Fact 1: A day of infamy
December 7, 1941, is a date which in the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, "will live in infamy." This was the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, sparking the United States' involvement in World War II. Over 2,400 Americans were killed, and nearly half of these casualties occurred when the USS Arizona sank.
Fact 2: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Because of the tragic events that took place on December 7, 1941, this date has been officially designated as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the United States. The day is commemorated with services and ceremonies to honor those who lost their lives in the attack.
Fact 3: Delaware became a state
December 7 is an important date in the history of the United States as it marks the day Delaware became a state. Delaware became the first state to join the Union in 1787, rightfully earning its nickname "The First State."
Fact 4: Celebrity Birthdays
There are several celebrities who share a December 7 birthday. These include Tom Waits, Ellen Burstyn, Nicholas Hoult, and Sarah Rafferty, to name a few. Apparently, December 7 is a good day for talent to be born!
Fact 5: Constellation Revelation
December 7 marks the best time to view the Orionid meteor shower. Every year around this time, the Earth crosses the orbital path of Comet Halley, causing a beautiful display of shooting stars in the constellation Orion.
Fact 6: Coinciding with Hanukkah
Often, December 7 coincides with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. This eight-day festival is observed from the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, which may occur from late November to late December on the Gregorian calendar.
Fact 7: Prohibition Ends
December 5, 1933, marked the end of Prohibition in the United States, so December 7 became one of the first days people could legally buy, sell, and consume alcohol. Hence, it can be considered a day of celebration for all those who enjoy a good drink!
Fact 8: International Civil Aviation Day
December 7 is recognized as International Civil Aviation Day by the United Nations. This day is observed to recognize the importance of civil aviation to the social and economic development of nations around the globe.
Fact 9: The first human heart transplant
On December 7, 1967, the first human heart transplant was performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in South Africa,. The operation was a success, marking a significant milestone in medical history.
Fact 10: Russia held its first parliamentary elections
On December 7, 1993, Russia held its first parliamentary elections after the dissolution of Soviet Union. This marked a crucial step in the establishment of a democratic government in Russia.
Fact 11: Apollo 17's launch
On December 7, 1972, the last manned mission to moon, Apollo 17, was launched. The spacecraft carried astronauts Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, and Ronald Evans to the moon.
Fact 12: Introduction of Instant Photography
On December 7, 1949, the first 'instant' photo was taken using the Polaroid Land Camera, a huge breakthrough in the history of photography.
Fact 13: Saint Ambrose Feast Day
In the Catholic Church, December 7 is celebrated as the feast day of Saint Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan who is one of the four original Doctors of the Church.
Fact 14: National Cotton Candy Day
What better way to celebrate December 7 than with a sweet treat? In the United States, December 7 is recognized as National Cotton Candy Day.
Fact 15: Larry Bird’s birthday
Basketball legend Larry Bird was born on December 7, 1956. Bird is an iconic figure in the world of professional basketball, having played for the Boston Celtics in the NBA where he became a 3-time champion and 3-time MVP.
Fact 16: Poinsettia Day
National Poinsettia Day is observed every year on December 12, but it's on December 7 that many poinsettias are bought to decorate homes and public spaces for the upcoming Christmas season.
Fact 17: Google was registered as a domain
Though Google was incorporated in September 1998, but it was first registered as a domain on December 7, 1999. This day marked a significant shift in our access to information and the way we use the internet.
Fact 18: Christmas Card Day
December 7 is also recognized as "Christmas Card Day," and in many households, it's the day when festive cards are traditionally written and sent to family and friends.
Fact 19: Love Letter Day in Japan
December 7 is considered "Love Letter Day" in Japan. The date 12/7 sounds like the Japanese phrase 'I want to love', hence the day is often seen as an opportunity to express feelings of affection and love.
Fact 20: The Marriage of William and Mary
December 7, 1673, marked the marriage of England's King William III to his first cousin Mary II. Their joint reign saw significant political and religious changes, including the Bill of Rights which established Parliament's independence from the monarchy.