Fact 1: National Freedom Day in the U.S
February 12th is celebrated as National Freedom Day in the United States. It's a recognition of the signing of a resolution by President Abraham Lincoln, which pointed towards the 13th amendment of the U.S Constitution that abolished slavery.
Fact 2: The Birth Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln
February 12th is also celebrated as the birthday of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Born in 1809, Lincoln is best known for his role in the abolition of slavery.
Fact 3: Darwin Day in the International Calendar
In the international calendar, February 12th is observed as Darwin Day as this was the day Charles Darwin, the father of the theory of evolution, was born in 1809.
Fact 4: Lost Penny Day in U.S
For those who love fun observances, February 12th is marked as Lost Penny Day in the U.S. This day is to acknowledge and appreciate pennies, despite their declining usage.
Fact 5: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Formation
February 12th has political importance in history. In 1924, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, commonly known as the Soviet Union, was formally recognized by the United Kingdom on this day.
Fact 6: The X-Ray Crystallography Discovery
On February 12th, 1912, William Lawrence Bragg revealed his groundbreaking work on X-ray crystallography. This method is used even today to determine the atomic and molecular structures of a crystal.
Fact 7: The Birth of Women's Auxiliary Army Corps
February 12, 1942, saw the birth of the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps, which was an integral part of the American Army. The WAAC was a historical move towards gender equality in the military.
Fact 8: The First Barbie Commercial
February 12, 1959, is considered significant in the world of toys. The first television commercial for Barbie, the world's most famous doll, was aired on this day.
Fact 9: First 3D Film
February 12th also played a significant role in cinematic history, when 'Bwana Devil,' the first color 3D movie, was premiered on this day in 1953.
Fact 10: International Astronomy Day
In some communities across the globe, February 12th is celebrated as International Astronomy Day. People come together to gaze at stars and learn about the universe beyond Earth.
Fact 11: The First Public Demonstration of Television
On February 12, 1924, the first public demonstration of a television prototype occurred in Selfridge's Department Store in London by John Logie Baird.
Fact 12: First U.S Postal Service Stamp Delivery
February 12, 1855, marked the first pre-paid U.S. mail delivery via stamps. This made mail more accessible and efficient to send for the common man.
Fact 13: Shropshire Olympics Birth
On February 12, 1850, the first Shropshire Olympic Games, a quirky mix of sports, were held. The games included events like knitting and coal-carrying competition!
Fact 14: The Ousting of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos was ousted on February 12, 1986, after a popular rebellion started on this day, known as the EDSA Revolution.
Fact 15: The First Female Mayor in the U.S
Susanna Madora Salter became the first female mayor in the United States on February 12, 1887, in Argonia, Kansas.
Fact 16: Seattle's Worst Blizzard
Seattle suffered its worst blizzard in history on February 12, 1916. Known as 'The Big Snow,' the city was under 21.5 inches of snow.
Fact 17: The New Hampshire Primary
Every four years, on February 12th, the New Hampshire Primary, the first primary in the U.S presidential election process, takes place.
Fact 18: The World's First 100% Organic Nation
On February 12, 2008, Bhutan declared to be the world's first 100% organic nation, aiming at complete sustainability in agriculture.
Fact 19: The Birth of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The NAACP was born on February 12, 1909, in response to ongoing racial injustices in the United States. It remains one of the most influential civil rights advocacy organizations.
Fact 20: The Release of Apple's iPhone 4 for Verizon customers
On February 12, 2011, Apple's iPhone 4 became available for Verizon customers for the first time, making the iconic device accessible to a broader customer base.