1. In 1832, