On This Day - November 17
Image credit: The GrayVine
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let’s look back at some of the most significant events in American history that happened on this day, starting with…
1800: First Session in the New Capital
The United States Congress convened for its first official session in the newly established capital city of Washington, DC.
1869: Opening of the Suez Canal
The Suez Canal in Egypt was officially opened, marking the completion of a decade-long construction project.
1871: Founding of the National Rifle Association
New York state granted a charter to the National Rifle Association (NRA), an organization initially created to promote marksmanship, which later evolved into a major proponent of gun rights.
1942: Birth of Martin Scorsese
Acclaimed American filmmaker Martin Scorsese, renowned for his gritty and frequently violent portraits of American society, was born.
1973: Nixon's "I am not a crook" Speech
Amid the Watergate scandal, President Richard Nixon publicly asserted his integrity in a press conference, famously stating, "I am not a crook."
1991: First Network TV Condom Ad
A 15-second condom advertisement aired on Fox, marking the first time such a commercial was broadcast on network television; it appeared during the teen sitcom Herman's Head, spurred by growing public health concerns over AIDS.
2003: Schwarzenegger Inaugurated as Governor
Following a successful recall election, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger—an Austrian-born bodybuilder and film star—was sworn in as the governor of California.
2008: Premiere of Twilight
The first film in the Twilight Saga, based on Stephenie Meyer's bestselling series of vampire-themed teen novels, premiered in Los Angeles.
Do you remember any of these events? Or do you have more events (historical or not!) you'd like to share with the community? Post them below and let's reminisce together!
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