1. The Constitution Day
A fun fact you probably didn't know about September 17 is that it's Constitution Day in the United States, marking the day in 1787 when delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia. This is commemorated in schools across the US with programs about the Constitution and its place in American history.
2. Establishment of the United Nations
September 17, 1947, marks the year when the United Nations General Assembly convened for the first time, setting an important milestone in global governance. The UN continues to work towards maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, and upholding international law.
3. An Astronomical Point
In the scientific world, September 17 is a somewhat significant day for astronomers. On this day in 1789, William Herschel discovered a new moon of Saturn, named Mimas. This celestial body is one of the innermost moons of Saturn and is noted for its giant impact crater.
4. Air Force Birthday
Another fun fact about September 17 is that it’s the Air Force's birthday. On this day in 1947, the Air Force was established as a separate branch of the United States military. Happy birthday, Air Force!
5. A Day of Citizenship
In addition to being Constitution Day, September 17th is also Citizenship Day in the United States. This day is dedicated to recognizing all those who, by birth or by naturalization, have become citizens.
6. A Day for Eponymy
September 17,1822, marks the birth of Émilie du Châtelet, a French natural philosopher, mathematician, physicist, and author during the early 1730s until her untimely death in 1749. Her translation and commentary on Isaac Newton's work "Principia Mathematica," completed a decade after its publication, is still considered the definitive French edition today.
7. Birth of a Literary Giant
September 17, 1945, marks the birth of Ken Kesey, one of America’s most well-known authors. Kesey's notable books include "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Sometimes a Great Notion".
8. Arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers
The Pilgrim Fathers arrived in America on September 17, 1620, in what has been seen as the birth of the European settlement in the territory.
9. National Apple Dumpling Day
On a lighter note, September 17th is National Apple Dumpling Day. These delightful pastries are traditionally made by wrapping a slice of apple in a pastry shell and baking it until it's tender.
10. The Heaviest Apple Ever
The fun doesn’t stop at apple dumplings. On September 17, 1997, the world’s heaviest apple, weighing 1.849 kg (4 lb 1 oz), was plucked from a tree by Chisato Iwasaki in Hirosaki City, Japan.
11. Premiere of M*A*S*H
The renowned TV series M*A*S*H first premiered on September 17, 1972. The television show, based on a 1968 novel and subsequent 1970 film, would go on to become one of the longest-running and most-loved series on American television.
12. First Edition of The Times of London
September 17, 1785, marked the first edition of The Times of London, which was originally named The Daily Universal Register.
13. Von Trapp Family’s Escape
Made famous by the movie, "The Sound of Music," the real Von Trapp Family escaped from Nazi-occupied Austria on September 17, 1938.
14. A Day for Rainforest Conservation
September 17 is celebrated as Rainforest Day in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is known for its rich biodiversity, and the day is meant to raise awareness about the importance of rainforest conservation.
15. Famous Pool Record
On September 17, 1959, American Willie Mosconi set a world record by running 526 consecutive balls without a miss during a straight pool exhibition in Springfield, Ohio.
16. World's First Parking Meter
Car owners might be interested to know that the world's first parking meter, known as 'Park-O-Meter,' was installed on September 17, 1935, in Oklahoma City.
17. The Birth of the Television Soap Drama
On this day in 1951, “Search for Tomorrow” aired on CBS, marking the birth of the long-running television soap opera.
18. First Night Baseball Game in the MLB
On September 17, 1930, the first professional night baseball game was played in Independence, Kansas, lighting up the night and the Major League Baseball.
19. Start of the Oktoberfest
While Oktoberfest indeed has "October" in its name, it actually traditionally starts in the third weekend in September and usually runs until the first Sunday in October, often kicking off on September 17.
20. A Historical Art Theft
This list won't be complete without an intriguing crime story. On September 17, 1972, one of the most significant art thefts in history took place in Montreal, Canada, where thieves stole paintings worth $2 million from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.