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This Day in History: April 11Featured EventNapoleon's abdication at Fontainebleau On this day in 1814, during the Napoleonic wars, Napoleon was facing an invasion of France by forces bent on his overthrow and, pressed by his own officers, abdicated unconditionally at Fontainebleau. Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Samuel H. Kress Collection, 1961.9.15 Featured BiographyMore Events On This DayMaria Tallchief, whose exquisite technique made her one of the greatest ballerinas in the United States, died at age 88. Sort fact from fiction in our ballet quiz Martha Swope American author Kurt Vonnegut, who was noted for such wryly satirical novels as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), died at age 84. Take our famous authors quiz Everett Collection/Shutterstock.com Ugandan President Idi Amin, whose brutality earned him the nickname “Butcher of Uganda,” fled the country as Tanzanian-led forces neared Kampala. Do you know what jobs these African leaders had before entering politics? Janet Griffith/Black Star Apollo 13 was launched from Cape Kennedy (now Cape Canaveral), Florida; although scheduled to be the third lunar landing, the mission was aborted after an oxygen tank exploded en route to the Moon. Sort fact from fiction in our quiz about space exploration MSFC/NASA The trial of Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann began in Jerusalem; eight months later it ended with the only death sentence ever imposed by an Israeli court. Test your knowledge of Adolf Hitler's right-hand men and other Nazi officials Central Zionist Archives, courtesy of USHMM Photo Archives Mathematician Andrew John Wiles, deviser of a proof of Fermat's last theorem, was born in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England. Take our mathematics quiz C. J. Mozzochi, Princeton, N.J. U.S. President Harry S. Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur of his command of United Nations and U.S. forces during the Korean War. Test your knowledge of some of the greatest moments in military history The Harry S. Truman Library/NARA Cuban patriot José Julián Martí landed in Cuba at the head of an invading force whose goal was to win independence from Spain. Sort fact from fiction in our quiz about the Caribbean Courtesy of the Organization of American States Dean Acheson—U.S. secretary of state from 1949 to 1953, adviser to four presidents, and the principal creator of U.S. foreign policy in the Cold War period following World War II—was born. How much do you know about American politics? National Archives, Washington, D.C. Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria confirmed the March Laws, which formed the foundation of the modern state of Hungary. Test your knowledge of European history Peter Geymayer The eruption of Mount Tambora, a volcano on the island of Sumbawa in what is now Indonesia, killed about 10,000 people. Sort fact from fiction in our natural disasters quiz NASA/JSC As March fades away,
spring flowers have started to bloom, the days are getting longer, and winter's chill is fading away. Do you still need more reasons to celebrate? We've created a calendar full of
April celebrations, including foodie holidays, such as Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, and other national observances, such as National Pet Day, to make your month a little bit happier. Here are 30 reasons to celebrate during the month of April. April formerly was the second month of the year under the Roman calendar. Paul Bradbury / Getty Images Kick off the month with some lighthearted pranks. For example, serve a mashed potato "sundae" in a tall glass for dessert. But keep in mind that not everyone enjoys being on the other end of a joke, so take care to respect the wishes of those who may not appreciate the gesture. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a lunchtime staple, so it's no wonder the sweet and savory sammie gets its own day of celebration. The origin of this national day is unknown, but Boston writer Julia Davis Chandler was the first to
mention pairing peanut "paste" with jelly on bread in an article written in 1901. Celebrate by spreading this perfect duo on a sandwich for yourself. Both airy and decadent, chocolate mousse makes a romantic dessert, whether you're cooking for two or looking to impress a crowd. The French developed edible
chocolate around 1650, and a century later they began publishing recipes for the "mousse" technique. Try out the technique for yourself on National Chocolate Mousse Day. Pet rats are intelligent, social animals that are easily tamed. If you're looking for a new pet, learn more about rats to celebrate the animal's special day. World Rat Day was created in 2002 by two rat lovers who wanted to give
recognition to their favorite animal. Continue to 5 of 30 below. April is a month of celebrating sweets and on this day you can celebrate a classic chewy candy: caramel. The form of chewy caramel everyone now loves dates back to the 18th century. Caramel is formed by heating a mixture of various types of sugar until the molecules break down to form a new compound—a process known as "caramelization." Try your cooking skills at making your own caramel today to celebrate (just remember
