February 16th: A Day of Independence, Civil Rights, and Sweet Surprises

Welcome back to our February journey! We've explored global celebrations, cosmic discoveries, and random acts of kindness.

Now, February 16th arrives as a day of profound national pride, groundbreaking civil rights achievements, and delightfully quirky celebrations that remind us not to take life too seriously.

Here at LetsGoWherever.com, we believe every day is an adventure—and February 16 proves that adventures can be found in declarations of independence, the fight for equality, a handful of almonds, or even a playful jab at the grouches in our lives.

February 16th

What is Special about February 16th?

February 16th is a day when nations commemorate their freedom and individuals champion their rights. Most significantly, it marks Lithuania's Day of Restoration of Statehood, celebrating the day in 1918 when the Council of Lithuania signed the Act of Independence, restoring the nation's sovereignty after more than a century of foreign domination . This declaration ended occupations by the Russian Empire and the German Empire and laid the foundation for modern Lithuania .

But February 16th is also a day of civil rights milestones. In Alaska, it's Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, honoring the Tlingit civil rights leader whose powerful testimony in 1945 led to the passage of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act; the first anti-discrimination law in the United States . And on this day in 1945, the Alaska Equal Rights Act of 1945 was signed into law, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination against Alaska Natives .

On a lighter note, February 16th invites us to celebrate National Almond Day, perfect for snacking on this nutritious nut, and National Do a Grouch a Favor Day, a playful reminder to spread kindness—even to those who might not deserve it . And thanks to a papal decree from 600 AD, we also have Pope Gregory the Great to thank for the tradition of saying "God bless you" when someone sneezes .

National and International Holidays on February 16th

National Holidays and Independence Days

• Restoration of Lithuania's Statehood Day (Lithuania): This is Lithuania's most important national holiday, commemorating the signing of the Act of Independence on February 16, 1918 . The act declared Lithuania's restoration as an independent state, free from Russian and German rule after over a century of foreign domination . Each year, the holiday features presidential addresses, flag-raising ceremonies, and solemn tributes at Vilnius Cathedral. Citizens participate in parades, concerts, and educational programs that celebrate Lithuanian culture and history . This day strengthens national identity and honors the resilience and unity of the Lithuanian people .

  
  

United States Observances

• Elizabeth Peratrovich Day (Alaska): This official Alaska state holiday honors Elizabeth Peratrovich (1911–1958), a Tlingit civil rights leader whose powerful testimony before the Alaska Territorial Senate in 1945 led to the passage of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945l the first anti-discrimination law in the United States . Her advocacy was instrumental in ending segregation and discrimination against Alaska Natives. The day, declared an official state holiday in 2015, is marked by educational programs in schools, public lectures, and cultural events led by Native communities . It's a day to reflect on the ongoing work for civil rights and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Alaska Natives .

  
  

• Presidents' Day 2026 (Third Monday): In 2026, February 16 marks the observance of Presidents' Day, the federal holiday honoring U.S. presidents . While the holiday is often associated with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, its official name is actually Washington's Birthday, though it has come to honor all American presidents . It's a day when government offices, banks, and post offices are closed, and retailers offer major sales events .

  
  

• National Almond Day: This delicious observance celebrates the versatile and nutritious almond . Whether you enjoy them raw, roasted, salted, or as almond butter, almond milk, or marzipan, today is the day to appreciate this ancient nut. Almonds have been cultivated for thousands of years and are packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. They're also a key ingredient in many beloved desserts, from frangipane to biscotti .

  
  

• National Do a Grouch a Favor Day: This playful holiday encourages us to reach out to the grumpy, crabby, or difficult people in our lives and do something nice for them . Whether it's a kind word, a small gift, or simply a patient ear, the goal is to spread a little sunshine—even to those who seem determined to block it out. It's a reminder that sometimes, behind every grouch is a person who might just need a little extra kindness .

Religious Observances

• Christian Feast Day: February 16 is observed as a collective feast day by Catholic, Orthodox, and Episcopal churches, honoring several saints . These include Abda of Edessa (a bishop and martyr from the early Church), Elias and his companions (honored for their missionary zeal and sacrifice), Juliana of Nicomedia (venerated for her steadfast commitment under persecution), Onesimus (known from the New Testament Epistle to Philemon), and Charles Todd Quintard (a bishop honored by the Episcopal Church for his spiritual leadership) .

Weekly and Monthly Observances

February 16 falls during several important weeklong and month-long observances :

Weekly:

• Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 15–20, 2026)

• National Pancake Week (February 16–22, 2026)

• Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week (February 15–21, 2026)

• National Entrepreneurship Week (February 15–21, 2026)

Monthly:

• Black History Month

• American Heart Month

• Great American Pie Month

• National Bird Feeding Month

• National Cherry Month

• National Children's Dental Health Month

• Canned Food Month

• National Snack Food Month

Fun Facts About February 16th

From ancient tombs to modern inventions, February 16th is packed with fascinating historical events.

