First Thanksgiving Day Celebrated
1619

(Stay tuned for a write-up on this event.
On the other hand, if you'd like to try writing
one  ... send it in! )

Washington Bids Farewell to Officers
1783

(Stay tuned for a write-up on this event.
On the other hand, if you'd like to try writing
one  ... send it in! )

Birth of Francisco Franco
1892

(Stay tuned for a write-up on this event.
On the other hand, if you'd like to try writing
one  ... send it in! )

Wilson Sets Sail to Versailles
1919

(Stay tuned for a write-up on this event.
On the other hand, if you'd like to try writing
one  ... send it in! )

FDR Dismantles WPA
1942

(Stay tuned for a write-up on this event.
On the other hand, if you'd like to try writing
one  ... send it in! )

U.S. Bombers Strike at Italy
1942

(Stay tuned for a write-up on this event.
On the other hand, if you'd like to try writing
one  ... send it in! )

Senate Approves U.N. Participation
1945

(Stay tuned for a write-up on this event.
On the other hand, if you'd like to try writing
one  ... send it in! )

Hanukkah (begins at sundown)

The Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah, was originated by Judas Maccabaeus in 164 BC, in celebration of the purification of the Temple in Jersusalem.

The year before, the Temple had been desecrated by Seleucid king Antiochus Epiphanes, who had converted it to pagan worship and unclean offerings. When Antiochus died in 164 BC the Maccabaeans, who had already defeated the larger Seleucid army at nearby Emmaus, were strong enough to wrest back control of the Temple.

The repurification is represented by the lighting of an additional candle on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah.