International History

National Weatherpersons Day
February 5 is celebrated annually as National Weatherpersons Day in honor of Dr. John Jeffries, one of America’s first weather observers. National Weatherpersons Day is held on February 5 to mark Jeffries’s birthday in 1744.

Burma Road Reopens
On January 28, 1945, the Burma Road, linking Burma with the southwest of China, was reopened. It was a vital supply road that helped contribute to victory in the region.

Paris Peace Accords
On January 27, 1973, the Paris Peace Accords ended US involvement in the Vietnam War. It marked the end of a decade of US presence in Vietnam, though the fighting would continue for two more years.

First U.S. Olympic Stamp
On January 25, 1932, the US Post Office Department issued its first stamp honoring the Olympic Games. Those games were the first to be held in the US.

The Year of the Rabbit
This year, January 22, 2023, marks the start of the Year of the Rabbit on the Chinese calendar. The New Year celebration – also known as the Spring Festival – is the most important holiday in Chinese culture.

Ignacy Paderewski Becomes Prime Minister of Poland
On January 18, 1919, composer-turned statesman Ignacy Paderewski was sworn in as the first prime minister of newly independent Poland.

Universal Postal Union Colors
On January 17, 1898, the first US stamp created to conform to the change in colors recommended by the Universal Postal Union was issued. The UPU had recommended the standardization of colors to make international mail easier to process.

First Official Transatlantic Phone Call
On January 7, 1927, men in New York and London staged the first official telephone call across the Atlantic Ocean. Using radio waves, it made instant communication across the ocean a reality, paving the way for our modern communication systems.

Birth of John McCloy
US Navy Lieutenant Commander John McCloy was born on January 3, 1876, in Brewster, New York. Serving with the Navy for 30 years, he’s one of just 19 servicemen to receive two Medals of Honor.