On This Day – April 8th

April 8th throws us even further into spring, and with it, there are plenty of interesting historical dates and national occasions to mark and celebrate. If it’s your birthday or any other special day today, enjoy it in style – and in the meantime, here are some fascinating historical facts you might want to mull over!

On this day

1We found Venus.

Not the planet – the sculpture! April 8th, 1820, was the date that the world-famous ancient Greek statue, the Venus de Milo, came to public attention – specifically, via the Aegean island of Milos. Today, the statue is easy to admire at the Louvre in Paris.

2Lawrence of Arabia won big!

On this date in 1963, the classic movie “Lawrence of Arabia” won a veritable stack of special awards! The film took away a staggering ten Academy Awards (or Oscars) back in April 1963.

3The Air France robbery took place.

In 1968, April 8th was the date that gangsters Jimmy Burke and Henry Hill committed the Air France robbery. During the siege, they stole $420,000 from a cargo terminal at the JFK International Airport in New York City.

4Frank Robinson made history.

In 1975, today was the day that Frank Robinson debuted as the very first African American
baseball manager! The Cleveland Indians beat the New York Yankees 5-3 in his diamondside debut.

5Lady Liberty disappeared!

In 1983, magician David Copperfield managed to make the Statue of Liberty disappear to an auidence! Thankfully, he put it back as it was – let’s not lose track of her in future!

6Clint Eastwood entered public office.

In 1986, actor Clint Eastwood took on a new role. It was the day he was elected as the mayor of Carmel in California!

Special Days Falling on April 8th

There’s always going to be a national or global holiday or two to celebrate, and April 8th really doesn’t miss out on any of that action. Here’s our favorite picks of what to commemorate today, whether you’re already raising a glass or blowing out candles of your own!

National Empanada Day

The classic empanada is a Spanish dish that you’ll find served across Europe and Latin America. Specifically, it’s a turnover filled with meat and veggies that you can bake or fry. Why not try eating out at your favorite Spanish restaurant or try taking on this classic dish in your own kitchen today?

National Zoo Lovers Day

Many zoos do great work in rescuing endangered animals, breeding endangered species, and helping inform the public about their well-being and the threats we pose to them. And, these are the zoos we should be celebrating today! So, as it is National Zoo Lovers Day, treat yourself and go along to see someone of your favorite critters.

National All Is Ours Day

National All Is Ours Day has a few connotations! The first is that it is a day to celebrate the world in which we live and the beauty that surrounds us. The second is to appreciate everything that we each as individuals possess – and the third is that it is the perfect day to celebrate sharing! Whatever way you want to celebrate, enjoy this special day!

This month in history

Tiger Woods broke a golfing record! April 1997 was a very important month for the linksman, as he became the youngest golfer ever to win the Masters Tournament – he’s regarded as one of the all-time greats some 25+ years later.

Famous Birthdays on April 8th

• Juan Ponce de León, Spanish explorer and conquistador, born 1460
• Sonja Henie, Norwegian figure skater and actress, born 1912
• Betty Ford, First Lady, born 1918
• Robin Wright, American actress, born 1966
• Emma Caulfield, American actress, born 1973

If you were born on April 8th…

…you’re an Aries! You’re lively, bright, and a great person to have around! However, you can also have quite a temper, especially when defending those you love. Your star sign in the western zodiac is the ram – animals that are fiercely protective of their flock. Want to know more about what makes you an Aries? Head over to our Aries facts page, and take a closer look at some of our other fact files on the rest of the zodiac, too.