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July 21, 2026 Holiday:

National Junk Food Day

National Junk Food Day is a delightful celebration that indulges our guilty pleasures and gives us permission to ditch our diets for a day. This festive occasion is all about embracing the tasty, yet not-so-healthy treats that we often crave but try to resist. On this special day, people come together to savor their favorite junk foods, from crispy fries and gooey burgers to sweet, sugary snacks and decadent desserts. It's a time to let loose, be carefree, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, without worrying about the calorie count. So, go ahead, grab a bag of chips or a bucket of fried chicken, and join in on the junk food fun!

Learn more about National Junk Food Day
Holidays on July 21, 2026:

Legal Drinking Age Day

Legal Drinking Age Day, July 21st, 2026: Learn why this holiday doesn't exist and discover alternative celebrations. more >>

National Be Someone Day

National Be Someone Day, 7/21/2026: Inspire kindness, compassion, and generosity towards others on this heartwarming holiday. more >>

National Lamington Day

National Lamington Day, 7/21/2026, indulge in iconic Australian dessert, sponge cake, chocolate, and coconut, rich history and cultural significance. more >>

National Tug-Of-War Tournament Day

National Tug-Of-War Tournament Day, 7/21/2026: Discover the truth behind this lesser-known holiday and learn about the sport and its cultural significance. more >>

Invite an Alien to Live with You Day

Discover the truth behind "Invite an Alien to Live with You Day" on July 21, 2026. Is it real or just a playful idea? more >>

Take a Monkey to Lunch Day

Take a Monkey to Lunch Day - Discover the whimsical concept behind this playful holiday on July 21, 2026. more >>
Birthdays on July 21:

Robin Williams

Died in 2014, aged 63

A brilliant comedian and actor who brought unforgettable characters to life in iconic films like Aladdin and Dead Poets Society, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment indus...

Ernest Hemingway

Died in 1961, aged 61

A legendary writer who crafted sparse, powerful prose, capturing the human experience in novels like "The Old Man and the Sea" and "A Farewell to Arms".

Don Knotts

Died in 2006, aged 81

A beloved comedic actor, best known for his iconic role as Barney Fife in the classic TV show "The Andy Griffith Show", bringing laughter to generations with his lovable, bumbling ...

Michael Connelly

69 Years Old

Renowned crime novelist behind bestselling series like Harry Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer, crafting gripping mysteries that explore the darker side of human nature.

Josh Hartnett

47 Years Old

Star of romantic comedies and dramas, known for roles in Pearl Harbor, Black Hawk Down, and 30 Days of Night.

Cat Stevens

77 Years Old

A renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for his soothing folk-rock melodies and poignant lyrics that often explored themes of spirituality and social justice.

Brandi Chastain

57 Years Old

A legendary soccer player and Olympic gold medalist, known for her iconic penalty kick in the 1999 World Cup final, cementing her status as a trailblazer for women's soccer.

Janet Reno

Died in 2016, aged 78

The first female Attorney General of the United States, serving from 1993 to 2001, known for her leadership during the Waco siege and her efforts to reform the justice system.

Isabell Werth

56 Years Old

A renowned dressage rider with a record six Olympic gold medals, dominating the sport with unparalleled precision and harmony with her horses.

CC Sabathia

45 Years Old

A dominant left-handed pitcher with a 19-year MLB career, winning a Cy Young Award and earning six All-Star selections. Known for his impressive fastball and slider, helping the Ya...

Garry Trudeau

77 Years Old

Creator of the popular comic strip Doonesbury, known for its biting satire and commentary on American politics and society.

Paul Reuter

Died in 1899, aged 82

Founded the pioneering news agency Reuters, revolutionizing global communication by providing rapid and reliable news transmission, setting the standard for modern journalism.

