From the windswept dunes of Kitty Hawk to the depths of the Australian soil, December 17 carries moments that have changed science, culture, and what we thought was possible. It is a date filled with firsts, farewells, and accomplishments that stretched the limits of our beliefs.
In this edition of Today in History, News Round The Clock (NRTC) looks back at the breakthroughs, anniversaries, and memorable milestones that make this day important. It’s a chance to explore the significance of December 17 in history.
1903- 1st Airplane flight by the Wright brothers
On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first controlled, sustained flight of an engine-powered, heavier-than-air aircraft. This event took place at Kill Devil Hills, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville first piloted the flight, which lasted for 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. The aircraft was named the Wright Flyer.
1936- Pope Francis’ birth anniversary
We remember the late Pope Francis on the anniversary of his 89th birthday. Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he grew up in a working-class environment. Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic Church in March 2013 until his death in April 2025. He was the first Latin American pope and the first one raised outside Europe since Gregory III. He chose the name ‘Francis‘ as his papal name because Saint Francis of Assisi inspired him.
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1942- Buhari’s birth anniversary
Today marks the 83rd birth anniversary of former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari. He was a Nigerian statesman and politician who served as a military Head of State on December 31, 1983. Buhari was born to Mallam Hardo Adamu and Hajia Zulaihat on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria.
1986- First combined heart, lung and liver transplant
An extraordinary achievement was witnessed on December 17, 1986, when the first triple transplant operation was conducted. The surgery was performed on an English woman, Mrs Davina Thompson, who had severe liver disease and pulmonary hypertension. This great event took place at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, UK. The 7-hour surgery was led by Prof. John Wallwork and Prof. Sir Roy Calne.
1989- Premiere of “The Simpsons”
The iconic animated series, ‘The Simpsons’ premiered on December 17, 1989 with the Christmas special, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire”. It first aired on Fox in the United States.
2003- Release of the third Lord of the Rings film, “Return of the King”
On December 17, 2003, the third part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, “The Return of the King” was released in cinemas worldwide. Critics praised the film for its breathtaking visuals, and it became a huge box‑office success. It won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
2017- Kaka retires
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, popularly known as Kaka, officially announced his retirement from professional football at age 35 on December 17. He was a former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder. Kaka also won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil.
2020- Rescue of school boys kidnapped in Katsina State
Bandits kidnapped more than 300 schoolboys from the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, in Katsina State, Nigeria. On December 17, 2020, security forces rescued nearly 350 schoolboys, and Governor Aminu Bello Masari received them at the state capital.
2021- Discovery of the first ‘true’ millipede
Scientists announced on December 17, 2021 the discovery of a millipede with more than 1,000 legs, making it the first ‘true’ millipede. Before now, other species haven’t lived up to its name because millipede means “thousand feet”. Scientists found the Eumillipes persephone in Australia, more than 60 metres below the ground, as it used its 1,300 legs to push itself through the soil.
