December 2 National Day

December 2 National Day Calendar with a complete list of National Days in December and on the day December 2nd.

Holidays on December 2nd

There are several holidays and observances that are celebrated on December 2nd around the world. Here are a few examples:

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: This United Nations observance marks the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which includes a prohibition on slavery and servitude.
National Fritters Day: This holiday celebrates a type of fried dough that is popular in many parts of the world.
Independence Day: This holiday is celebrated in the Republic of the Congo and marks the day in 1960 when the country gained its independence from France.
National Mutt Day: This holiday celebrates mixed-breed dogs and encourages people to adopt a mutt from a shelter or rescue organization.

December 2 History

There have been a number of significant events that have occurred on December 2nd throughout history. Here are a few examples:

In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of the French in a ceremony in Notre Dame Cathedral.
In 1823, President James Monroe delivered his annual message to Congress, in which he outlined the “Monroe Doctrine,” a statement of U.S. foreign policy that warned European nations against further colonization in the Americas.
In 1859, British naturalist Charles Darwin published “On the Origin of Species,” in which he outlined his theory of evolution by natural selection.
In 1942, the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was achieved at the University of Chicago, marking a major milestone in the development of nuclear energy.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, while riding in a motorcade.

These are just a few examples of the significant events that have occurred on December 2nd throughout history. There have likely been many other important events that have taken place on this day as well.

RED-NOSED REINDEER DAY
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY
NATIONAL FRITTERS DAY

1409, the UNIVERSITY OF LEIPZIG began operations.
1755, at CORNWALL, ENGLAND, fire destroyed the second EDDYSTONE LIGHTHOUSE.
1790, the AUSTRIAN army occupied the city of BRUSSELS.CROWNING OF NAPOLEON
1804, in the presence of POPE PIUS VII, NAPOLEON BONAPARTE crowned himself EMPEROR OF FRANCE.“BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ”
1805, the FRENCH army of EMPEROR NAPOLEON I defeated the AUSTRIAN army of EMPEROR FRANCIS I and the RUSSIAN army of TSAR ALEXANDER at the “BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ” (aka the “BATTLE OF THREE EMPERORS”).
MADISON REELECTED
1812, in the presidential race, defeating FEDERALIST DE WITT CLINTON, DEMOCRATIC- REPUBLICAN JAMES MADISON won reelection.
1814, the FRENCH-writer MARQUIS DE SADE died at 74.

1816, the PHILADELPHIA SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY became the nation’s first savings bank.

1823, PRESIDENT JAMES MONROE in his annual message to CONGRESS issued his “MONROE DOCTRINE” designed to keep foreign intrigue at bay in the WESTERN HEMISPHERE.

“MONROE DOCTRINE” ISSUED TO CONGRESS

1840, DONIZETTI’S opera “LA FAVORITA” debuted in PARIS. The same day in the presidential election, WHIG WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON defeated DEMOCRAT MARTIN VAN BUREN.
1848, FRANZ JOSEF I became the emperor of AUSTRIA- HUNGARY.LOUIS BONAPARTE
BECAME FRENCH DICTATOR
1851, followers of FRENCH PRESIDENT LOUIS NAPOLEON closed down the LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY and established a dictatorship. After a plebiscite in NOVEMBER, 1852, LOUIS became emperor (NAPOLEON III) of the new SECOND FRENCH EMPIRE.JOHN BROWN HANGED
1859, at CHARLESTOWN in WESTERN VIRGINIA, abolitionist JOHN BROWN, 59, was hanged for treason.
1868, in LONDON, ENGLAND, the first DISRAELI government resigned.
1877, LOUIS-PAUL CAILLETET became the first person to produce liquid oxygen.
1882, the ARTIS ZOO in AMSTERDAM opened its aquarium.
1886, future-president TEDDY ROOSEVELT married EDITH KERMIT CAROW.
1887, in NEW YORK CITY, BRITISH-author CHARLES DICKENS gave his first public reading in the UNITED STATES.

1907, in a heavyweight title fight, TOMMY BURNS ko’d GUNNER MOIR in the tenth round.

