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Adlai Stevenson Day – February 5, 2025

Adlai Stevenson Day is observed annually on February 5. The holiday commemorates the birth of Adlai Stevenson on February 5, 1900. Born to a family of prominent Illinois politicians, Stevenson served his country in various capacities, including that of a politician and diplomat. He served on the committee responsible for the creation of the United Nations (U.N.) in 1945. He also served as Governor of Chicago from 1949 to 1953. Finally, during the administration of President John F. Kennedy, he was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

History of Adlai Stevenson Day

Born on February 5, 1900, in Los Angeles, California, Adlai Stevenson was an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat. Stevenson came from a family of prominent Illinois politicians. His paternal grandfather, Adlai Stevenson I, served as Vice President of the U.S. during the tenure of President Grover Cleveland. His maternal grandfather, Jesse W. Fell, had been a campaign manager for Abraham Lincoln as he contested for a senatorial position in 1858. In addition to this illustrious heritage, his father, Lewis Stevenson, was appointed Illinois Secretary of State, serving in this capacity between 1914 and 1917.

At Princeton University, Stevenson studied literature and history and graduated in 1922. After much prodding from his father, he began studying law at Harvard Law School but soon dropped out as he found the course to be uninteresting. However, his love for law was revived after a discussion with Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. He completed his law degree at Northwestern University School of Law, graduating in 1926.

Stevenson served on the committee that created the U.N. while acting as the deputy US delegate to the Preparatory Commission of the UN. Defeating incumbent governor Dwight H. Green, Stevenson won Chicago’s gubernatorial election and served as governor of the state between 1949 and 1953. He contested for president on two separate occasions, in 1952 and 1956, but lost both times. In 1961, Stevenson was appointed to the position of US Ambassador to the UN by President John F. Kennedy, a position he held until his death on July 14, 1965.

Adlai Stevenson Day timeline

1900
The Birth of a Future Politician

Adlai Stevenson is born on February 5 in Los Angeles, California.

1922
The First Degree

Stevenson graduates from Princeton University with a B.A. in literature and history.

1945
The Start of his UN Career

Stevenson becomes deputy US delegate to the Preparatory Commission of the UN.

1949
The Launch to Governorship

Stevenson begins his tenure as Governor of Chicago, a position he holds until 1953.

1961
The Appointment as an Ambassador

Stevenson becomes the US Ambassador to the UN.

Adlai Stevenson Day FAQs

Did Adlai Stevenson ever marry?

Yes, Adlai Stevenson married Ellen Borden in 1928.

Does Adlai Stevenson have children?

Yes. Adlai Stevenson’s children are Adlai Stevenson III, John Fell Stevenson, and Borden Stevenson.

Where is Adlai Stevenson buried?

Adlai Stevenson’s final resting place is the Evergreen Cemetery in Bloomington, Illinois.

How to Observe Adlai Stevenson Day

  1. Learn more about the man

    Adlai Stevenson was a great American politician and diplomat whose achievements can hardly be summarized in a few words. There is so much to know about his life.

  2. Visit a landmark site

    There are several historical landmarks associated with Adlai Stevenson, such as the farm which was once his home. Take a trip back in time by visiting one of these landmarks and imagine what it was like to work as a diplomat in 20th-century America.

  3. Share the information you have

    Share the knowledge you’ve gained with others. Tell someone about this holiday, post a little snippet of this article and share the link on social media. You’ll be helping in spreading important information.

5 Places Named After Adlai Stevenson

  1. Elementary schools

    About 11 elementary schools have been named after Adlai Stevenson in the states of Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, and Michigan.

  2. Middle school

    Adlai Stevenson Middle School is located in Westland, Michigan.

  3. High schools

    There are three high schools named after Stevenson in the states of Illinois and Michigan.

  4. College

    Adlai E. Stevenson College is a residential college at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

  5. Highway

    The Adlai E. Stevenson Expressway — Interstate 55 is located between Lake Shore Drive and I-355 in Illinois.

Why Adlai Stevenson Day is Important

  1. Stevenson was an excellent speaker

    Stevenson was an excellent orator. He is most remembered as a witty and eloquent public speaker whose speeches inspired many.

  2. Stevenson was a great diplomat

    Stevenson contributed immensely to the formation of the world’s most powerful organization, the U.N. he also helped in assuaging some of the worst international tensions brought on by the Cold War.

  3. Stevenson was a patriotic citizen

    Not many people can boast of a political career as rich as Stevenson’s. He certainly deserves to be celebrated, even many years after his passing.

Adlai Stevenson Day dates

YearDateDay
2025February 5Wednesday
2026February 5Thursday
2027February 5Friday
2028February 5Saturday
2029February 5Monday

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