December 15 Birthday
On December 15, 1791, Virginia became the eleventh state to ratify the first ten amendments, making the Bill of Rights part of the Constitution. The amendments guaranteed freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly; the right to bear arms; protection against unreasonable searches; the right to due process; and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. The Bill of Rights was demanded by Anti-Federalists who refused to support the Constitution without explicit protections. Without George Mason's insistence, we might not have a First Amendment. Sitting Bull was killed on December 15, 1890, during an attempted arrest at Standing Rock reservation. He was fifty-nine. Indian police were sent to arrest him because the government feared his support for the Ghost Dance movement. In the confusion, Sitting Bull was shot. Eight of his supporters and six police officers were also killed. Two weeks later, the massacre at Wounded Knee would kill 300 Lakota. Sitting Bull had toured with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. He said: "I wish all to know that I do not propose to sell any part of my country.". People born on December 15 fall under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. The birthstone is Tanzanite and the birth flower is Holly. Historical events on December 15 include 1791: Bill of Rights ratified by Virginia, making it part of Constitution, 1890: Sitting Bull killed during arrest at Standing Rock reservation, 1939: Gone with the Wind premieres in Atlanta. Famous people born on December 15 include Gustave Eiffel (1832), Tim Conway (1933), Don Johnson (1949).