caramel can be a little messy). Kim Kozlowski Photography / Getty Images National Twinkie Day was first formally celebrated in 2012, the same year Twinkie production was temporarily suspended due to Hostess Brands filing for bankruptcy. But this snack cake has been around since 1930, and fortunately it made a quick return to store shelves in 2013. Enjoy the day by indulging in this popular
treat. Adam Sargent / Getty Images National Beer Day commemorates the passage of the
Cullen-Harrison Act of 1933, a piece of legislation that legalized the sale of 3.2 percent beer during Prohibition. To celebrate National Beer Day, skip your go-to six-pack, and try a new brew. From stouts to sours, there are many different beers to sample. cristinairanzo / Getty Images Many areas see the return of more bird species in the spring. Whether you're an enthusiastic
backyard birder or a dedicated hobbyist, almost everyone enjoys catching sight and sound of a pretty bird. Put your pencil to paper to capture the moment today. You don't have to be artistic to enjoy this activity. Just take a moment to observe and sketch some of the birds you see. Continue to 9 of 30 below. Biljana Nikolic / Getty Images Forget the saying: "Out with the old, in with the new." Cherish an Antique Day is meant for celebrating the older, refined items of years past. Whether you're an antique collector or simply like admiring items from previous decades, take some time today to shop for
antiques, read up on their history, sort through family heirlooms, or add a piece into your home decor. sarahwolfephotography / Getty Images They might have annoyed you when you were younger, but few people know you as intimately as your siblings do. So take a moment today to call your brother or sister and reminisce about all those times you drove each other (and your parents)
crazy. Pets can comfort you when you're feeling low, offer
unconditional love, and provide entertainment. Sure, they might be a little weird and sometimes misbehave, but they're part of your family. Give your animal friends a little extra love, care, and some treats today. Whether you love a simple slice of American cheese on white bread or aged brie on sourdough, grilled cheese always makes for an
awesome meal. Whip up your favorite grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast, lunch, or dinner to celebrate today. Continue to 13 of 30 below. darby / Twenty20 Is "quijibo" really a word? Over the years, you may have had your fair share of surprise triple word scores, heated dictionary deliberations, and maybe some tile throwing. National Scrabble Day honors the birthday of game inventor Alfred Mosher Butts, born on April 13, 1899. It's a great day to invite over a few word-savvy
friends, get out your Scrabble board, and learn some new words. National Pecan Day has been celebrated in the U.S. since 1996 and was launched by the National Pecan Shellers Association. Celebrate this delicious, buttery nut by whipping up a batch of pecan candies, a classic pecan pie, or some other pecan desserts. Joseph De Leo / Getty Images There's more than one way to glaze a ham. Soda, maple syrup, pineapple, and honey are all tried-and-true methods to sweeten a classic baked ham. Today's a perfect day to practice a method you've never tried before. You always can use leftover ham in a breakfast casserole or a sandwich. April 16: National Eggs Benedict DayAlexander Spatari / Getty ImagesWhat's brunch without eggs Benedict? Rich hollandaise sauce, a perfectly yolky egg, a fluffy biscuit, and thick slices of Canadian bacon make up the classic dish that'll have you licking your lips before noon. Try making your own version at home today, or treat yourself to a delicious meal out. Continue to 17 of 30 below. April 17: Haiku Poetry DayAnton Petrus / Getty ImagesA form of poetry originating in Japan, a Haiku usually consists of three lines. The first and third contain five syllables, and the middle line contains seven. Celebrate this beautiful art form by writing some of your own, checking out a poetry book at the library, or finding a few to read online. You may even have some poetry books in your home library you can dust off and read. April 18: National Velociraptor Awareness DaySalvatore Rabito Alcón / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0The velociraptors became a fan favorite in the “Jurassic Park” franchise. And today you can celebrate these ferocious creatures. Take a moment to learn something new about raptors, predators, and other dinosaurs today. And compare the scientific facts to how they are portrayed in the movies. April 19: National Garlic DayAna Pelaez / Getty Images National Garlic Day is dedicated to celebrating this "stinking rose" in the kitchen and in history. After all, people once thought garlic could cure the Bubonic plague, and in fact it does offer several health benefits. Garlic is surprisingly