Looking back at what’s happened in the past is interesting, nostalgic even. Many times, we find ourselves amazed at how much time has passed; that phrase “seems like it was just yesterday” pops into our heads as we realize that decades have passed. Whether the event is of historic significance or the birth, death, launch, or invention of something that impacted our
Lives, remembering the time when it happened and reflecting on what life was like then is a good thing. 2018 is a milestone year for many events that shaped generations.
Historical Events
World War I, The Great War, ended 100 years ago on November 11th, 1918, at 11:00. Over 8.5 million military personnel lost their lives during that war; the civilian casualties were even greater.
One hundred years ago, the Spanish influenza resulted in over 500 million cases with the death toll estimated at between 50 and 100 million worldwide.
2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the North Korean seizure of the USSPuebloon January 23rd, 1968. Eleven months went by before the crew was released.
December 24 will be the 50th anniversary of the first manned orbit around the moon by the crew of Apollo 8.
October is the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act. One of the oldest trails is the Appalachian Trail, 2,200 miles long.
February 11th was the 25th anniversary of the nomination of the first woman to become the US Attorney General. Janet Reno served from 1993 to 2001.
Entertainment Milestones
200 years ago, one of the most beloved Christmas carols, Silent Night, was performed for the first time in Oberndorf, Austria.
On February 19th, 50 years ago, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhoodbroadcast its first show.
March 30th was the 75thanniversary of Oklahoma on Broadway.
April 29th marked the 50thanniversary of another Broadway legend—Hair.
2001: A Space Odyssey was launched on April 6th, 1968. Happy 50th birthday, Hal!
60 Minutes with its investigative journalism format launched is first telecast on September 24th, fifty years ago, and is still going strong.
It’s been 40 years since Mork and Mindy was first televised on September 14th, 1978. Nanu, Nanu.
The Jurassic juggernaut began on June 11th, 25 years ago, with the film launch of Jurassic Park. Those dinosaurs continue to roam the earth!
Births/Deaths
Frederick Douglas, a champion of civil rights, was born 200 years ago, in February 1818.
Emily Bronte, author of Wuthering Heights, was born 200 years ago on July 30th. Wuthering Heights was her only novel and is considered one of the top 100 most popular novels.
Within a two-month period, two leaders were lost to generations. On April 4th, 1968, Rev. Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. On June 5th, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was gunned down after a political rally in Los Angeles, California. Fifty years later, commentators still reflect on their legacies and what might have been, had King and Kennedy lived to fulfill their dreams.
These are just a few of the notable anniversary events of 2018. Personal milestones are equally important. Celebrate your milestone events—that first step by your child or grandchild, a retirement date finally achieved, first driver’s license, graduations, weddings, births—all are important marks of time.