Archaeological and Historical Milestones

• King Tut's Tomb Unsealed (1923): On February 16, 1923, archaeologist Howard Carter unsealed the inner burial chamber of Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt's Valley of the Kings . For the first time in over 3,000 years, human eyes beheld the sarcophagus of the boy king. The discovery sparked a global fascination with ancient Egypt and gave rise to legends of the "mummy's curse" after Lord Carnarvon, the expedition's financier, died shortly thereafter .

• First Anti-Discrimination Law (1945): The Alaska Equal Rights Act of 1945 was signed into law on this day . This landmark legislation, championed by Elizabeth Peratrovich and other Alaska Native leaders, prohibited discrimination in public places and remains the first anti-discrimination law passed in the United States—predating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by nearly two decades .

• Lithuanian Independence Declared (1918): The Act of Independence of Lithuania was signed on February 16, 1918, restoring the nation's sovereignty after 123 years of Russian imperial rule . The document, signed by 20 members of the Council of Lithuania, declared Lithuania's right to self-determination and established it as an independent democratic state .

Scientific and Technological Firsts

• Play-Doh Invented (1956): On this day in 1956, Noah and Joseph McVicker received a patent for a "plastic modeling composition of a soft, playable working consistency" that would eventually become known as Play-Doh . Originally intended as a wallpaper cleaner, the product failed in its original purpose—but the McVickers noticed how similar it was to modeling clay without the toxicity and mess. They pitched it as a toy, and Joe McVicker became a millionaire before his 27th birthday. The formula remains a trade secret to this day .

• Patent for Nylon (1937): Wallace H. Carothers received a patent for nylon on February 16, 1937 . Developed at DuPont, nylon was the first synthetic fiber and revolutionized the textile industry, leading to everything from stockings to toothbrushes to parachutes.

• Patent for a Peach Tree (1932): James Markham was given the first patent for a peach tree on this day .

• First 911 Emergency System (1968): The first 911 emergency telephone system went into service in Haleyville, Alabama, on February 16, 1968 . This groundbreaking system transformed emergency response and has since saved countless lives.

• First Computer Bulletin Board System (1978): The first computer bulletin board system (CBBS) was created in Chicago, Illinois, on this day in 1978 . It was the precursor to modern online forums and social media platforms.

• GPS Inventor Born (1935): Bradford Parkinson, the inventor of the Global Positioning System (GPS), was born on this day . His invention has transformed navigation, from car trips to airplane landings.

• Gallaudet University Founded (1857): The National Deaf Mute College (later renamed Gallaudet University) was established in Washington, D.C., on February 16, 1857, becoming the first school for the advanced education of the deaf .

Cultural and Historical Events

• Pope Gregory Decree on Sneezing (600 AD): On this day in 600 AD, Pope Gregory the Great decreed that "God bless you" is the correct response to a sneeze . During the plague, sneezing was often an early symptom, and the blessing was meant to protect against death. The tradition has persisted for over 1,400 years .

• The Beatles Top Charts (1963): On February 16, 1963, The Beatles topped the British rock charts with "Please, Please Me" , marking their ascent to global superstardom.

• "Bringing Up Baby" Released (1938): The classic screwball comedy "Bringing Up Baby," starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, was released on this day .

• Fidel Castro Becomes Premier (1959): Fidel Castro became the 16th Prime Minister of Cuba on February 16, 1959, after overthrowing Fulgencio Batista on January 1 .

• Kyoto Protocol Takes Effect (2005): The Kyoto Protocol, committing industrialized nations to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, came into force on this day following its ratification by Russia .

• The Ladies Home Journal First Published (1883): The Ladies Home Journal was published for the first time on February 16, 1883 .

• Ben Franklin Publishes Magazine (1741): Benjamin Franklin published The General Magazine and Historical Chronicle for all the British Plantations in America on this day .

Tragedies and Turning Points

• Ash Wednesday Bushfires (1983): The Ash Wednesday bushfires in Victoria and South Australia claimed the lives of 71 people on February 16, 1983, in Australia's worst-ever fires .

• Pan Am Flight 103 Bomb Confirmed (1989): Investigators announced that the cause of the crash of Pan Am Flight 103 was a bomb hidden inside a radio-cassette player .

• China Airlines Flight 676 Crash (1998): China Airlines Flight 676 crashed into a residential area near Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, killing 202 people—all 196 on board and six on the ground .

Celebrity Birthdays on February 16th

February 16th has gifted the world with an extraordinary lineup of talent spanning film, music, sports, and literature.

