Moments in Time – January 3, 2023

#MiddleburyCT

• On Jan. 15, 1759, French philosopher Voltaire’s satire “Candide” was published anonymously in five editions and five countries. It was immediately and widely banned for its religious blasphemy, political sedition and (for the time) obscenity, but went on to become a bestseller and remains one of the most frequently taught works of French literature.
• On Jan. 16, 1962, filming began on the first James Bond film, “Dr. No,” starring Sean Connery as the suave titular spy, in Kingston, Jamaica. While critical reception was mixed, the movie was financially successful and came to be considered one of the series’ best installments.
• On Jan. 17, 2000, all 50 states of America celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The federal holiday was signed into law in 1983 and took effect three years later, with New Hampshire becoming the last state to name a holiday after the slain civil rights leader in 1999.
• On Jan. 18, 1986, the song “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne & Friends, featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Released to help support victims of AIDS and increase awareness about the disease, it helped earn $3 million for the cause.
• On Jan. 19, 1977, President Gerald Ford pardoned Tokyo Rose, a Japanese-American woman whose real name was Iva Toguri, shortly before leaving office. Acting on orders from the Japanese government, Toguri (along with other women) broadcast phony announcements regarding U.S. troop losses in an attempt to undermine the morale of Allied soldiers.
• On Jan. 20, 1863, the four-day Mud March, initiated by Civil War Major General Ambrose Burnside, began. Burnside’s aim was to attack Robert E. Lee’s army, but winter rains had made the roads nearly impassable and the mission failed.
• On Jan. 21, 1997, Newt Gingrich became the first speaker in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives to be given a formal reprimand for ethics violations after the House voted 395-28 in favor of the measure.

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