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August 17, 2026 Holiday:

Stay Home with Your Kids Day

Learn more about Stay Home with Your Kids Day
Holidays on August 17, 2026:

National Vanilla Custard Day

National Vanilla Custard Day, 8/17/2026. Indulge in rich, creamy vanilla custard treats and discover unique flavor combinations. more >>

National Nonprofit Day

National Nonprofit Day, 8/17/2026, honor the tireless efforts of nonprofits making a positive impact on communities worldwide. more >>

National Black Cat Appreciation Day

National Black Cat Appreciation Day, 8/17/2026, discover the unique charm and beauty of black cats, often misunderstood and overlooked, and learn how to break down superstitions and give them the love they deserve. more >>

National Thrift Shop Day

National Thrift Shop Day, 8/17/2026: Discover the benefits of sustainable shopping, score deals, and reduce waste while supporting local charities. more >>

National #2 Pencil Day

National #2 Pencil Day, 8/17/2026: Pay tribute to the humble writing instrument and get creative with pencil-themed activities and art competitions. more >>

National Pineapple Juice Day

National Pineapple Juice Day, 8/17/2026, discover the joy of pineapple juice and its refreshing, tangy taste, perfect excuse to raise a glass to the sweetness of life! more >>

National Meaning of "Is" Day

National Meaning of "Is" Day on 8/17/2026: Learn if this holiday is real or a myth! more >>

Discovery Day

Discovery Day on 8/17/2026: Commemorating Columbus' arrival in the Americas, exploring cultural heritage and complexities of colonialism. more >>

Baby Boomers Recognition Day

Baby Boomers Recognition Day on 8/17/2026: Learn the truth about this non-existent holiday and discover alternative celebrations. more >>
Birthdays on August 17:

Robert De Niro

82 Years Old

Academy Award-winning actor, entrepreneur, director, and producer, renowned for iconic roles in films like "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull", and his versatility in both dramatic and...

Sean Penn

65 Years Old

Academy Award-winning actor, director, and humanitarian, known for intense performances in films like "Mystic River" and "Milk," as well as outspoken political activism.

Thierry Henry

48 Years Old

A legendary French striker and iconic Arsenal player, renowned for his exceptional skill, pace, and goal-scoring ability, earning him a spot among the all-time greats.

Davy Crockett

Born in 1786

Frontiersman and congressman who fought in the Battle of the Alamo, symbolizing bravery and patriotism in the face of overwhelming odds. He also promoted democracy and education in...

Jon Gruden

62 Years Old

A former NFL player and coach turned popular TV analyst, known for his fiery personality and in-depth football insights.

Julian Fellowes

76 Years Old

Academy Award-winning creator of Downton Abbey, a global phenomenon in television, and a prominent figure in British entertainment and politics.

Maureen O'Hara

Died in 2015, aged 95

A fiery redhead who lit up the silver screen with her striking beauty and captivating performances in classic Hollywood films, especially in Westerns and romantic comedies.

Donnie Wahlberg

56 Years Old

Lead vocalist of the boy band New Kids on the Block, also known for his acting roles in TV shows and films, including the popular series "Blue Bloods".

Larry Ellison

81 Years Old

Co-founder of Oracle Corporation, a multinational technology giant, revolutionizing the database management system industry. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic ...

Mae West

Died in 1980, aged 87

Sultry seductress and sex symbol of the 1930s, known for her provocative style, witty one-liners, and iconic film roles that pushed boundaries of censorship and morality.

Jorge Posada

54 Years Old

A dominant force behind the plate, this catcher won four World Series championships and earned seven All-Star selections with the New York Yankees. He's revered for his clutch hitt...

Belinda Carlisle

67 Years Old

Lead vocalist of the Go-Go's, a pioneering all-female rock band, and successful solo artist with hits like "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" and "Summer Rain".