simple to grow and can thrive in a vegetable garden or planter. Make your favorite garlic-filled dish today to celebrate. April 20: National Look-Alike DayMaria Teijeiro / Getty ImagesHas anyone ever told you that you look like a certain celebrity or that you and your best friend are always matching? You don't have to be a twin to have a look-alike. To celebrate National Look-Alike Day, try to find the celebrities your family and friends look like. Or purposely wear matching clothes with your family, friends, or even pets. Continue to 21 of 30 below. April 21: United Kingdom's National Tea DayMichael Marquand / Getty ImagesAnglophiles everywhere should set aside April 21, the United Kingdom's National Tea Day, for special observance. This is the day that Brits celebrate the hot drink that has been their favorite for centuries. Create a traditional English tea setting to get into the spirit of the day. April 22: Earth DayAriel Skelley / Getty Images April 22, 1970, was the first Earth Day, and the date has been observed every year since as the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. Mother Earth may only officially get full attention one day a year, but you can try to take care of the planet every day. Today's the day to learn some ways you can help protect the environment. April 23: National Picnic DayDougal Waters / Getty Images The word "picnic" derives from the French piquenique, meaning a meal eaten outdoors. A picnic truly became an activity during the early 19th century when a group of wealthy London residents formed The Picnic Society, featuring shared dishes and informal entertainment. To celebrate the day, pack a picnic lunch, and soak up some spring sunshine. April 25: World Penguin DayMark Pollard / Stocksy UnitedForever dressed in formal attire and waddling around, penguins are charming oddities of the bird world. There are actually 18 distinct penguin species, and today's the day to celebrate all of them. Learn about ways you can help penguins survive in their wild habitats, and consider donating to a wildlife group that supports penguins. Continue to 25 of 30 below. April 26: National Pretzel DayOwen Franken / Getty Images Pretzels may be a go-to snack for modern-day sporting events, but the origin of this salty baked good can be traced back to monks in the Middle Ages. Dipped in mustard or chocolate, wrapped around a hot dog, or shaped into a roll, pretzels are a bit tricky to make from scratch. However, they're well worth the effort. Use today to try your hand at making homemade pretzels. April 27: National Prime Rib DayDavid Bishop Inc. / Getty Images Often considered the "king of meats," prime rib arguably is the finest cut of beef there is. You can celebrate this day by making your favorite prime rib recipe (wear an apron to avoid staining), or enjoy prime rib from your favorite restaurant. April 28: National Blueberry Pie DayKatra Toplak / Getty Images April 28 gives you the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, thanks to National Blueberry Pie Day. Make a blueberry pie today to share with friends or family. Add a scoop of ice cream, and you've got yourself the perfect spring treat. Or better yet, learn how to grow blueberries in your own yard. April 29: National Peace Rose DayYoungkyun Lee / EyeEm / Getty ImagesNational Peace Rose Day is observed on the anniversary of when the rose's name was announced publicly: April 29, 1945. A popular hybrid tea rose, the peace rose certainly will bring serenity to any garden. If you have the space, consider planting some of these beauties in your garden. Continue to 29 of 30 below. April 29: Arbor Day* (last Friday)susan.k. / Getty ImagesSince 1872, Arbor Day has been observed as a day to encourage tree planting and to raise awareness of the importance of trees and forests. If you have the space in your yard, today's the day to plant a new tree. Otherwise, look for events to help with local tree plantings or green space cleanup. April 30: National Adopt a Shelter Pet DayCamille Tokerud / Getty Images Adopt a Shelter Pet Day was created to raise awareness for the millions of animals awaiting adoption in shelters across the U.S. If you're looking to add a pet to your home, today's the day to visit your local shelter or look at adoption sites online. Many rescue groups even have adoption specials to celebrate the day. If you don't have space for another critter, you can still help by volunteering or donating to a rescue group. FAQ
* Denotes that date changes each year The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Which day is celebrated on 11 April?NSMD is observed on 11 April every year to create awareness about maternity facilities, lactating women, and also for proper health care given to women.
What happened on this day April 11?APRIL 11, 2022. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1968 Civil Rights Act.
What is a special day in April?Many people begin their April with April Fools' Day. World Autism Awareness Day, Earth Day, and Arbor Day also occur in April.
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