DECEMBER 14, 2023 | MONKEY DAY | NATIONAL BOUILLABAISSE DAY | NATIONAL ALABAMA DAY
MONKEY DAY
Every year on December 14th National Monkey Day celebrates the unique characteristics of simians. The day also focuses on other non-human primates such as apes, tarsiers, and lemurs. Read more...
NATIONAL BOUILLABAISSE DAY
National Bouillabaisse Day on December 14th gives seafood lovers everywhere a reason to celebrate. This flavorful fish stew hits the spot on cold winter’s day, too. Read more...
NATIONAL ALABAMA DAY
On December 14th, National Alabama Day recognizes the Heart of Dixie. Read more...
On Deck for December 15, 2023
National Days
NATIONAL UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY
NATIONAL WEAR YOUR PEARLS DAY
BILL OF RIGHTS DAY
NATIONAL CUPCAKE DAY
NATIONAL UNDERDOG DAY
CAT HERDERS DAY
December 14th Celebrated History
1902
The first trans-pacific cable line is completed by the Commercial Cable Company. It connected San Francisco, CA to Honolulu, HI.
1911
The first team of explorers reaches the South Pole. Roald Amundsen and his team left his base camp at Antarctica's Bay of Whales in October using sleigh dogs. The team arrived at the pole ahead of Robert F. Scott by more than a month.
1968
Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" is #1 on the music charts. Interestingly, several other artists recorded the song, too. Smokey Robinson & the Miracles recorded the song in 1966. However, it wasn't released until 1968, the same year as Marvin Gaye's version. Others who have recorded the song include Gladys Knight & the Pips and Creedence Clearwater Revival. The song was written by Barret Strong and Norman Whitfield.
1986
Pilots Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager take off from Edwards Air Force Base in Voyager. Burt Rutan designed the honeycombed, lightweight aircraft from composite materials. The design allowed the plane to carry more fuel. As a result, the pilots completed the nonstop flight around the world without refueling in 9 days.
December 14th Celebrated Birthdays
Morihei Ueshiba - 1883
During the 1930s, Ueshiba developed the martial art known as Aikido.
Jimmy Doolittle - 1896
The American pilot led many missions during World War II. His efforts earned him both the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Margaret Madeline Chase Smith - 1897
The American politician was the first woman elected to Congress in both the House and Senate. In both instances, she was also the first woman representing Maine in Congress.
Don Hewitt - 1922
In 1968, the news producer created the television news magazine 60 Minutes.
Junior J. Spurrier - 1922
The American soldier received the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions at Achain, France, during World War II.