Today, February 28, is the 59th day of the year on the Gregorian Calendar. It is the last day of the month of February unless it is a leap year, which happens every 4 years. The Zodiac sign for individuals born on this day is Pisces. The February birthstone is Amethyst.
February 28th is National Chocolate Souffle Day! It is the day to celebrate the deliciousness of the chocolate souffle.
February 28th is a significant day in the history of Texas, as it is the start of the standoff between the FBI and the Branch Davidians. On this date in 1993, 4 federal agents were killed trying to serve a warrant for illegal firearms to David Korech, the sect leader in Waco. 6 of his followers were also killed in the gun battle. There is still debate over who fired first, but the remaining federal agents testified that it was the Davidians who fired first. The standoff finally ended when the compound burned down. 76 people were killed in the fire, 24 of them British nationals, and included 20 children, two pregnant women, and David Koresch himself. The agents were there to present arrest and search warrants to the cult. They had been accused of stockpiling illegal weapons, as Korech taught them that the United States government was an enemy of theirs and God had commanded them to arm themselves against it.
Many other events happened on this day in history. M*A*S*H, the most watched television show in history, aired its final episode. The 53rd PGA championship was won by Jack Nicklaus. Michael Jackson won 8 awards at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards. In 1940, the first televised basketball game was aired; University of Pittsburgh beats Fordham University, 50-37. In 1922, Egypt regained its independence from Britain.
The 2010's-2000's
- 2010 - A granite head from the statue of Amenhotep III was discovered in Egypt at the temple of Lexor. http://www.brainyhistory.com/days/february_28.html
- 2003 - Hans Blix states that there is no evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
The 1990's
- 1997 - Smokers must prove they are 18 or older to buy cigarettes.
- 1995 - Denver International Airport opens.
- 1994 - The Brady Law, the law stating the three day waiting period to purchase fire arms, goes into effect. http://www.worldofquotes.com/history/2_28/9/index.html
- 1993 - The 31 day standoff in Waco, Texas started when four federal agents were killed trying to serve a warrant to David Koresh, a Branch Davidian sect leader. http://www.infoplease.com/dayinhistory/February-28
- 1991 - "Les Miserable" opens in Amsterdam
The 1980's
- 1988 - The 15th Winter Olympics ended in Calgary, Canada
- 1984 - Michael Jackson wins 8 awards at the 26th Grammy Awards; Beat It named Song of the Year.
- 1983 - The final episode of M*A*S*H airs.
- 1981 - Calvin Murphy of Houston sets the record for consecutive free throws at 78.
- 1980 - The US performs nuclear tests in Nevada.
The 1970's
- 1977 - The first killer whale is born in captivity in California.
- 1975 - Nuclear tests are performed in Nevada.
- 1975 - 41 people are killed by a speeding train in the London Underground.
- 1972 - President Nixon returns from his historic week long trip to China.
- 1971 - Jack Nicklaus wins the 53rd PGA Championship.
The 1960's
- 1966 - The Cavern Club, a favored hangout for The Beatles, closes.
- 1960 - The 8th Olympic Winter Games ends in California. http://www.brainyhistory.com/days/february_28.html
