November 25 Birthday
On November 25, 1783, the last British troops evacuated New York City. General Washington led the American army into the city, from which the British had operated since 1776. The day was called Evacuation Day and was celebrated in New York for over a century. A Union Jack flag was still flying at the harbor — a British sailor had nailed it to the pole and greased the pole. American soldiers managed to tear it down. The last British soldier to leave reportedly fired a cannon into the crowd. JFK was laid to rest at Arlington on November 25, 1963. The funeral was attended by 220 foreign dignitaries. The eternal flame was lit by Jackie Kennedy. Three-year-old John Jr. saluted the casket — a photograph that became one of the most poignant images of the era. People born on November 25 fall under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. The birthstone is Topaz and the birth flower is Chrysanthemum. Historical events on November 25 include 1783: Last British troops evacuate New York City ("Evacuation Day"), 1963: John F. Kennedy laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, 1986: Iran-Contra scandal exposed — Attorney General Meese reveals diversion of funds. Famous people born on November 25 include Andrew Carnegie (1835), Karl Benz (1844), Christina Applegate (1971).