First Untethered Spacewalk
On February 7, 1984, two NASA astronauts conducted the first untethered spacewalk – leaving the space shuttle Challenger without being connected by a cable.
This Day in History
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Birth of Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois, on February 6, 1911. After a moderately successful acting career, he became America’s 40th president and is often considered an icon in the Republican Party.
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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.
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Sinking of the SS Dorchester
On February 3, 1943, after the SS Dorchester was sunk, the Four Chaplains sacrificed their lives to protect the other men on their boat. The sinking is considered the second-worst sea disaster of World War II.
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Happy Groundhog Day!
On February 2, 1887, the first official Groundhog Day event was held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. However, the tradition dates back much further to the Christian holiday known as Candlemas, and likely even further to the pre-Christian Celtic holiday of Imbolc.
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Birth of Victor Herbert
Victor August Herbert was born on February 1, 1859, in Guernsey, United Kingdom. He was one of the most prolific composers of his day, as well as a celebrated cellist, conductor, and champion for the legal rights of composers.
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Launch of Explorer I
Late in the evening of January 31, 1958, the US launched its first satellite, Explorer I. It was an important milestone in America’s space race with the Soviet Union.
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Birth of Walter F. George
Politician Walter Franklin George was born on January 29, 1878, in Preston, Georgia. Representing Georgia in the US Senate for 35 years, he became one of the most powerful and respected men in Congress during his lifetime.
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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.
