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31 fun facts for February, 11

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
February 11th has seen a variety of significant events throughout history, from the founding of Japan to the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. The day also marks the births of famous figures such as Thomas Edison and Jennifer Aniston and is celebrated by several national and international observances.
31 Fun facts
  1. National Foundation Day (Japan): February 11th is observed as National Foundation Day in Japan. It commemorates the founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, in 660 BC.
  2. In 1752, the first ever hospital in North America opened its doors. Pennsylvania Hospital was founded by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond in Philadelphia, aiming to care for the sick and poor of the city.
  3. In 1858, at a small church in Lourdes, France, Saint Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have experienced the first of 18 visions of the Virgin Mary. These apparitions led to the establishment of the major Catholic pilgrimage site.
  4. In 1929, Italy and the Vatican City signed the Lateran Treaty, which recognized the Vatican as an independent city-state within Rome. This ended a longstanding conflict between the two and ensured the Pope's independence in Catholic affairs.
  5. In 1937, the popular board game Monopoly was trademarked by Parker Brothers in the United States. The game has continued to be a global favorite through various editions and adaptations.
  6. In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt met with King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia aboard the USS Quincy. The meeting established strong ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia and helped secure future oil supplies.
  7. In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower refused a joint request by the Soviet Union and China to accept a cease-fire in Korea. This decision was made amid concerns that it could lead to a larger, global conflict at the height of the Cold War.
  8. In 1964, Sarojini Naidu, an Indian poet, and a freedom fighter, passed away. She played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence and was the first woman to be the Governor of an Indian state.
  9. In 1975, due to low coal supplies, the United Kingdom had a national power outage referred to as the "Three-Day Week." Businesses and homes faced power rationing to conserve energy, and the country operated on a reduced workweek.
  10. In 1979, the Iranian Revolution led to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini becoming the Supreme Leader of Iran. This resulted in the establishment of an Islamic Republic in the country, radically changing its political and social landscape.
  11. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison after more than 27 years of incarceration, marking a turning point in South Africa's battle against apartheid and its journey towards democracy.
  12. In 1997, the Space Shuttle Discovery launched the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit. Hubble has since provided countless breathtaking images and valuable data for scientists, contributing vastly to our understanding of the universe.
  13. In 2006, Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney, accidentally shot a man during a quail hunting trip. The incident, while humorous in retrospect, raised questions about gun safety and the vice president's overall health.
  14. In 2010, the Vancouver Winter Olympics were officially opened, marking a historic event as Canada hosted the Winter Games for the second time.
  15. In 2011, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned after 18 days of protests during the Egyptian Revolution. This marked the end of his 30-year rule and led to significant changes in the country's political landscape.
  16. In 2012, Whitney Houston, a legendary singer and actress, was found dead at the age of 48. Her untimely passing sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, and she is still widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
  17. In 2015, the leaders of Germany, France, Russia, and Ukraine met in Minsk, Belarus, to negotiate a ceasefire agreement to help end the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.
  18. In 2016, scientists announced the first direct detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO observatory, proving Albert Einstein's prediction in his general theory of relativity and making a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the universe.
  19. In 2018, SpaceX successfully launched its first Falcon Heavy rocket, carrying Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster into space with a dummy named Starman at the wheel, demonstrating the vehicle's payload capabilities for future missions.
  20. In 2019, over 40 nations and the European Union recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela, escalating the political and humanitarian crisis in the nation.
  21. In 2020, Parasite, a South Korean film directed by Bong Joon-ho, made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture award at the Oscars.
  22. Natalie Dormer, best known for her roles in the Game of Thrones series and the Hunger Games movies, was born on February 11th, 1982.
  23. Jennifer Aniston, best known for her role as Rachel Green on the hit TV show Friends and starring in numerous popular films, was born on February 11th, 1969.
  24. Thomas Edison, a brilliant inventor and the creator of the lightbulb, phonograph, and motion picture camera, was born on February 11th, 1847.
  25. Kim Jong-il, the former Supreme Leader of North Korea, was born on February 11th, 1941.
  26. White T-Shirt Day: On February 11th, many people wear white t-shirts to honor the hardworking men and women of the labor movement, particularly those in the auto industry.
  27. National Peppermint Patty Day (United States): February 11th is celebrated in the United States as National Peppermint Patty Day, honoring the popular chocolate-covered mint confection.
  28. National Make a Friend Day (United States): An unofficial holiday in the United States, February 11th is National Make a Friend Day, encouraging people to connect and form new friendships.
  29. National Inventors' Day (United States): Established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, National Inventors' Day is celebrated on February 11th in the United States, coinciding with Thomas Edison's birthday.
  30. World Day of the Sick: Observed on February 11th, World Day of the Sick is an international day for recognizing the importance of providing care for those who are ill, as well as their caregivers.
  31. On February 11th, 1411, the Peace of Toruń was signed, ending the Polish-Lithuanian-Teutonic War and allowing for Poland and Lithuania to regain lost territories.

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