Events from History on July 21:
57 years ago
Neil Armstrong walks on the Moon's surface (Moon, Luna) 1969
As the Eagle lunar module touched down on the Moon's surface, Neil Armstrong uttered the now-famous phrase "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" as he became the first human to set foot on the Moon. Just 19 minutes later, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin joined him, and the two astronauts spent about two and a half hours exploring the lunar surface, collecting samples, and conducting experiments. Armstrong and Aldrin's historic moonwalk marked a triumphant culmination of the Apollo program, a groundbreaking achievement in space exploration that continues to inspire generations.
165 years ago
First Battle of Bull Run: Confederate Victory at Manassas Junction (Manassas Junction, Virginia, USA) 1861
The American Civil War's first major battle is underway, and the Confederacy is off to a blazing start! At Manassas Junction, Virginia, the Confederate army, led by General P.G.T. Beauregard, clashes with the Union army, led by General Irvin McDowell. The Confederates, despite being outnumbered, employ clever tactics and capitalize on Union mistakes, securing a resounding victory. As the Union troops flee in disarray, the Confederacy celebrates its first major triumph, sending shockwaves throughout the nation.
72 years ago
Geneva Conference divides Vietnam into North and South (Geneva, Switzerland) 1954
The Geneva Conference's deliberations finally came to a head as the international community gathered to determine the fate of Vietnam. After months of negotiations, the conference concluded with the partitioning of Vietnam into North Vietnam, led by communist leader Ho Chi Minh, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States and other anti-communist allies. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a decades-long struggle for control of the region, setting the stage for the Vietnam War.
82 years ago
Claus von Stauffenberg's failed coup against Adolf Hitler (Plötzensee Prison, Berlin, Germany) 1944
As the fate of the Third Reich teetered on the brink, Claus von Stauffenberg, a decorated German war hero, spearheaded a daring rebellion against the Führer himself, Adolf Hitler. On that fateful day, July 20, Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators carefully crafted a plan to eliminate the dictator, hoping to salvage what was left of Germany's crumbling infrastructure. With precision and stealth, Stauffenberg planted a bomb beneath the conference table, mere inches from Hitler's seat, at the Wolf's Lair, the Führer's Eastern Front headquarters. Miraculously, the bomb detonated, but the dictator narrowly escaped with his life, leaving the would-be assassins to face the brutal consequences.
16 years ago
President Obama signs monumental Wall Street reform bill (White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20500, USA) 2010
Barack Obama made history by signing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, a game-changing legislation aimed at preventing another catastrophic financial crisis like the 2008 debacle. This bold move marked a significant shift in the nation's financial regulatory landscape, reining in the reckless behavior of Wall Street giants and protecting American consumers from predatory practices. The exhaustive 2,300-page bill introduced stricter oversight, created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and brought accountability to the financial industry. This landmark reform was the most comprehensive since the 1930s, signaling a new era of responsibility and transparency in the world of high finance.
77 years ago
The US Senate ratifies the North Atlantic Treaty (United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., USA) 1949
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, better known as NATO, took a giant leap forward on this day! The United States Senate ratified the treaty, cementing the country's commitment to collective defense alongside 11 other nations. This historic move marked a pivotal moment in post-WWII international relations, as the Western Bloc sought to counterbalance the Soviet Union's growing influence. The treaty's Article 5, which pledges mutual defense in the event of an attack, has since become a cornerstone of transatlantic cooperation.
Notable Deaths on July 21:
2023Tony Bennett Legendary American singer with a legacy of timeless songs and performances
2014Dan Borislow Innovative entrepreneur who revolutionized telecommunications.
1998Alan Shepard American astronaut and test pilot who was the first American in space
2005Long John Baldry Celebrated blues singer-songwriter
1982Dave Garroway A dedicated journalist and actor who brought warmth to the TV screen.
2017John Heard American film and television actor known for his memorable performances
1944Claus von Stauffenberg Bolivian soldier and politician who fought for democracy and social reform in Bolivia.
2012Alexander Cockburn Influential journalist and author who shed light on pressing social issues.
1967Basil Rathbone A renowned actor and singer who brought Shakespearean roles to the silver screen.
2016Dennis Green Pioneering American football player and coach with a focus on teamwork
1998Robert Young American actor and singer who appeared in numerous films and TV shows
1967Albert Lutuli A South African anti-apartheid leader and Nobel laureate who fought for equality.
2004Jerry Goldsmith American composer and conductor who won multiple awards for his film scores
2004Edward B. Lewis American geneticist and biologist who discovered the structure of chromosomes
1977Lee Miller A talented American model and photographer who captured the essence of the human form.
1928Ellen Terry Iconic English actress known for her Shakespearean performances.
1878Sam Bass Notorious American outlaw who robbed banks and trains.
2018Alene Duerk Historic U.S. Navy admiral, paving the way for future female leaders
1970Bob Kalsu A courageous American football player who served as a lieutenant in Vietnam.
1948Arshile Gorky Pioneering American artist known for his unique style blending surrealism and abstraction.