – Singer, songwriter

Redman – 55 years old (1970) – Rapper, actor (“How High”, “Seed of Chucky”)

Jennifer Anne Garner – 53 years old (1972) – Actress (“Daredevil”, “Electra”, “Alias”, “Draft Day”, “Dallas Buyers Club”, “The Odd Life of Timothy Green”, “Juno”, “13 Going on 30”, “The Kingdom”, “Catch and Release”)

Victoria Beckham – 51 years old (1974) – Singer (Posh Spice of the Spice Girls)

Rooney Mara – 40 years old (1985) – Actress (“Pan”, “Her”, “Side Effects”, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”, “The Social Network”)

TODAY IS:

National High Five Day: Give a high five to everyone, and let them know their accomplishments don’t go unnoticed. Whether your friend got a promotion or made a basket—high five!
Malbec Day: Malbec Day is a celebration dedicated to one of Argentina’s most beloved wines. This day brings wine lovers together to toWorld ast the Malbec grape, which has become a symbol of Argentine winemaking. Originating from France, Malbec found its true home in Argentina’s sun-kissed vineyards. Over time, it has grown into...
World Hemophilia Day: For some 400,000 people, simple papercuts, nicks, and scrapes can actually be dangerous or even life-threatening due to a blood disorder known as hemophilia.
National Kickball Day: Revisit your childhood by gathering some friends, family, or co-workers and getting together a fun, light-hearted game of kickball. It’s not just for kids!
International Haiku Poetry Day: Write your own Haiku. Take in other poet’s works. Let Haikus move you.
National Ford Mustang Day: Look for an event or showcase near you to admire Ford Mustangs throughout the ages, and learn about the history of this popular every-mans sports car.
National Auctioneers Day: Going once, going twice, sold to the fast-talking, sharp-as-a-tack figures who often work as volunteer auctioneers, supporting charity with their skill and time.
National D.A.R.E. Day: D.A.R.E is “Drug Abuse Resistance Education”, and aims to steer kids away from drugs through community engagement and education, typically at schools.
National Cheeseball Day: Usually a mix of rich cheeses and creams, tasty spices, and a coating of almonds, the Cheeseball makes a perfect party dip, with a little extra flair.
International Bat Appreciation Day: Bats can eat as many as 1,000 mosquitoes a day. Help preserve these crucial creatures by donating to a conservation, volunteering, or spreading awareness.
Blah Blah Blah Day: Whether yourself or another talking, use Blah Blah Blah day to really focus on those things you have otherwise been tuning out, ignoring, and avoiding.
Herbalist Day: Every year at this time, Herbalist Day lights up our calendars, shining a spotlight on the age-old practice of herbalism. This special day honors those skilled in the art of healing with plants. Herbalists tap into the natural properties of herbs to promote health and well-being, making their craft an invaluable...
Nothing Like A Dame Day: Pull out some brash old films or recordings, visit the theater, or dress up to pay tribute to the bright ladies of the theater on Nothing Like a Dame Day.
National Ellis Island Family History Day: A gateway to American dreams, it welcomed millions, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the immigrant experience in the U.S.
College Student Grief Awareness Day: With 1 in 3 college students grieving the loss of a loved one, it’s important to acknowledge and aid those who might be struggling invisibly on college campuses.
National Crawfish Day: Nothing says Southern tradition quite like a good crawfish boil. National Crawfish Day is all about celebrating these little freshwater creatures, packed with flavor and loved by many. Whether piled high on a plate or simmering in a spicy pot, crawfish bring people together. Their bright red shells, tender meat...
Holy Thursday: Holy Thursday, celebrated on the Thursday before Easter, is a pivotal day in Holy Week. This day is marked by the remembrance of Jesus Christ's Last Supper with his disciples. During this dinner, he established the sacrament of Holy Communion. Not only does Holy Thursday honor this significant event, but...
2A Day: 2A Day, celebrated on April 17 each year, is a significant occasion that honors the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. This day recognizes the right of Americans to own and carry firearms, a principle enshrined in the nation's foundational documents. Deborah Lane first established it in 2019, marking...
Discover National Parks Fortnight: Discover National Parks Fortnight invites everyone to join in on an adventure - exploring the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of national parks. This fantastic outdoor-themed event spans two weeks each year. This period is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors and appreciate the environmental treasures within...
Orthodox Holy Week: Orthodox Holy Week is a deep and meaningful journey leading up to Easter, which celebrates Christ's resurrection. This sacred week starts with Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, greeted as a king. Each day then carries unique themes and moments of reflection. Early in the week, the parable of...
Semana Santa: Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a profound time of reflection and devotion in many Christian communities. Streets come alive with solemn processions, participants carry religious icons, and traditional music fills the air. This period focuses on the final days of Jesus Christ, drawing believers together in shared faith and contemplation...
Money Smart Week: Being smart with money isn't just about saving; it's also about making informed decisions and enjoying the process. Money Smart Week offers the perfect opportunity to dive into financial literacy and reconsider financial habits. In its essence, Money Smart Week is a lively event held annually to boost financial literacy...
Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: From 9-1-1 emergency call operators and alarm systems to answering other non-emergency forms of communication such as texts, emails and social media contacts, public safety telecommunicators have a lot on the line every day when they show up for work! As technology rapidly advances and evolves, so do the opportunities for...
FOP Awareness Month: Raising awareness for a rare condition, efforts unite to support those facing the challenges of Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.