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February 19, 2026 Holiday:

Iwo Jima Day

Iwo Jima Day is a significant commemorative holiday that honors the bravery and sacrifices of the American Marines who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. This holiday pays tribute to the iconic raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi, a moment that has become an enduring symbol of American patriotism and sacrifice. On this day, Americans come together to remember the heroism and dedication of the soldiers who fought for their country's freedom, and to reflect on the importance of preserving peace and liberty. Traditionally, ceremonies and memorial services are held at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Connecticut, featuring wreath-laying, flag-raising, and other solemn tributes. Overall, Iwo Jima Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members and their families.

Learn more about Iwo Jima Day
Holidays on February 19, 2026:

National Chocolate Mint Day

National Chocolate Mint Day, 2/19/2026: Indulge in rich chocolate and refreshing mint flavors with decadent desserts and unique recipes. more >>

National Boston Terrier Day

National Boston Terrier Day, 2/19/2026: Learn about the lovable breed, share stories, and raise awareness for responsible pet ownership. more >>

National Hickey Day

Getting up close and personal just got a whole lot more literal! This saucy celebration is all about embracing those sweet, sweet love bites - you know, the ones that leave a mark. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to the world of hickeys, th... more >>

National Vet Girls RISE Day

National Vet Girls RISE Day (2/19/2026) honors female veterans' bravery, resilience, and dedication, recognizing their contributions and sacrifices. more >>

The Great American Spit Out

The Great American Spit Out - Learn more about this intriguing holiday on 2/19/2026. more >>

International Tug-of-War Day

International Tug-of-War Day, 2/19/2026: Join the fun-filled celebration of strength, teamwork, and unity as communities gather for friendly tug-of-war competitions. more >>

National Arabian Horse Day

National Arabian Horse Day, February 19, 2026: Discover the majesty and elegance of the Arabian horse breed, its rich history, and its enduring popularity among horse enthusiasts. more >>

National Lash Day

National Lash Day, 2/19/2026: Discover the beauty and importance of eyelashes, and how to pamper yourself with lash treatments and products. more >>

Prevent Plagiarism Day

Prevent Plagiarism Day, 2/19/2026: Learn how to avoid academic dishonesty and promote integrity with expert tips and resources. more >>
Birthdays on February 19:

Millie Bobby Brown

22 Years Old

A talented young star who has captured hearts with her iconic role as Eleven in the Netflix hit series "Stranger Things," and has also made a name for herself as a UNICEF Goodwill ...

Smokey Robinson

86 Years Old

Legendary Motown icon behind timeless hits like "My Girl" and "Tracks of My Tears", crafting soulful melodies and poetic lyrics that captivated generations.

Roger Goodell

67 Years Old

The 6th National Football League Commissioner, responsible for overseeing the league's operations and making key decisions, is most known for his role in shaping the NFL's policies...

Benicio del Toro

59 Years Old

Puerto Rican actor, director, and producer known for his intense performances in films like "Traffic" and "21 Grams", earning him numerous awards and nominations.

Jeff Kinney

55 Years Old

Creator of the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, bringing humorous and relatable stories to millions of readers worldwide.

Amy Tan

74 Years Old

An acclaimed author of novels, essays, and short stories that explore the Chinese-American experience, delving into themes of identity, culture, and family. Her works are known for...

Nikola JokiÄ?

31 Years Old

A dominant center who excels in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, leading the Denver Nuggets to multiple playoff appearances. He's a four-time NBA All-Star and one of the most v...

Jeff Daniels

71 Years Old

Acclaimed actor and playwright, starring in iconic films like Dumb and Dumber and Newsroom, while also penning plays that explore American identity.

Helen Fielding

68 Years Old

Creator of the beloved Bridget Jones's Diary series, known for witty, relatable, and humorous portrayals of modern women's lives.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York

66 Years Old

The third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II, known for his military career and controversial associations, including his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. He has faced scru...

Seal

63 Years Old

A soulful British vocalist and songwriter famous for his smooth, soulful voice and hit singles like "Kiss From a Rose" and "Crazy". He's a master of blending soul, R&B, and rock to...

Nicolaus Copernicus

Died in 1543, aged 70

A Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer who proposed the heliocentric model, where the Sun is at the center of our solar system, revolutionizing our understanding of the uni...

