February 3 in Pop Culture History |
February 3rd is…Carrot Cake Day: A day to celebrate and enjoy the delicious treat of carrot cake. The Day the Music Died: A day to remember the tragic plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson on February 3, 1959. Feed the Birds Day: A day to encourage people to feed and provide a habitat for wild birds. Golden Retriever Day: Celebrating and appreciating the beloved Golden Retriever breed. Women Physicians Day: A day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women physicians to the medical field. American Painters Day: This day marks a tribute to the legacy of American painters and their contributions to the world of art. From Jackson Pollock’s abstract expressionism to Georgia O’Keeffe’s modernist take on nature, these iconic figures have left an indelible mark in the annals of art history. Doggy Date Night: This day encourages pet parents to spend quality time with their furry friends by walking, playing, and bonding. From snuggling up for movie night to getting out and exploring your local park, Doggy Date Night is a great opportunity to create beautiful memories with your pup! Elmo’s Birthday: This special day honors the beloved Sesame Street character and his timeless messages of kindness and optimism. Four Chaplains Day is an annual commemoration held on February 3rd to honor the lives and legacies of four U.S. Army Chaplains who gave their lives during World War II. The chaplains included Reverend George Fox, a Methodist minister; Reverend Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister; Rabbi Alexander Goode; and Father John Washington, a Roman Catholic priest. Missing Persons Day: People are encouraged to share information about missing person cases to help law enforcement with investigations and raise public awareness. (also May 25) Patient Recognition Day: To celebrate, honor, and recognize the contributions of healthcare professionals who serve on the frontlines of care. This day celebrates those who have gone above and beyond in their service, whether medical personnel, volunteers, or those working in public health. |
| The Four Chaplains were four United States Army chaplains who died on February 3, 1943, while serving on the USAT Dorchester. This troop transport ship was torpedoed by a German submarine during World War II. The chaplains, who were of different faiths (Catholic, Jewish, and two Protestants), helped to save soldiers by giving up their life jackets and encouraging others to do the same. They were all posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Four Chaplains’ Medal for their heroism. The Four Chaplains’ medals were later upgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross. Their selfless actions inspired the creation of the “Four Chaplains’ Memorial Foundation,” which was dedicated to promoting interfaith cooperation and understanding. |
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1690 – The first paper money in America was issued today in the Colony of Massachusetts. 1834 -Wake Forest University was established in North Carolina. 1870 – The 15th Amendment was ratified in the US, granting every citizen, regardless of race, the right to vote 1891 – The official electrical lighting of London streets commenced. 1889 – Outlaw Belle Starr was murdered in Oklahoma; shot twice in the back. 1913 – The Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, authorizing the Federal government to impose and collect an income tax. 1923 (Volcano Eruption) Kamchatka. 1943 – A German U-boat sunk the SS Dorchester. Only 230 of 902 men aboard survive; the event is described in the Four Chaplains Story. 1947 – The coldest weather ever recorded in North America was at Snag, Yukon: -63 °C or -81 °F. 1953 – Jacques Cousteau’s book The Silent World was published. 1959 – The Day The Music Died: Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and Pilot Roger Peterson crashed in a cornfield near Clear Lake, Iowa. 1968 – # 1 Hit February 3, 1968 – February 9, 1968: The Lemon Pipers – Green Tambourine 1973 – # 1 Hit February 3, 1973 – February 23, 1973: Elton John – Crocodile Rock 1984 – The Challenger (STS-10) launched from the Kennedy Space Center. 2001 – # 1 Hit February 3, 2001 – February 16, 2001: Shaggy featuring Ricardo ‘Rikrok’ Ducent – It Wasn’t Me 2008 – The Naked Brothers Band premiered on Nickelodeon. 2009 – Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was made a knight of the Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest civilian award. #1 Hit February 3, 2018 – April 20, 2018: Drake – God’s Plan |