The “Miracle on Ice” occurred when a team of unknown American college kids defeated the four-time defending gold medalist and heavily favored Soviet Union during the XIII Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid, New York – 44 years ago today… or as I tend to think of it, George Washington’s 248th birthday.

Volumes have been written about why this was such a transcendent victory, but perhaps the moment is best defined by a now-iconic Sports Illustrated cover that was left untitled to allow the triumphant picture to express the indescribable.

This is, now and always, one of the most uniquely American things you will ever see.