P’U YI BECAME EMPEROR

1908, three-year-old HENRY P’U YI became CHINA’S last emperor, given the reign name HSUAN TUNG. In 1912, he was forced to renounce his throne.
1909, BIOGRAPH released the D-W GRIFFITH silent film, “THE DEATH DISC”, based on a story by MARK TWAIN, and starring LINDA ARVIDSON and ARTHUR V. JOHNSON.

1914, in WORLD WAR I, the AUSTRIAN army captured BELGRADE in SERBIA.

1917, FAMOUS PLAYERS PICTURES released A silent-film version of MARK TWAIN’S “TOM SAWYER” (FULL FILM), starring JACK PICKFORD, GEORGE HACKATHORNE, ROBERT GORDON, and CLARA HORTON.

1922, in CANADA, QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY defeated the EDMONTON ESKIMOS, 13-1, to win the 10TH CFL GREY CUP.

1924, the SIGMUND ROMBERG operetta, “THE STUDENT PRINCE” (“DRINKING SONG”), opened at JOLDSON’S 59TH STREET THEATRE in NEW YORK for a run of 608 performances.

“STUDENT PRINCE” OPENED

Also in 1924, GREAT BRITAIN and GERMANY signed a trade agreement.
1926, director ALFRED HITCHCOCK married writer ALMA REVILLE.FORD INTRODUCED
MODEL-A
1927, HENRY FORD introduced the “MODEL-A” for $385.
1928, the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS’ JIM BOTTOMLEY was named the NATIONAL LEAGUE’S “MOST VALUABLE PLAYER”.
1929, the first skull of a PEKING MAN was discovered, 30 miles from BEIJING in CHINA.
1932, PARAMOUNT released the film “IF I HAD A MILLION”, starring GARY COOPER, CHARLES LAUGHTON, GEORGE RAFT, JACK OAKIE, CHARLES RUGGLES, MAY ROBSON, and W-C FIELDS. The same day, the radio-series “THE ADVENTURES OF CHARLIE CHAN” debuted on NBC’S BLUE NETWORK.
1933, MGM released the film-musical “DANCING LADY”, starring JOAN CRAWFORD, CLARK GABLE, FRANCHOT TONE, and MAY ROBSON. The film also introduced FRED ASTAIRE.LAGUARDIA OPENED TO AIR TRAFFIC
1939, NEW YORK’S LAGUARDIA AIRPORT opened to air traffic at one minute after midnight with the arrival of a flight from CHICAGO. The same day, BRITISH IMPERIAL AIRWAYS merged with BRITISH AIRWAYS to form BOAC.FIRST MANMADE NUCLEAR
CHAIN REACTION
1942, in CHICAGO, scientists, led by ENRICO FERMI and ARTHUR COMPTON, first achieved a controlled nuclear chain reaction. The same day, actress RUTH GORDON married writer-director GARSON KANIN.
“CARMEN JONES” OPENED
1943, the musical “CARMEN JONES” opened at the BROADWAY THEATRE in NEW YORK for a run of 503 performances.
1944, OHIO STATE’S quarterback LES HORVATH won the tenth HEISMAN TROPHY. The same day, FRANCE’S GENERAL CHARLES DE GAULLE began a visit to MOSCOW.
1947, NOTRE DAME’S quarterback JOHNNY LUJACK won the HEISMAN TROPHY.
1948, the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS’ STAN MUSIAL won the NATIONAL LEAGUE’S “MOST VALUABLE PLAYER” award.
1949, the original version of “RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER” by GENE AUTRY first entered the pop-music charts.
1952, an AMERICAN television audience first viewed the birth of a baby. The same day, OKLAHOMA halfback BILLY VESSELS won the HEISMAN TROPHY.
1954, the SENATE censured WISCONSIN SENATOR JOSEPH MCCARTHY for contempt before a subcommittee and abuse of its members.
MCCARTHY CENSURED
1957, the nation’s first large-scale nuclear-power plant opened at SHIPPINGPORT, PENNSYLVANIA.
1958, WEST POINT halfback PETE DAWKINS won the HEISMAN TROPHY. The same day, the film “ONE-EYED JACKS”, starring MARLON BRANDO, began production. MALPASSET DAM COLLAPSE
1959, in FRANCE, the MALPASSET DAM collapsed, killing 412 people and destroying the town of FREJUS on the RIVIERA. The same day, television’s “THIS IS YOUR LIFE”, hosted by RALPH EDWARDS, honored singer BOBBY DARIN.
1961, FIDEL CASTRO announced he was a MARXIST and would establish a COMMUNIST government in CUBA.
1963, film-actor SABU (DASTAGIR) died at 39. The same day, the major leagues outlawed “oversized” catcher’s mitts — effective in the 1965 season.
1964, the BEATLES’ RINGO STARR (“YOU’RE SIXTEEN”) had his tonsils removed.
1966, the rock-groups LOVE (“LITTLE RED BOOK”) and MOBY GRAPE (“OMAHA”) performed at the FILMORE EAST.
1967, on the SAN DIEGO FREEWAY in CALIFORNIA, singer JIMMIE RODGERS was assaulted and severely injured with a fractured skull.
1968, PRESIDENT NIXON appointed HENRY KISSINGER as presidential security advisor. EPA BEGAN OPERATIONS
1970, the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) began operations with WILLIAM RUCKELSHAUS as its director.“MARS THREE” LANDED
1971, the SOVIET UNION’S “MARS THREE” became the first spacecraft to soft land on MARS. The same day, the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES declared their independence from GREAT BRITAIN.
1972, singer CARLY SIMON released her hit, “YOU’RE SO VAIN”, with background harmonies supplied by MICK JAGGER of the ROLLING STONES (“LET’S SPEND THE NIGHT TOGETHER”).
1973, MONTREAL authorities held the BRITISH rock group, the WHO, responsible for $6,000 damage to a hotel room. The same day in CLEVELAND, AUSTRALIA won the DAVIS CUP, beating the UNITED STATES, 5-0.“SOYUZ 16” LAUNCHED
1974, the SOVIETS launched “SOYUZ 16” into EARTH orbit for six days. The same day, the major leagues ruled that cowhide, like horsehide, could be used in the manufacture of baseballs.
1978, “YOU DON’T BRING ME FLOWERS” by BARBRA STREISAND and NEIL DIAMOND reached number one on the pop-singles charts.
1979, singer STEVIE WONDER (“SUPERSTITION”) performed with the NATIONAL AFRO-AMERICAN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA at NEW YORK’S METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE. The same day, actor-singer KRIS KRISTOFFERSON (“HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT”) and vocalist RITA COOLIDGE (“HIGHER AND HIGHER”) divorced; and LIBYAN protesters attacked the U-S embassy in TRIPOLI.
1980, a government death squad killed four AMERICAN nuns in EL SALVADOR.

