Fact 1: The Historical Significance
August 07 has been a significant date throughout history. It marks the anniversary of many important events worldwide. For instance, on this day in 1782, George Washington ordered the creation of the Badge of Military Merit, now known as the Purple Heart.
Fact 2: The First Use of Electric Chair
August 07, 1890 is marked by the chilling event of the first person being executed via the electric chair in the United States. The convicted murderer, William Kemmler, was the first to face this method of capital punishment.
Fact 3: Richard Nixon’s Resignation Announcement
One of the most important events in American political history also took place on August 07. It was on this day in 1974 that Richard Nixon became the first American president to announce his resignation, amidst the famous Watergate scandal.
Fact 4: The Lighthouse of Alexandria
In 1303, a horrific earthquake hit the city of Alexandria in Egypt. This led to the collapse of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, on August 07.
Fact 5: Birth of Famous Figures
Several renowned figures were also born on August 07. This includes famous personalities like Mata Hari, a Dutch exotic dancer and spy during World War 1, Charlize Theron, a popular Hollywood actress, and David Duchovny, a well-known actor, director, and writer.
Fact 6: National Lighthouse Day in the U.S.
August 07 is commemorated as National Lighthouse Day in the United States. On this day, the government recognizes the essential role that lighthouses have played in navigation and maritime safety.
Fact 7: The 1998 U.S. Embassy Bombings
August 07, 1998, brought tragedy when terrorist bombs were detonated almost simultaneously in U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Over 200 people lost their lives in these horrific bombings.
Fact 8: Space Exploration Milestone
The unmanned spacecraft Mars Pathfinder was launched by NASA on August 07, 1996. This marked an important milestone in space exploration, setting the stage for further missions to Mars.
Fact 9: Playboy Magazine Announcement
In 1953, Hugh Hefner announced that he would publish the first Playboy magazine. While the magazine hit the stands in December, the announcement was made on August 07, changing the adult entertainment industry forever.
Fact 10: "Purple Heart" Appreciation Day
August 07 is also recognized as Purple Heart Day in America, marking the creation and significance of the Purple Heart military decoration established by George Washington.
Fact 11: Barbie Doll's Romantic Relationship
It may surprise some, but on August 07, 2004, after decades of an on-and-off relationship, Barbie and Ken doll broke up. Don’t worry; they rekindled their love in 2011.
Fact 12: Ivan the Terrible
August 07, 1560, marked the end of a reign of terror as Ivan the Terrible, the first Tsar of Russia, marched into Novgorod which began the Massacre.
Fact 13: The Beatles’ Big Screen Debut
The Beatles' debut film, "A Hard Day's Night," had its U.S. premiere on August 07, 1964. The film was a major box office success and a landmark in British cinematic history.
Fact 14: Creation of Smithsonian Institution
On August 07, 1846, the Smithsonian Institution, an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, was chartered by the United States Congress after James Smithson's charitable bequest.
Fact 15: Peace Mission 2010
August 07, 2010, marked the start of the Peace Mission 2010, a joint military exercise among China, Russia, and other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Fact 16: Wilbur Wright's First Public Flight
The world watched Wilbur Wright's first public flight in France on August 07, 1908. This event played a significant role in the history of aviation.
Fact 17: National Mustard Day
For mustard lovers, August 7 is a special day. It was on this day that the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin declared it to be National Mustard Day.
Fact 18: The Dandy Comic Ceasing Print
A significant event for comic enthusiasts occurred on August 07, 2012, when it was announced that after 75 years, the printed version of The Dandy, one of the world's longest-running comics, would cease to exist.
Fact 19: First Long-Distance TV Broadcast
August 07, 1927, saw a remarkable leap forward in technology when the first long-distance television broadcast took place. The pictures and sounds were transmitted over 140 km from Washington, D.C., to New York City.
Fact 20: Launch of Phoenix Mars Lander
Another milestone in space exploration is linked with August 07. In 2007, NASA launched the Phoenix Mars Lander, a spacecraft intended to study the surface and climate of Mars.