February 4 in Pop Culture History

February is…

Create a Vacuum Day: A day to recognize and appreciate the invention and importance of the vacuum cleaner and its role in keeping our homes clean.

Hemp Day: This day serves as a reminder of the potential hemp has to provide sustainable, natural solutions for health, wellness, food security, and more.

Homemade Soup Day: A day to celebrate the comfort and nourishment of homemade soup and its many variations.

Rosa Parks Day: A day to honor Rosa Parks, an American civil rights activist, and honor her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. (also December 1)
Rosa Parks, an African American civil rights activist, was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white person. This act of civil disobedience helped spark the Civil Rights Movement, and Parks became an icon of the movement. The bus on which Parks was arrested is now on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

National Stuffed Mushroom Day: A day to celebrate and enjoy the delicious dish of stuffed mushrooms.

Thank a Mailperson Day: A day to recognize and appreciate mail carriers’ hard work and dedication and their important role in connecting communities.

World Cancer Day: Held Annually on February 4th to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support those affected by cancer. This day is a global initiative that brings together individuals, communities, and organizations of all backgrounds to unite in solidarity. On this day, events such as fundraising walks and runs, seminars, workshops, and educational talks are often held across the world to raise awareness and show support for those affected by cancer.

USO DAY
The United Service Organization (USO) is a nonprofit organization that provides programs, services, and live entertainment to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The USO was founded on February 4, 1941, just before the United States’ entry into World War II, by six civilian organizations: the National Catholic Community Service, the National Jewish Welfare Board, the National Travelers Aid Association, the Salvation Army, the YMCA and the YWCA. The USO’s mission was to provide morale, welfare, and recreational services to U.S. service members and their families.

During World War II, the USO operated hundreds of clubs and centers around the world, providing a “home away from home” for servicemen and women. The organization hosted dances, shows, and other events featuring Hollywood stars, musicians, and comedians. The USO also provided military families counseling services, educational programs, and other support.

After World War II, the USO continued to support service members during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In the 1970s and 1980s, the organization focused on supporting military families and helping service members transition to civilian life.

Today, the USO operates over 200 locations worldwide, providing various programs and services to active-duty service members and their families. These include entertainment, education and employment programs, family support services, and transition assistance. The USO is supported by donations from individuals, corporations, and the US government. It continues to play an important role in supporting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

1703 – In Edo (Japan), 46 of the Forty-seven Ronin committed seppuku (ritual suicide) for avenging their master’s death.

1783 – Britain formally ceased hostilities with its American colonies, the United States.

1789 – George Washington was elected as the first president of the United States by the Electoral College.

1801 – John Marshall was sworn in as Chief Justice of the United States.

1825 – The Ohio Legislature authorized the construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal and the Miami and Erie Canal

1826 – The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper was published

1922 – Ford Motor Company acquired the failing luxury automaker Lincoln Motor Company for $8 million.

1932 – The Winter Olympics were held in the United States at Lake Placid, NY.

1935 – Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch premiered on CBS radio.

1936 – Radium (Ra) became the first radioactive element to be synthetically made.

1938 – Walt Disney released Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs.

1941 – Roy Plunkett received the patent (#2,230,654) for Tetrafluoroethylene Polymers’ (Teflon)

1941 – The USO (United Services Organization) was founded.

1946 – Born Yesterday (Broadway Play) Opened on February 4, 1946, and closed on on December 31, 1949

1957 – Smith-Corona began selling portable electric typewriters.

1961 – The Misfits, starring Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Montgomery Clift, was released by United Artists

1965 (Earthquake) Rat Islands, Alaska

1974 – The Symbionese Liberation Army abducted 19-year-old Patty Hearst.

1978 – # 1 Hit February 4, 1978 – March 3, 1978: Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive

1979 (Earthquake) Riobamba, Ecuador

1983 – Singer Karen Carpenter died of anorexia.

1984 – # 1 Hit February 4, 1984 – February 24, 1984: Culture Club – Karma Chameleon

1985 – President Ronald Reagan’s defense budget called for a tripling of expenditures on the “Star Wars” research program.

1989 – # 1 Hit February 4, 1989 – February 10, 1989: Sheriff – When I’m with You

1991 – Pete Rose (aka Charlie Hustle) was banned ‘for life’ from the Baseball Hall of Fame because he used to gamble illegally on games.

1992 – A coup d’état was led by Hugo Chávez against Venezuelan President Carlos Andrés Pérez.

1997 – A civil jury in California found O.J. Simpson liable for the death of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ron Goldman. Goldman’s parents were awarded $8.5 million in compensatory damages.

2004 – Facebook launched as “TheFacebook.com“

2006 – # 1 Hit February 4, 2006 – March 10, 2006: Beyoncé featuring Slim Thug – Check on It