1981, the LOS ANGELES DODGERS’ FERNANDO VALENZUELA was named the NATIONAL LEAGUE’S “ROOKIE OF THE YEAR”. The same day, SPAIN requested membership in NATO.

FIRST JARVIC-7 IMPLANT

1982, at the UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, DR. BARNEY CLARK received the first JARVIC-SEVEN artificial heart. He lived 112 days. The same day, a heart attack took the life of actor MARTY FELDMAN, 49.

1985, RUPERT HOLMES’ musical, “THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD”, based on the book by CHARLES DICKENS, opened at the IMPERIAL THEATRE in NEW YORK for a run of 608 performances.

“MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD” OPENED

1986, at an EURYTHMICS’ concert in ENGLAND, vocalist ANNIE LENNOX (“SWEET DREAMS”) exposed her breasts to more than 10,000 fans. The same day, actor DESI ARNAZ, former- husband of actress LUCILLE BALL, died at 69.

“NAKED GUN” RELEASED

1988, the DAVID ZUCKER film, “THE NAKED GUN: FROM THE FILES OF POLICE SQUAD!”, starring LESLIE NIELSEN, PRISCILLA PRESLEY, GEORGE KENNEDY, RICARDO MONTALBAN, and O-J SIMPSON, debuted theatrically.

