MDBCs 17 Mar 2023

It is thought that the unofficial holiday commemorates the date in 1898 when Irish engineer John Philip Holland showed his submarine design to the U.S. Navy.

Modern Submarine

Called the Holland Type VI submarine, his prototype was the first modern submarine design to work successfully underwater. His submarines became the first vessels to be bought by the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy.

A similar holiday is celebrated on April 17 in the US as a way to honor the anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Submarine Force in 1900.

Military Purposes

Submarines have primarily been used for offensive military purposes throughout the 20th century. During World War I and World War II, they were used to sink enemy ships. In the present day, while submarines are still used by the military, they are increasingly being put to use for civilian benefits. Their ability to go deep underwater have made it possible for scientists to research marine life and sea beds. They are also sometimes used for underwater tourism.

Most present-day military submarines run using nuclear power, though, in many parts of the world, diesel-electric submarines are also in common use.

Submarine the Sandwich

In many parts of the United States, a submarine is a type of sandwich. Usually made with a long roll of bread and filled with meats, vegetables, and spreads, this popular lunch dish is also called by other names like hero, hoagie, grinder, and sub. It is thought that the sandwich was named submarine because it resembles the shape of the underwater vessel.

How to Celebrate?

Learn more about the art and science of submarines.
Celebrate the day by consuming as many sub sandwiches as you can.
Watch movies that feature submarines.

Did You Know...

...that the first known submarine was created in 1620 by Cornelius Drebbel?

Cornelis Drebbel - Wikipedia

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While reviewing math symbols with my second-grade pupils, I drew a greater-than (>) and a less-than (<) sign on the chalkboard and asked, "Does anyone remember what these mean?"

A few moments passed, and then a boy confidently raised his hand. "One means fast-forward," he exclaimed, "and the other means rewind!"

***

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My apprehension lightened a bit when the woman assured me everything would be taken care of. I thanked her profusely.

"Why, you're welcome," she replied. I was about to hang up when she cheerfully asked, "And will your mother be needing a rental car?"

***

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When it did not, my thoughtful seven-year-old gave me a hug. "It's okay, Mom," she said. "The next time Daddy goes out of town, you can try and get pregnant again."

***

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“Ha! That’s not going to help,” she said.

“Sure, it does,” he said.

“It’s the only way I can see the numbers.”

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