🗓️ On This Day - January 14th
January 14th isn’t just any other day at the start of the year. It’s well-known for helping to give birth to the UN, is a big date for Elvis fans, and it’s also one of the best days of the year to really flex those gray muscles up top. Here are some fun facts about January 14th, along with a few surprising events along the way.
On this day
The Casablanca Conference took the War in a new direction.
Back in 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill began the Casablanca Conference to discuss the next phase of the Second World War. The conference ended on January 24th, 1943 - and it helped to shape the direction the Allies would take up until the fall of the Axis mid-decade.
All hail Queen Margrethe II!
Queen Margrethe II, of Denmark, was the very first queen to ascend to her country’s throne since 1412, when she was crowned in 1972! She was also the first monarch in Denmark not to be named Frederick or Christian since 1513 - as you’d expect, really!
The UN first launched.
On New Year’s Day in 1942, the United Nations (UN) was first established! The UN first formed with 26 different nations, all signing to declare that they would enforce peacekeeping. Both Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt were present for this establishment!
Aloha, Hawaii!
Back in 1973, Elvis Presley took to the stage for his Aloha from Hawaii concert. The concert was broadcast live from the Honolulu International Center and remains one of his most famous performances - an iconic gig that took place a few short years before the king's untimely passing.
Yemen declared war against al-Qaeda.
Back in 2010, Yemen declared an open war against the terrorist group al-Qaeda. It is an ongoing war between the Yemen government, the United States, and its allies, and of course, al-Qaeda, as part of the Global War on Terror.
Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali resigned his post.
In 2011, the Tunisian President stepped down and even sought refuge elsewhere due to the mass protests against his political regime. The protests were launched against poverty, political repression, and unemployment in an uprising known as the Jasmine Revolution - which in itself is said to have led to the Arab Spring.
Special Days Falling on January 14th
Maybe January 14th is special to you in one way or another - regardless, there’s lots to celebrate all over the world today. Here are some interesting (and perhaps slightly odd) daily celebrations taking place on January 14th.
World Logic Day
Whether you’re a fan of Vulcans, Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper, or general reasoning, today is the day to exercise some true logic.
World Logic Day is a day to celebrate the fact that logic and reasoning are fundamentals we all thrive on. Universities and other institutions celebrate this day by hosting events, quizzes and challenging debates. So, why not play a friendly game of chess and discuss the issues of the day with your most logical acquaintance to celebrate?
Ratification Day
Ratification Day is one of the most important dates in US history! Today is the day we all come together and celebrate the end of the American Revolution. While we’re all going to be celebrating on July 4th, there’s plenty of reasons to be thankful for January 14th, too. It doesn’t have the same ring to it, but still…
National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
This one pretty much speaks for itself. Ever had a hot pastrami sandwich before? Now’s the time to take a chance on a sub classic with roots in the US. You’ll find this delicacy is served differently from one state to the next - but why not find your own tasty spin on this lunchtime treat?
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This page was last modified on July 29, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
In 1959, Charles de Gaulle became the first president of the Fifth Republic in France. Thanks to his efforts during the Second World War, he was chosen to lead the new government. He was then re-elected again in January 1966. He remains one of the most important political figures in French history. He’s recognized to this day thanks to his name adorning an airport, too!
Famous Birthdays on January 14th
Marc Antony, Roman politician and general, born 83 BC
Benedict Arnold, American general, born 1741
Steven Soderbergh, American producer, writer, and director, born 1963
Dave Grohl, American musician, singer, and songwriter, born 1969
Jason Bateman, American actor, born 1969
If you were born on January 14th…
That makes you a Capricorn, according to the Western Zodiac. Capricorns, represented by the goat, are said to be some of the most dependable, loyal and resourceful people you could ever befriend. Does that sound like you?
If you’d like to know more about what makes Capricorns unique, check out our fact file.
