Fact 1: National Day of Play!
Ever filled with the utmost spirit of fun, November 19th is known as National Play Monopoly Day. Invented during the depression by Charles Darrow, Monopoly is a game that’s loved worldwide by millions. So grab your game board, choose your favorite token, and spend November 19th playing this classic game with your friends and family.
Fact 2: An Astronomic Event!
November 19, 2017, witnessed a celestial treat as the Leonids meteor shower reached its peak. The Leonids are a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Tempel-Tuttle. If you are a star gazer, November 19th might just be a great time for you.
Fact 3: International Men's Day!
Yes, they have a day too! November 19th is celebrated as International Men's Day. It's a day to focus on men's and boys' health, promote gender equality, and appreciate their positive role models. So, on this day let's toast to all the men making a difference.
Fact 4: The Getty Center Opened its Doors!
On November 19th, 1997, the Getty Center in Los Angeles opened its doors to the public. The cultural complex dedicated to the visual arts sees around 1.8 million visitors annually today.
Fact 5: The Birth of a Legend!
November 19th was the birth date of a true great; Indira Gandhi was born on this day in 1917. She was the first female Prime Minister of India and strongly influenced the country's twentieth-century politics.
Fact 6: From Russia with Love!
November 19 marks the day when Yuri Andropov assumed the role of General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1982, one of the most powerful positions in the then existing USSR.
Fact 7: The Perfect Partnership!
On November 19th, 2001, the ever-popular movie production and distribution company, Pixar Animation Studios, signed a $3 billion deal with the Walt Disney Company, marking an iconic partnership in the film industry.
Fact 8: The Birth of NBA!
November 19, 1946, is a notable date for basketball enthusiasts as the NBA (National Basketball Association) was founded, revolutionizing American professional basketball.
Fact 9: Last Human Lunar Landing!
Apollo 17, launched on November 19th, 1972, was the final mission of NASA's Apollo program and till now remains the most recent time humans visited the moon.
Fact 10: Oldest Known Cave Paintings!
The oldest-known cave art was discovered on this date in 1994 in the Chauvet Cave, France. Some of the paintings in the cave are believed to be over 30,000 years old.
Fact 11: Lincoln Delivers the Gettysburg Address!
"Four score and seven years ago..." fell into history on November 19th, 1863, when Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address, which is often regarded as the most famous speech in American history.
Fact 12: A Day for Prevention of Child Abuse!
November 19th also marks the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. It started in 2000 by the Women's World Summit Foundation - WWSF to advocate the elimination of child abuse worldwide.
Fact 13: The Release of Rocky!
November 19th, 1976, welcomed a cultural icon when the boxing movie "Rocky", starring Sylvester Stallone, premiered in New York.
Fact 14: The Day of Terrorism in Egypt!
November 19th, 1997, was a dark day for Egypt as it witnessed a terrorist attack killing 62 people, mostly tourists, in Luxor.
Fact 15: Stand-Up Comedy Day!
In honor of the birth of the “Father of Stand-Up Comedy”, the 19th of November is celebrated as National Stand-Up Comedy Day. It commemorates the birth of Moms Mabley, who was one of the most successful entertainers of the “Chitlin’ Circuit”.
Fact 16: The Date of the Doha Fire!
Tragically, November 19th, 2012, marks one of the deadliest fires in recent Qatar history, when a fire in a Doha shopping mall resulted in the death of 19 people, 13 of them children.
Fact 17: The Birth of Calvin Klein!
Fashionistas worldwide will be interested to know that on November 19, 1942, legendary American fashion designer Calvin Klein was born.
Fact 18: American Education Week!
Since 1921, The National Education Association has celebrated American Education Week during the week before the week of Thanksgiving, which often includes November 19th. This week is dedicated to celebrating public education and honoring those making a difference in ensuring every child receives a quality education.
Fact 19: National Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day!
Calling all soda lovers! November 19th is celebrated as National Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day in the United States. So on this day, enjoy your favorite fizzy drink.
Fact 20: The Suez Canal was Opened!
This day marks an important event in history, with November 19th, 1869 being the date when the Suez Canal was officially opened. The canal created a significant shortcut for ships traveling between Europe and South Asia, greatly reducing the time required for such voyages.