National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for July 2, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
July 2, 2026 celebrates National I Forgot Day, plus 2 more. National I Forgot Day on July 2nd hits pause on life’s hectic schedules, acting as the ultimate holiday reset. Apologize for what slipped your mind, forgive yourself for the mental slip-ups, and blame it all on the calendar!
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On July 2 we recognize a liqueur derived from aniseed on National Anisette Day. Aniseed from the anis herb gives anisette its licorice or fennel flavor. While usually a sweet liqueur, distillers traditionally blend it with sugar syrup for a sweeter result. Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France lead the world in drinking this licorice-tasting drink.
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July 2 honors the dedicated personnel who coordinate their efforts to protect the nation's wildlands. It's also a day to remember the sacrifice made each time a firefighter steps into a wildland fire.
Read the full story →People born on July 2
Lawyer and civil rights activist who was the first African American to be elected to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Actor who is fondly remembered for his role Festus Haggen in the Western television show Gunsmoke.
Radio personality and interviewer who started call-in radio.
Civil rights movement activist who was the the NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi. Evers was was murdered at his home in Jackson, Mississippi.
Founder of the fast food restaurant Wendy's.
Events that occurred on July 2 throughout history
The Continental Congress legally voted to adopt the Lee Resolution, severing ties with the Kingdom of Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, Congress formally approved the Declaration of Independence to explain that historic decision to the world.
President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act. The Act granted 10 million acres of federal public land to states to be used to fund public colleges that focused on agriculture, mechanical arts, and military tactics.
Charles J. Guiteau shoots and fatally wounds U.S. President James A. Garfield. President Garfield died on September 19 from complications from his wounds.
The U.S. Congress passes the Sherman Antitrust Act, establishing free market competition as the fundamental rule of American trade and strictly prohibiting businesses from using unfair practices to create or maintain monopolies.
Horn and Hardart opens in first New York and becomes the first self-service restaurant. The establishment was coin-operated, waiterless, and dispensed hot meals, pies, and famous fresh-brewed coffee through gleaming glass-and-chrome cubbies.
President Warren G. Harding signs the Knox–Porter Resolution formally ending the war between the United States and Germany (WWI).
Ralph Samuelson rides the world's first water skis in Lake Pepin in Minnesota. Samuelson changed his design after three days of unsuccessful attempts by moving the ski tips above the water.
Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan are last heard from over the Pacific Ocean. The duo disappears during an attempt to make the first equatorial round-the-world flight.
The first Walmart store opens for business in Rogers, Arkansas. There was a crowd of over 500 people waiting to get in on opening day!
President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, officially ending segregation in public places and illegalizing employment discrimination.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar is issued and becomes the first U.S. coin to honor a woman.
Longer-running observances that include this date.
National Ice Cream Month
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Disability Pride Month
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National Fragile X Awareness Month
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National Anti-boredom Month
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National Hot Dog Month
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National Blueberry Month
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National Picnic Month
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World Watercolor Month
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National Grilling Month
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National Culinary Arts Month
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National Cell Phone Courtesy Month
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Independent Retailer Month
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Showing the first 12 — See all months for July.
