March 28: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1910, Henri Fabre made history by becoming the first person to successfully fly a seaplane, taking off from the waters near Marseille.
About March 28
March 28 serves as a tapestry of human ambition, spanning from the high-stakes political shifts of the Roman Empire to the pioneering leaps of modern aviation. It is a day that honors the power of education and civil rights, marked by Teachers' Day in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and the historic student sit-ins in Rome, Georgia, that helped fuel the American civil rights movement.
Whether we are looking at the grand architectural beginnings of Valletta, Malta, or the celestial discovery of the asteroid Pallas, this date is defined by the moment something new begins. It is a day to appreciate both the delicate pages of a children's picture book and the immense, sometimes devastating, power of the natural world.
Holidays & Observances on March 28
- Serfs Emancipation Day (Tibet)
- Teachers' Day (Czech Republic and Slovakia)
Fun & National Days on March 28
- Earth Hour — Turn off your lights to show your support for the planet.
- National Black Forest Cake Day — Indulge in a rich slice of chocolate and cherry goodness.
- Respect Your Cat Day — Give your feline friend some extra love and treats today.
- National Something On a Stick Day — Find any tasty snack and enjoy it on a stick.
- Brothers' and Sisters' Day
- Children's Picture Book Day
- Eat an Edy's Pie Day
- National Hot Tub Day
- Take your Parents to the Playground Day
- Weed Appreciation Day
On This Day in History
- 37 — The Roman Senate officially granted the title of Principate to the emperor Caligula.
- 1566 — Jean Parisot de Valette, Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, laid the foundation stone for Valletta.
- 1802 — Astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Matthäus Olbers identified Pallas, which stands as the second asteroid ever found.
- 1842 — The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra held its very first concert, led by conductor Otto Nicolai.
- 1854 — The Crimean War commenced as Great Britain and France formally declared war against Russia.
- 1910 — Henri Fabre achieved the first seaplane flight, launching his aircraft from a water runway near Marseille.
- 1918 — During World War I, the American Rainbow Division became the first to occupy an entire sector alone.
- 1939 — Spanish Generalissimo Francisco Franco successfully captured Madrid after a siege lasting three years.
- 1946 — The Acheson–Lilienthal Report was released by the US, proposing international oversight for nuclear energy.
- 1963 — More than one hundred high school students organized a sit-in protest in Rome, Georgia.
- 1979 — A partial meltdown occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant following a coolant leak.
- 2001 — The Athens International Airport, known as Eleftherios Venizelos, officially opened for operations.
Famous Birthdays on March 28
- 1515 — Teresa of Ávila, A renowned Spanish saint and influential figure within the Catholic Church.
- 1868 — Maxim Gorky, A highly respected Russian novelist and a prominent playwright.
- 1955 — Reba McEntire, A celebrated American country music singer, songwriter, and actress.
- 1970 — Vince Vaughn, A popular American actor recognized for his many comedic film roles.
- 1981 — Julia Stiles, A well-known American actress with a prolific career in film.
- 1986 — Lady Gaga, An iconic American singer and actress known for her global pop stardom.