Events from History on August 17:
81 years ago
Sukarno and Hatta proclaim Indonesian independence (Jakarta, Indonesia) 1945
Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta stood tall, defying the Dutch Empire's grasp, as they boldly declared Indonesia's independence on a sweltering August morning. With Japan's surrender in World War II, the power vacuum ignited a spark in the hearts of these two nationalists. They seized the moment, proclaiming freedom for their beloved nation, which had endured centuries of colonial rule. The Indonesian National Revolution had begun, with Sukarno and Hatta at its forefront, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.
83 years ago
Seventh Army and British 8th Army conquer Sicily (Messina, Sicily, Italy) 1943
General George S. Patton's Seventh Army and Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery's British 8th Army stormed into Messina, Italy, marking the triumphant conclusion of the Allied battle for Sicily! Weeks of fierce fighting had worn down the Axis powers, and on this day, the joint forces claimed victory, paving the way for the Italian Campaign.
83 years ago
Winston Churchill, FDR, and Mackenzie King meet in Québec (Quebec City, Quebec, Canada) 1943
Winston Churchill, the British bulldog, Franklin D. Roosevelt, the American leader, and William Lyon Mackenzie King, the Canadian PM, gathered in Québec City for a top-secret summit. Amidst the raging World War II, these three heavyweights converged to discuss strategies, allocate resources, and forge crucial alliances. With Germany on the brink of defeat, the trio plotted the invasion of France, and Churchill pitched his " peripheral" strategy, aiming to weaken the Axis powers. As they sipped scotch and puffed cigars, the fate of the war and the world hung in the balance.
57 years ago
Hurricane Camille Brings Devastation to the Gulf Coast (Waveland, Mississippi, USA 39576) 1969
The mighty Category 5 Hurricane Camille slammed into the U.S. Gulf Coast, unleashing catastrophic winds and torrential rains that would leave an indelible mark on the region. On that fateful day, the storm's 190mph gusts and 24-foot storm surge ravaged coastal communities, especially Waveland and Bay St. Louis in Mississippi, where entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble. The storm's fury was unrelenting, causing 256 fatalities and an staggering $1.42 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history at the time.
79 years ago
Cyril Radcliffe reveals India-Pakistan border (India-Pakistan Border, Dominion of India and Pakistan) 1947
Sir Cyril Radcliffe, chairman of the Border Commissions, unveils the long-awaited demarcation of the Radcliffe Line, the contentious border separating the newly formed Dominions of India and Pakistan. This fateful day marks the birth of a new international frontier, sealing the fate of millions as they face displacement, violence, and uncertainty. With the stroke of a pen, Radcliffe's commission has redrawn the map, unleashing a maelstrom of communal violence, mass migration, and enduring hostility between the two nations.
50 years ago
Magnitude 7.9 Earthquake Triggers Devastating Tsunami in Philippines (Mindanao, Philippines) 1976
A massive earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao, Philippines, sending a powerful tsunami crashing onto the shore, claiming the lives of thousands and leaving countless others homeless. The devastating tremor, measuring 7.9 in magnitude, unleashed a wall of water that swept through coastal towns, destroying everything in its path. In a matter of minutes, the tranquil evening turned into a scene of utter chaos and destruction, as buildings crumbled, trees uprooted, and lives forever changed.
Notable Deaths on August 17:
2015Yvonne Craig Ballet dancer and actress who brought beauty and grace to the stage
1786Frederick the Great frederick|Frederick the Great was a Prussian king who reigned from 1740 until his death.
1983Ira Gershwin Visionary songwriter crafting timeless melodies and harmonies.
1990Pearl Bailey Glamorous songstress sparkling with style and sophistication.
2010Francesco Cossiga Former Italian president, champion of democracy
1979Vivian Vance Dynamic performer sparkling with music and laughter.
1973Conrad Aiken Renowned American novelist, writer, and poet who painted vivid wordscapes
1935Charlotte Perkins Gilman Vanguard American sociologist and author who shed light on women's issues
2007Bill Deedes English journalist and politician who served as a Member of Parliament
1995Howard E. Koch Crafty playwright weaving stories and characters.
1977Delmer Daves Pioneering filmmaker blending creative vision and technical expertise.
1969Otto Stern Nobel Prize-winning German physicist who pushed the boundaries of space and time
1809Matthew Boulton boulton|Matthew Boulton was an English businessman and engineer who partnered with James Watt to develop the steam engine.
2013David Landes Jewish-American historian and economist who explored the intersection of culture and economics
2012Patrick Ricard French businessman, master of commerce
1994Jack Sharkey Fearless competitor standing tall in the ring.
1973Paul Williams Glamorous American singer and choreographer who dazzled the stage
2005John N. Bahcall American astrophysicist who made significant contributions to the field of solar neutrino detection
1988Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq Transformative leader forging a nation's future.
2016Arthur Hiller Prolific actor, director, and producer who left an indelible mark on Hollywood