Fact 1: Recognized as Kenyan Independence Day
December 12 marks an important day in the history of Kenya. It is the day when Kenya officially gained independence from colonial rule in the year 1963. This day is now celebrated as Kenyan Independence Day or 'Jamhuri Day,' which means 'Republic Day.' This day is filled with delightful cultural celebrations and takes center stage in Kenya’s national holidays.
Fact 2: Birth of Singer Dionne Warwick
The world-renowned singer Dionne Warwick was born on December 12, 1940. The Grammy Award-winning artist gave us classics like "Walk On By," "I Say a Little Prayer," and "That's What Friends Are For." She has successfully bridged the gap between R&B and pop music and is undoubtedly being one of the most successful musicians of all time.
Fact 3: International Universal Health Coverage Day
December 12 has been globally recognized as International Universal Health Coverage Day since 2017. Advocates worldwide host events on this day to raise awareness about the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage. This day calls for stronger, more equitable health systems to achieve universal health coverage, leaving no one behind.
Fact 4: Frank Sinatra’s Birthday
Legendary singer and actor Frank Sinatra, also known as the Sultan of Swoon and The Voice, was born on December 12, 1915. He was one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with his music still loved and listened to by millions around the globe.
Fact 5: Poinsettia Day
December 12 is also celebrated as Poinsettia Day, honoring Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American botanist, physician, and Minister to Mexico, who in 1828 sent cuttings of the plant he'd discovered in Southern Mexico to his home in Charleston, South Carolina. We now associate this vibrant, star-shaped red flower with Christmas.
Fact 6: Recognized as National Ding-a-Ling Day in the United States
With a touch of humor and symbolic gesture, December 12 is also recognized as National Ding-a-Ling Day in the United States. This fun holiday encourages people to reconnect with old friends, acquaintances, and loved ones by giving them a phone call.
Fact 7: Marconi Received the First Transatlantic Radio Signal
On December 12, 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic radio signal, a series of three beeps interpreted as the Morse letter 's', at Signal Hill in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada. This technology paved the way for transitioning from outdated telegraph methods to modern wireless communication.
Fact 8: Birthday of Grover Washington Jr.
December 12, 1943, marks the birth of Grover Washington Jr., a renowned American saxophonist. Known for his magical meld of styles, Washington Jr.'s contributions to the music world have been extraordinary and continue to inspire jazz enthusiasts worldwide.
Fact 9: Leaning Tower of Pisa Reopened
On this day in 2001, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy was officially reopened to the public, after its closure in 1990 for safety reasons. The landmark's infamous lean was reduced by 45 centimeters during the restoration period.
Fact 10: Comet Kohoutek Closest to Earth
Comet Kohoutek, named after Czech astronomer Lubos Kohoutek who discovered it, came closest to Earth on December 12, 1973. This was notably one of the most closely monitored comets of the 20th century.
Fact 11: A Real Winter Wonderland
December 12, 1969, the United States got blanketed with snow as nearly the entire country, excluding Florida, had snow on the ground. This day is remembered for turning the United States into a real winter wonderland.
Fact 12: Edvard Munch's Painting Stolen
The dramatic painting titled "The Scream" by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch was stolen from the National Art Museum in Oslo on December 12, 1994. It was later recovered and continues to be one of the most recognizable pieces of art globally.
Fact 13: Introduction of Hovercrafts
The first commercial hovercraft service was introduced on December 12, 1959, between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight in England. These unique vehicles skim over water, marshland, ice, and other surfaces, making traveling a breeze.
Fact 14: Moth Appreciation Day
In a rather unique turn of events, December 12 is also unofficially recognized as Moth Appreciation Day. Thousands of people around the world use this day to appreciate the beauty and ecological importance of these flying creatures.
Fact 15: IKEA Founder Born
The founder of the globally popular Swedish furniture store, IKEA, Ingvar Kamprad, was born on December 12, 1926. His revolutionary designs and economical approach to furniture have truly modernized the way we look at home decor.
Fact 16: The First Female NFL Analyst's Birthday
December 12 is also the birth date of Kathryn Smith, the first woman to serve as an NFL full-time coach. She was born on this day in 1984, and her successful career is a huge step towards gender equality in professional sports.
Fact 17: Phrase "The Man of the Year"
This date also marks the issuance of the first "Man of the Year," now known as "Person of the Year," by TIME magazine, in 1927. The inaugural title controversially went to Charles Lindbergh, the first person to make a solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic.
Fact 18: Emma Didlake - Oldest Living WWII Veteran’s Birthday
Emma Didlake, noted as the oldest living World War II veteran, was born on December 12, 1904. Her bravery and dedication to service continue to inspire new generations in honoring our veterans.
Fact 19: Famous Russian Ballet "The Nutcracker"
December 12 is recognized in Russia for the first performance of one of the most famous ballets worldwide, "The Nutcracker," in 1892. Composed by Tchaikovsky, this ballet enchants viewers around the world, especially during the holiday season.
Fact 20: First Flight by Wright Brothers
On this day, the Wright Brothers made their first sustained motorized aircraft flight in 1903, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.
With these fascinating facts, December 12 proves to be much more than a regular day on the calendar. From scientific milestones to historical moments, this day holds numerous stories and significance across the world.