January Anniversaries: Moments in History
Iran Hostage Crisis: Freedom at Last
On January 20, 1981, 52 American hostages were finally released by Iran after 444 days of captivity. The hostages had been taken by an armed mob at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, who demanded the return of the ousted shah. David Roeder’s first words to his wife upon his release were, “It’s over!” In 2001, the embassy was opened as a tourist attraction, with its cafeteria selling cups emblazoned with the slogan “Down with America.”
Ham the Chimp: A Rocket Ride into History
On January 31, 1961, Ham the chimpanzee became the first primate to venture into outer space. His 16-minute rocket ride, though longer and faster than intended, was deemed a success and paved the way for America’s first manned spaceflight three months later. Ham retired from NASA in 1963 and lived a quieter life at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The world’s first “chimponaut” passed away in 1983 at the North Carolina Zoological Park.
Benjamin Franklin: The American Polymath
Born in Boston on January 17, 1706, Benjamin Franklin was a true Renaissance man. As a scientist, economist, inventor, abolitionist, publisher, poet, and more, he earned the title of celebrity. His fame extended beyond American borders, as John Adams noted, “His reputation is greater than that of Newton, Frederick the Great, or Voltaire.” Franklin died in Philadelphia in 1790 at the age of 84, leaving behind an enduring legacy as America’s first international superstar.
Concorde: Supersonic Speed
On January 21, 1976, the Concorde entered commercial service in Europe. This supersonic airliner could fly faster than a speeding bullet, at more than twice the speed of sound. Transatlantic flights between London and New York took a mere three hours. The Concorde retired in October 2003, having carried over 2.5 million passengers across the skies.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: A Musical Prodigy
Born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a musical prodigy who began composing at the age of 5. By the age of 12, he had produced works such as the German operetta “Bastien und Bastienne.” Mozart’s talent was both praised and criticized, with Emperor Joseph II famously complaining, “Too many notes.” Nonetheless, Mozart’s genius was undeniable, and composer Joseph Haydn declared him “the greatest composer known.” Mozart died tragically of rheumatic fever in Vienna in 1791 at the age of 35.
Queen Liliuokalani: The Hawaiian Monarch
On January 29, 1891, Lydia Paki Liliuokalani became queen of the Hawaiian islands. Her reign was short-lived, as American businessman Sanford Dole, backed by the U.S. Marines, deposed her two years later. The Republic of Hawaii was subsequently organized into a U.S. territory in 1900. Liliuokalani spent the rest of her life petitioning the federal government for compensation for seized land and other losses, but her efforts were unsuccessful. She passed away in Honolulu in 1917 at the age of 79.