Discover what happened on August 28 in history as famous brands were born, broadcasting changed forever, historic speeches inspired a nation, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on August 28 in History?
On this day, Brad’s Drink was renamed Pepsi-Cola, the first paid radio commercial was broadcast, and Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech.
AUGUST 28 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1845 – The first issue of Scientific American was published. Originally a weekly newspaper, it eventually became the oldest continuously published magazine in the United States.
1898 – Pharmacist Caleb Bradham renamed his carbonated beverage “Brad’s Drink” to Pepsi-Cola. The drink eventually became one of the world’s best-known soft drinks.
1907 – Teenagers Jim Casey and Claude Ryan started the American Messenger Company in Seattle, WA, with a $100 loan. The small messenger service eventually became United Parcel Service (UPS).
1922 – New York radio station WEAF aired what is widely considered the first paid radio commercial, a roughly 10-minute advertisement promoting apartments in Queens.
1957 – Senator Strom Thurmond began a filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957. He spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes, setting a record for the longest individual Senate speech.
1963 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
1964 – A Michigan law went into effect prohibiting bicycles and hitchhiking on the state’s freeways.
1972 – American swimmer Mark Spitz won the first of his seven gold medals at the Munich Summer Olympics, setting a world record in the 200-meter butterfly.
1981 – John Hinckley Jr. pleaded innocent to the charge of attempting to kill President Ronald Reagan. He is later acquitted by reason of insanity.
1981 – “The New York Daily News” published its final afternoon edition.
1986 – Tina Turner was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
1989 – Televangelist Jim Bakker went on trial for fraud and conspiracy.
1993 – NASA’s Galileo spacecraft photographed a tiny moon orbiting the asteroid Ida. Later named Dactyl, it was the first moon ever discovered orbiting an asteroid.
1993 – Mighty Morphin Power Rangers debuted on American television.
1995 – The biggest bank in the U.S. was created when Chase Manhattan and Chemical Bank announced their $10 billion deal.
1996 – The divorce of Prince Charles and Princess Diana became final, formally ending their 15-year marriage.
1999 – The final episode of “Bozo’s Big Top” aired on WZZM TV 13 in Grand Rapids, MI, ending a long run of locally produced Bozo programming. Read more about it here.
2003 – Pizza delivery driver Brian Wells died when an explosive collar locked around his neck detonated following a bizarre bank robbery in Erie, PA. The complex crime became widely known as the “pizza bomber” case.
2004 – A group of thieves in Bosnia stole an entire 42-foot metal bridge, dismantling it over several days and selling the pieces to a scrapyard.
2006 – An Argentine man sued an auto repair shop after mechanics kept his car for six years, repeatedly telling him the repairs would be finished in “two more weeks.”
2009 – The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled Michael Jackson’s death a homicide caused by acute propofol intoxication. His physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
2014 – Google revealed Project Wing, an experimental program designed to use unmanned aircraft to deliver packages.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 28:
William Cohen – 86 years old (1940) – Lawyer and politician, 20th United States Secretary of Defense
Paul Plishka – 85 years old (1941) – Opera singer
Robert Greenwald – 83 years old (1943) – Director and producer
Danny Seraphine – 78 years old (1948) – Drummer and producer
Ron Guidry – 76 years old (1950) – Baseball player and coach
Rita Dove – 74 years old (1952) – Poet and essayist
Katharine Abraham – 72 years old (1954) – Feminist economist
George M. Church – 72 years old (1954) – Geneticist, chemist, and engineer
John Long – 70 years old (1956) – Basketball player
Steve Whiteman – 70 years old (1956) – Singer-songwriter
Brian Thompson – 67 years old (1959) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
Cliff Benson – 65 years old (1961) – Football player
Craig Anton – 64 years old (1962) – Actor and screenwriter
David Fincher – 64 years old (1962) – Director and producer
Regina Jacobs – 63 years old (1963) – Runner
Lee Janzen – 62 years old (1964) – Golfer
Jack Black – 57 years old (1969) – Actor, comedian, singer, songwriter, and musician
