World Events Today
- Britannia Bridge, the bridge across the Menai Strait between Anglesey and Wales, was opened today in 1850
- The Covent Garden Opera House in London, was destroyed by fire for the second time today in 1856
- In his “Sinews of Peace” speech today in 1946, Winston Churchill, for the first time, used the term “iron curtain”
Entertainment Events Today
- Frank Carauna, became known as the “Double-300 Man” today in 1924, as he became the first person to officially bowl 2 successive perfect 300 games in 10-Pin Bowling
- Elvis was officially discharged from the Army today in 1960, it was 19 days short of his two-year commitment
- The American reality television program focused on the domestic life of Ozzy Osbourne and his family, The Osbournes, premiered today in 2002 on MTV
Family Events Today
- Edmond Montague Grant, better known as the singer Eddy Grant, whose hits included I Don’t Wanna Dance and Electric Avenue, was born today in 1948 in British Guiana
- Elaine Jill Bickerstaff, better known as the English singer and actress Elaine Paige, was born today in 1948 in Hertfordshire
- The American actor John Belushi, who starred in The Blues Brothers movie, died today in 1982 of a drug overdose, he was 33 years old
Main Event Today
- The British single-seat fighter aircraft, the Spitfire, used by the Royal Air Force during World War II, made its maiden flight today in 1936
National Day Today
- Today, it’s National Absinthe Day