Hollywood and Entertainment Icons

• LeVar Burton (1957): The beloved actor, director, and author turns 69 in 2026 . Best known for his roles as Kunta Kinte in Roots and Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Burton also hosted the long-running children's series Reading Rainbow, inspiring generations of young readers. He has directed episodes of numerous TV series, including multiple installments of the NCIS franchise .

• Ice-T (1958): The rapper and actor turns 68 . Born Tracy Lauren Marrow, he pioneered gangsta rap with his band Body Count before transitioning to acting, most famously as Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit—a role he's played for over 20 years. Fun fact: His middle name is Lauren .

• Mahershala Ali (1974): The Academy Award-winning actor turns 52 . He made history as the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar, taking home Best Supporting Actor trophies for Moonlight (2017) and Green Book (2019). He's also known for House of Cards, Luke Cage, and True Detective .

• Elizabeth Olsen (1989): The actress turns 37 . Best known for portraying Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Olsen has also earned critical acclaim for films like Martha Marcy May Marlene and Wind River. She co-starred in the 2025 film "Eternity" .

• The Weeknd (1990): The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer turns 36 . Born Abel Tesfaye, he has become one of the best-selling music artists of all time, known for hits like "Blinding Lights," "Can't Feel My Face," and "The Hills." He performed during the Super Bowl 55 halftime show .

• Sonny Bono (1935–1998): The singer, songwriter, and politician would have celebrated his 91st birthday . As half of the duo Sonny & Cher, he had hits like "I Got You Babe." Later, he served as mayor of Palm Springs and as a U.S. Congressman from California .

• Edgar Bergen (1903–1978): The legendary ventriloquist and pioneer of modern-day ventriloquism . He was the father of actress Candice Bergen.

• James Baskett (1904–1948): The first black male actor to receive an Oscar, for his role as Uncle Remus in Disney's Song of the South .

• Hugh Beaumont (1909–1982): The actor best known for his character as Ward Cleaver in Leave It to Beaver .

• William Katt (1951): The actor best known for the title role in The Greatest American Hero turns 75 .

• Sarah Clarke (1972): The actress known for Twilight and 24 turns 54 .

Music Legends

• Andy Taylor (1961): The guitarist for Duran Duran turns 65 .

• Dave Lombardo (1965): The drummer for Slayer turns 61 .

• Otis Blackwell (1931–2002): The legendary songwriter who wrote "Great Balls of Fire" (Jerry Lee Lewis), "Don't Be Cruel," and "All Shook Up" (Elvis Presley) .

• Wayne King (1901–1985): The singer and composer known as the "Waltz King" .

• Lupe Fiasco (1982): The rapper turns 44 .

• Danielle Haim (1989): The guitarist and drummer of the band Haim turns 37 .

Sports Legends

• John McEnroe (1959): The tennis legend turns 67 . Known for his brilliant shot-making and explosive temper, McEnroe won seven Grand Slam singles titles and is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time .

• Jerome Bettis (1972): The Hall of Fame running back, known as "The Bus," turns 54 . He led the Pittsburgh Steelers to victory in Super Bowl XL.

• Cathy Freeman (1973): The Australian Olympic sprinter turns 53 . She lit the Olympic cauldron at the 2000 Sydney Games and won gold in the 400 meters.

• Taylor Hawkins (1972–2022): The beloved drummer for the Foo Fighters would have celebrated his 54th birthday .

Literary and Historical Figures

• Richard Ford (1944): The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist turns 82 .

• Henry Wilson (1812–1875): The 18th Vice President of the United States .

• Henry M. Leland (1843–1932): The founder of Cadillac and Lincoln .

• George Kennan (1845–1924): The journalist and explorer .

• Bradford Parkinson (1935): The inventor of GPS turns 91 .

• Roberta Williams (1953): The video game designer and co-founder of Sierra Entertainment turns 73 .

• Iain Banks (1954–2013): The acclaimed Scottish author .

• Christopher Eccleston (1964): The actor known for Doctor Who and Our Friends in the Northturns 62 .

• James Ingram (1952–2019): The Grammy-winning singer .

• Peggy King (1929): The jazz singer turns 97 .

Birthstone and Flower

For those born on February 16th, their birthstone is amethyst, a purple variety of quartz symbolizing peace, courage, and stability . The birth flower is the freesia, representing innocence and friendship .

Whether you're celebrating Lithuania's independence, honoring the legacy of Elizabeth Peratrovich, snacking on almonds, doing a favor for a grouch, or simply remembering to say "God bless you" when someone sneezes, February 16th invites us to embrace the full spectrum of human experience from the fight for freedom and equality to the simple pleasures of kindness and creativity.

Where will this historic and heartwarming day take you? Let us know in the comments!

Here are other dates in February we think you would like:

• February 18th

• February 17th