Pierre Turgeon – 57 years old (1969) – Canadian-American ice hockey player
Rick Recht – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter
Shane Andrews – 55 years old (1971) – Baseball player
Raúl Márquez – 55 years old (1971) – Mexican-American boxer and sportscaster
Jay Witasick – 54 years old (1972) – Baseball player and coach
Ruth Riley – 47 years old (1979) – Basketball player
Debra Lafave – 46 years old (1980) – Sex offender and former teacher
Ryan Madson – 46 years old (1980) – Baseball player
Carlos Quentin – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player
Will Harris – 42 years old (1984) – Baseball player
Jeff Green – 40 years old (1986) – Basketball player
Max Collins – 34 years old (1992) – American-Filipino actress and model
Weston McKennie – 28 years old (1998) – Soccer player
Marissa Bode – 26 years old (2000) – Actress
Quvenzhané Wallis – 23 years old (2003) – Actress
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 28:
- National Red Wine Day: Rich, velvety flavor and bold notes — this drink is the perfect complement to any occasion, from an elegant dinner to a cozy night in.
- National Bow Tie Day: From Dr. Who to James Bond, anyone can make a bow tie look cool. Bring back this classic fashion at least for one day on National Bow Tie Day. Restart the trend!
- Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day: Mourning the loss of a pet is a horrible experience. Honor all the pets you’ve ever loved, who have crossed over that “rainbow bridge” into a better place.
- Crackers Over The Keyboard Day: Tip your computer keyboard over and gently tap all around it in order to see what kinds of nasty crumbs, eraser shavings, and who knows what else falls out.
- International Read Comics in Public Day: International Read Comics in Public Day turns sidewalks, parks, and buses into colorful reading spots. On this day, people take their comics outdoors and dive into them with no hesitation. It's not about hiding behind a screen or reading quietly in a corner. It's about flipping pages in full view...
- National Thoughtful Day: Sometimes, all it takes is one kind gesture to turn someone's day around. National Thoughtful Day is all about that spark—those little actions that speak volumes. It’s a chance to slow down, notice others, and do something that brings a smile or eases a burden. Holding a door, sharing a...
- Makaton International Awareness Day: Makaton International Awareness Day is a joyful moment that highlights Makaton—a friendly way of mixing speech, hand signs, and picture symbols so people with communication challenges can express themselves. The day bursts with energy and warmth as families, schools, and communities come together. They learn a sign, smile with new...
- National Cherry Turnover Day: Delectable pastry filled with warm, sweet filling, wrapped in a golden, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
- National Power Rangers Day: National Power Rangers Day invites fans to celebrate the iconic heroes who have inspired generations. This special day honors the enduring legacy of the Power Rangers, who have been a symbol of courage and teamwork since their debut in 1993. The Power Rangers have always stood for diversity and unity...
- Radio Commercials Day: Dig into an online archive for old radio advertisements, and consider how much things have changed over the years—as well as how much they haven’t.
- Race Your Mouse Around The Icons Day: Allow boredom to seep into your bones, and race your cursor around your desktop icons in a fun yet brain-meltingly-boring game of Race Your Mouse Around The Icons.
- Raksha Bandhan: Raksha Bandhan is a joyous celebration of the unique bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a decorative thread called a "rakhi" around their brother's wrist. This simple act symbolizes love and protection. The brother, in turn, promises to stand by her side through life’s ups and...
- Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
- Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
- National Composites Week: National Composites Week is an event that spotlights the critical role composite materials play in various industries. These materials, known for their strength, durability, and flexibility, are used in everything from aerospace to everyday consumer goods. During this week, the spotlight is on the innovative ways these composites enhance product performance...
- Be Kind to Humankind Week: Genuine gestures illuminate hearts, weaving compassion into the fabric of everyday connections, fostering solidarity and empathy.
- Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...
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