February 11: Fun Facts about Today in History

(February 11, 1858)
Bernadette Soubirous, a miller's daughter, first had visions of the Virgin Mary on this day in 1858 in Lourdes, France, which were authenticated by Pope Pius IX in 1862, launching the devotion of Our Lady of Lourdes.

(February 11, 1964)
Sarah Palin, the first woman to stand on a Republican presidential ticket, was born as John McCain's running mate in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.

(February 11, 1969)
Jennifer Aniston, an American actress who rose to fame on the hit television sitcom Friends (1994–2004) and went on to have a successful film career, was born.

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(February 11, 1990)
Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years in jail, and he immediately began discussions with President F.W. de Klerk to end apartheid in South Africa.

(February 11, 2012)
Whitney Houston, an American rhythm-and-blues singer who rose to fame as a pop sensation in the 1980s and was recognised for her soaring vocals, died at the age of 48.

(Died on February 11, 2018)
Qazi Wajid, Pakistani drama actor, writer and artist (b. 1930).