UPDATE: Today, December 7, marks a significant date in history, with the launch of Apollo 17 on December 7, 1972, from Cape Canaveral. This mission remains America’s last crewed trip to the moon, a moment etched in the annals of space exploration.
As we reflect on this day, we also remember other pivotal events. On December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched a devastating air raid on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor, resulting in the tragic loss of over 2,300 Americans and prompting the United States to declare war against Japan the following day.
In addition, December 7 holds other historical milestones. In 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Fast forward to 1982, when convicted murderer Charlie Brooks Jr. became the first U.S. prisoner executed by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas.
Today also marks the birthdays of several notable figures, including Noam Chomsky, who turns 97, and Ellen Burstyn, celebrating her 93rd birthday. Johnny Bench, the legendary baseball Hall of Famer, turns 78 today, and Tom Waits is now 76.
In more recent history, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris reopened last year, following a devastating fire in 2019 that nearly destroyed this beloved Gothic masterpiece. The reopening ceremony was attended by world leaders and was marked by celebrations of cultural resilience.
As we remember these events, the legacy of Apollo 17 stands out, representing human ingenuity and the pursuit of knowledge beyond our planet.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to explore the significance of these historical moments and their impact on our world today.
