On this day: December 28
The Battle of the Bulge Begins (1944)
On December 16, 1944, the Germans launched a surprise attack on Allied forces in the Ardennes region of Belgium in what would become known as the Battle of the Bulge. The goal of the offensive was to split the Allied forces and cut off their supply lines, but ultimately the Germans were unsuccessful in achieving their objectives. The battle lasted for over a month and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, but ultimately the Allies were able to push back the German forces and secure victory.
Apollo 8 Orbits the Moon (1968)
On December 21, 1968, the Apollo 8 spacecraft became the first manned mission to orbit the moon. The crew of astronauts Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders spent 20 hours in lunar orbit, taking photographs and conducting experiments. The mission was a major milestone in the space race and paved the way for the later Apollo missions that would eventually land astronauts on the moon.
The Washington Monument is Completed (1884)
Construction on the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. began in 1848, but due to various delays and issues, the monument was not completed until December 6, 1884. The monument stands as a tribute to America’s first president, George Washington, and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Standing at over 555 feet tall, the Washington Monument is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of American pride.
Other Notable Events on December 28:
- In 1832, John C. Calhoun became the first Vice President of the United States to resign from office.
- In 1895, the Lumière brothers held the first public screening of their films in Paris, marking the beginning of the motion picture industry.
- In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon, providing protection for threatened and endangered species in the United States.
- In 1991, the Soviet Union was officially dissolved, marking the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era in world politics.
