🗓️ On This Day - January 12th
January 12th is just like any other day, right? Maybe not! It’s remarkable for natural events, military launches, and if you know a redhead… January 12th is the best day of the year to show them your love! Here are some fun facts about January 12th.
On this day
Operation Chopper launched in Vietnam.
On January 12th, 1962, the very first American combat mission in the Vietnam War took place. Helicopters took over 1000 ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) paratroopers to attack a suspected VC (Viet Cong) stronghold.
Cryopreservation hit the headlines.
Dr. James Hiram Bedford died on January 12th, 1967, and swiftly became the first person ever to have their body cryopreserved in the hope of being resuscitated one day. Promoters of cryopreservation now note the day of his death (and procedure) as being Bedford Day.
All hail the Jets!
Any NFL (National Football League) fan knows that one of the greatest letdowns in the history of the sport took place on January 12th, 1969, when the New York Jets beat the Baltimore Colts in the Super Bowl. The incredible match is still talked about today!
Mission STS-61-C took to the skies.
On January 12th, 1986, Bill Nelson took off from Kennedy Space Center in the Columbia space shuttle as a payload specialist. This particular mission was Nasa’s 24th one in the Space Shuttle program.
Mission STS-61-C lasted just over six days and two hours to complete, with a crew of seven astronauts. Notably, it was the last Columbia shuttle mission before the ill-fated Challenger mission, which ended in disaster just ten days after Mission STS-61-C landed.
Mary set sail!
The RMS Queen Mary 2 made its maiden voyage on this day back in 2004! It remains the world’s largest ocean liner at 311m long - plenty of room to get lost on board! It’s a luxury cruise vessel that serves under the Cunard Line, and it’s celebrating around two decades on the waves.
Haiti experienced a devastating earthquake.
On January 12th, 2010, a devastating earthquake hit Haiti. The event killed between 220,000 and 300,000 people and destroyed the majority of the capital city Port-au-Prince. Its financial repercussions were felt for years afterward.
Special Days Falling on January 12th
January 12th may just seem like any old regular school or work day, but there’s actually a lot to celebrate! Here are some of the most special things about January 12th:
National Marzipan Day
Who doesn’t love some good marzipan on a cake or even in chocolate?! Okay - it’s probably fairly divisive. Regardless, today is the day to celebrate it - try making your own marzipan cake, or head to your local bakery for a sweet slice to celebrate!
Kiss a Ginger Day
Although this one may seem a little strange, Kiss a Ginger Day was created to promote the celebration of redheads! If kissing seems awkward - just let them know how you feel. We’re sure they’ll appreciate the gesture all the same!
National Pharmacist Day
Where would we be without our pharmacists? Well, today is the day to show our appreciation! Millions of people rely on pharmacist advice and medication to live healthy lives - while many of us think it’s our doctors that solve all our problems, pharmacy experts are vital links in the healthcare chain who are always worth remembering.
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This page was last modified on July 29, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
Harold III became king! Harold, the Earl of Wessex, finally became King of England in January 1066. However, his reign was short-lived, as he died at the battle of Hastings in October 1066. It was then, of course, that William the Conqueror took the throne.
Famous Birthdays on January 12th
If you were born on January 12th
…you’re a Capricorn! You’re ambitious, strong, and sensitive. You’re also a great friend and partner to have! Why not learn more about the qualities you share with your fellow Capricorns? Check out our Capricorn fact page!