Events from History on February 19:
84 years ago
President signs order to relocate Japanese Americans (The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20500, USA) 1942
February 1942, fear and suspicion gripped the nation. President Roosevelt, under pressure from the war hysteria, signed Executive Order 9066, paving the way for the forced relocation of over 120,000 Japanese Americans to internment camps. With one stroke of his pen, the government seized the property, freedom, and dignity of its own citizens, citing "military necessity" as the flimsy justification. Families were torn apart, businesses were destroyed, and a community was left shattered, all under the guise of national security. This notorious chapter in American history raises haunting questions about racism, xenophobia, and the abuse of power.
63 years ago
Betty Friedan's book sparks feminist movement revival (United States) 1963
The iconic book "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan sent shockwaves across the nation, reigniting the feminist movement in the United States. Friedan's groundbreaking work questioned the traditional roles of women, challenging the status quo and sparking a national conversation. As women's organizations and consciousness-raising groups began to sprout up, the movement gained momentum, paving the way for a new era of women's liberation.
81 years ago
U.S. Marines Invade Iwo Jima in Bloody Battle (Iwo Jima, Japan) 1945
As the Rising Sun flag still waved high, 30,000 battle-hardened United States Marines stormed the black sand beaches of Iwo Jima, a tiny volcanic island in the Pacific. Their mission: capture the strategic airfield, a crucial launchpad for Allied bombers headed for Japan. The Japanese defenders, entrenched in a labyrinth of tunnels and bunkers, vowed to fight to the death. The ensuing 36-day bloodbath would be one of the fiercest battles in World War II history, etching an iconic image of the Stars and Stripes being raised atop Mount Suribachi.
111 years ago
Anglo-French forces bombard Ottoman artillery at Gallipoli (Dardanelles, Ottoman Empire (now Turkey)) 1915
Turkish strongholds along the Dardanelles, beware! A formidable Anglo-French naval task force, comprised of 16 battleships, has set its sights on dismantling Ottoman artillery emplacements. On this fateful day, the first barrage of heavy artillery fire rained down upon the Ottoman defenses, signaling the commencement of a brutal and protracted campaign. The Allies sought to capture the strategic Dardanelles, thereby gaining control of the Bosphorus and securing a crucial supply route to Russia. The stakes were high, the firepower immense, and the fate of the war hung in the balance.
83 years ago
The US Army's first major battle in North Africa unfolds (Kasserine Pass, Tunisia) 1943
The dusty hills and ravines of Tunisia's Kasserine Pass witnessed a baptism by fire for the US Army, as novice American troops clashed with battle-hardened German forces. The outcome would shape the Allied strategy in North Africa. As the German tanks rumbled into the narrow pass, the untested Americans were forced to retreat, leaving behind destroyed vehicles and shaken morale. Yet, amidst the chaos, a crucial lesson was learned: the importance of adapting to the German war machine. This pivotal battle marked a turning point in the North African campaign, paving the way for the ultimate Allied victory.
84 years ago
Japanese Air Raid on Darwin (Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, 0800) 1942
In a surprise move, Japanese forces launched a massive aerial assault on the Australian city of Darwin, catching the residents off guard. It was a chaotic morning as nearly 250 warplanes, including bombers, fighters, and torpedo planes, descended upon the city, unleashing a torrent of bombs and gunfire. The devastating attack lasted for over an hour, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction, death, and devastation. When the dust settled, 243 people lay dead, hundreds more were injured, and the city was left reeling from the destruction. The Japanese air raid on Darwin was a pivotal moment in Australia's history, marking the first time the country had been attacked on its own soil.
Notable Deaths on February 19:
2016Harper Lee Author who wrote about racial justice
2019Karl Lagerfeld Pioneering fashion designer celebrated for his iconic and avant-garde creations
2020Pop Smoke Rising rapper who brought authenticity and raw energy to the hip-hop scene
1980Bon Scott Rock 'n' roll pioneer who electrified audiences with his raw energy
2016Umberto Eco Scholar who wrote about art and literature
1997Deng Xiaoping Powerful statesman who led China towards economic and political transformation
2003Johnny Paycheck American country music singer-songwriter and guitarist with a distinctive twang.
1951André Gide French author and essayist who won the Nobel Prize in Literature
2015Harris Wittels Actor who created comedy
2007Janet Blair American actress and singer who had a successful career in Hollywood.
2017Larry Coryell Legendary jazz guitarist known for his versatility and fusion of styles
2001Charles Trenet French singer-songwriter and acclaimed performer in the entertainment industry.
1972Lee Morgan Trailblazing jazz musician who brought together musical styles and harmonies
2014Dale Gardner Astronaut who explored space
1997Leo Rosten Seasoned author who crafted compelling stories that captivated readers
1996Charlie Finley Innovative entrepreneur who revolutionized the world of business
2009Kelly Groucutt English singer and bassist who was a key member of several prominent rock bands.
2002Sylvia Rivera Pioneering American transgender activist who fought for LGBTQ+ rights.
1972John Grierson Pioneering filmmaker known for documenting life and social issues through his work
1936Billy Mitchell American general and pilot who flew over 500 combat missions