◆ On this day

March 17

3 sourced moments from March 17 in history: Saint Patrick, patron of Ireland, is traditionally said to have died (461); Vanguard 1 is the oldest satellite still in orbit (1958); and Golda Meir became Israel's first female prime minister (1969).

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3 things happened on March 17

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1969 Society & Economy · Politics & Law

Golda Meir became Israel's first female prime minister

A retired grandmother and Zionist labour veteran was drafted out of quiet retirement to lead a young, war-shadowed nation.

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1958 Space · Space Exploration

Vanguard 1 is the oldest satellite still in orbit

Launched in 1958 after a televised 'Flopnik' explosion, the grapefruit-sized, solar-powered Vanguard 1 is still circling Earth, long after its last signal.

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461 Religion & Beliefs · Major Religions

Saint Patrick, patron of Ireland, is traditionally said to have died

By tradition the missionary who Christianized Ireland died on March 17, 461 — the date now celebrated worldwide as St. Patrick's Day.

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