Also in 1988, WILLIE NELSON appeared on the “GERALDO” television show to discuss “sex on the road”; and five gunmen, who had hijacked a SOVIET AEROFLOT jet, surrendered to authorities in ISRAEL.

1989, HOUSTON UNIVERSITY’S quarterback ANDRÉ WARE won the HEISMAN TROPHY.
1990, actress KATHARINE HEPBURN received the KENNEDY CENTER HONOR FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT. The same day, actor BOB CUMMINGS died at 88; composer AARON COPELAND (“HOEDOWN”) died at 90.

WARE WON HEISMAN

Also in 1990, a reunified GERMANY held its first parliamentary elections. CHANCELLOR HELMUT KOHL’S center-right coalition easily won.
1991, in baseball, BOBBY BONILLA inked a $29-million dollar, five-year contract with the NEW YORK METS. The same day in LEBANON, MUSLIM SHITES released AMERICAN- hostage JOSEPH CICIPPIO.
1993, COLOMBIAN drug-lord PABLO ESCOBAR GAVIRIA, 44, was shot to death in MEDELLIN. The same day, the HOUSTON ROCKETS tied an NBA record with their 15th-straight, season- beginning victory.
1994, WARNER BROTHERS released the film “COBB”, starring TOMMY LEE JONES as the baseball great.SOHO LAUNCHED
1995, NASA launched “SOHO (SOLAR AND HELIOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY”, a joint project of the EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY and the NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION.MCI CENTER OPENED
1997, the MCI CENTER (now VERIZON CENTER) opened in WASHINGTON, DC. The same day, the film “THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY”, starring CAMERON DIAZ, began shooting in HOLLYWOOD.
1999, a power-sharing cabinet of CATHOLICS and PROTESTANTS held their first meeting in NORTHERN IRELAND.
2000, the SMASHING PUMPKINS (“TONIGHT TONIGHT”) performed their final concert at THE METRO in CHICAGO..

2001, ENRON filed a “CHAPTER 11” bankruptcy, one of the largest in UNITED STATES corporate history.

ALICE GOT HIS STAR

2003, rock-star ALICE COOPER (“I’M EIGHTEEN”) received his star on the HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME.
2005, with the retirement of TOM BROKAW, BRIAN WILLIAMS became the anchor of “NBC NIGHTLY NEWS”.

Also in 2005, PARAMOUNT PICTURES released the sci-fi film “ÆON FLUX”, starring CHARLIZE THERON and FRANCES MCDORMAND; and in NORTH CAROLINA, murderer KENNETH LEE BOYD became the 1,000th person to be executed since resumption of capital punishment in 1977.
2008, singer-activist ODETTA (“BABY, I’M IN THE MOOD FOR YOU”) died at 77 in NEW YORK CITY.
2010, baseball-player RON SANTOS died at 70 in SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA.
Politician JOHN BRECKINRIDGE (1760)
Circus-Magnate CHARLES RINGLING (1863)
Actor RAY WALSTON (1914)
Composer ADOLPH GREEN (1914)
Actor EZRA STONE (1917)
Singer SYLVIA SYMS (1917)
Opera-Singer MARIA CALLAS (1923)
Former Secretary of State ALEXANDER HAIG (1924)
Actress JULIE HARRIS (1925)
Former Attorney-General ED MEESE is 82
Politician HARRY REID is 74
Actress CATHY LEE CROSBY is 69
Country-Singer JOHN WESLEY RYLES is 63
Actor DAN BUTLER is 60
News-Personality STONE PHILLIPS is 59
Actor DENNIS CHRISTOPHER is 58
Actor STEVEN BAUER is 57
Musician RICK SAVAGE of DEF LEPPARD is 53
Actress LUCY LIU is 45
Actress RENA SOFER is 45
Tennis-Star MONICA SELES is 40
Singer NELLY FURTADO is 35
Singer BRITNEY SPEARS (“BABY ONE MORE TIME”) is 32
Football-Player MATT WARE is 31
Actresses DANIELLA and DEANNA CANTERMAN are 21