Mother Teresa was canonized, or officially recognized as a saint, on this day in history, Sept. 4, 2016. She was given the title “Saint Teresa of Calcutta.” “Mother Teresa, in all aspects of her life, was a generous dispenser of divine mercy, making herself available for everyone through her welcome and defense of human life,...
Our nation’s American flag was flown in battle for the first time, during a Revolutionary War skirmish at Cooch’s Bridge, Delaware on this day in history, Sept. 3, 1777, according to History.com. “Patriot General William Maxwell ordered the Stars and Stripes banner was raised as a detachment of his infantry and cavalry met an advance...
While off the Japanese island of Chichijima on this day in history on Sept. 2, 1944, then-future President George H.W. Bush was the only survivor after his aircraft was shot down by enemy fire, according to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. At the time, Lt. Junior Grade George Bush was a pilot...
A 73-year mystery was solved on this day in history, Sept. 1, 1985, when the shipwreck of the ocean liner RMS Titanic was discovered in the North Atlantic. The wreck was discovered during a joint mission between the Massachusetts-based Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the French National Institute of Oceanography (IFREMER), according to the...
The Harrier Jump Jet, a highly innovative warplane that helped solve several operational problems for military planners, made its first flight on this day in history, August 31, 1966. The fighter jet, developed in the United Kingdom, is known for its eye-popping vertical and short take-off and landing (V/STOL) capabilities and for its ability to...
The Space Shuttle Discovery took off on its maiden voyage on this day in history, Aug.30, 1984. For Discovery, the fourth time was the charm: The previous three launch attempts were scrubbed, with one canceled just six seconds before liftoff. That aborted launch — the first of its kind for the Space Shuttle program —...
On this day in history, Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall near New Orleans, Louisiana — causing massive destruction. Katrina made landfall along the Gulf Coast early that morning as a large Category 3 hurricane, according to multiple sources. Sustained winds were around 145 mph in southeast Louisiana. Katrina continued northward, affecting areas near...
Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales finalized their divorce after a nearly four-year separation on this day in history, Aug. 28, 1996. The divorce marked the conclusion of a marriage that began with a wedding that seemed ripped from the pages of a fairytale, but that was later marred by numerous controversies, admissions of...
W.E.B. Du Bois, American sociologist, author, activist and co-founder of the NAACP, died on this day in history on Aug. 27, 1963, in Accra, Ghana at age 95. “He was an activist who was the most important Black protest leader in the United States during the first half of the 20th century,” noted Britannica.com. The...
Cardinal Albino Luciani was elected pope and took the name Pope John Paul I on this day in history, Aug. 28, 1978. John Paul I would have a very brief time as the head of the Catholic Church — dying of a heart attack just 33 days after his election. Born on Oct. 17, 1912,...
