24 fun facts for February, 9

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 9th is a day filled with unique holidays, historical events, and exciting milestones. National and international celebrations like Foundation Day in Japan, and National Pizza Day in the US offer a little something for everyone, while the birth of popular author Charles Dickens adds literary flair to the date's significance. From the creation of the ASEAN to the first flight of the Boeing 747, February 9th will remain an unforgettable day in history.
24 Fun facts
  1. In Japan, February 9 is the "Foundation Day" (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) celebrating the founding of Japan and the accession of its first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, in 660 BC.
  2. On February 9, 1942, the U.S. government instituted year-round daylight saving time in order to conserve electricity during World War II. This practice was continued until September 30, 1945.
  3. February 9, 1870, marks the establishment of the U.S. Weather Bureau, now known as the National Weather Service. It was signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant.
  4. February 9, 1964, witnessed The Beatles' first live appearance on American television on The Ed Sullivan Show, which attracted an estimated 73 million viewers.
  5. The Chocolate Lovers’ Day is unofficially celebrated on February 9, allowing people to indulge in their favorite chocolate treats and desserts.
  6. Saint Apollonia's feast day is celebrated on February 9, the patroness of dentists and those suffering from dental diseases.
  7. Iconic British author Charles Dickens was born on February 9, 1812, in Portsmouth, England. He is famous for novels like "A Tale of Two Cities" and "Great Expectations."
  8. February 9, 1945, was the day iconic American singer and actress, Gypsy Rose Lee, ended her strip show career.
  9. The International Day of Greek Language is celebrated on February 9. Greeks use this day to appreciate their language, heritage, and culture.
  10. American inventor and businessman, Thomas Edison, filed a patent for his kinetoscope on February 9, 1889. The kinetoscope was an essential step in the development of the motion picture camera.
  11. On February 9, 1950, US Senator Joseph McCarthy claimed that there were 205 communist operatives within the US government, setting off the infamous "Red Scare."
  12. In the United States, February 9 is National Pizza Day. Pizza enthusiasts across the country celebrate by enjoying their favorite pizza varieties.
  13. On February 9, 1971, the men's world record for a marathon was broken by Derek Clayton of Australia with a time of 2:08:34 at the Fukuoka Marathon.
  14. In 1959, the Barbie Doll debuted in toy stores on February 9, brought to the market by Mattel co-founders, Ruth and Elliot Handler.
  15. February 9 is National Toothache Day in the United States, a peculiar holiday that reminds people of the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
  16. On February 9, 1825, the US House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams as the sixth president after no candidate received a majority in the Electoral College.
  17. French actress, screenwriter, and director, Carole Bouquet, was born on February 9, 1957, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. She is known for her role as Melina Havelock in the 1981 James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only."
  18. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was created on February 9, 1967, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
  19. In 1849, famous author James Whitcomb Riley was born on February 9 in Greenfield, Indiana, United States. He is known for writing poems in dialect.
  20. On February 9, 1960, Joanne Woodward became the first star to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
  21. February 9 is National Bagel Day in the United States, a day to enjoy this classic breakfast staple with your favorite spreads and toppings.
  22. American composer and conductor William Henry Curry was born on February 9, 1957, known for his work in symphony orchestras and ballet companies.
  23. In 1969, the Boeing 747 commercial airliner made its first flight on February 9, radically changing air travel and allowing more people to travel longer distances affordably.
  24. On February 9, 1826, the University College London was founded, serving as the first purely secular university institution in England.

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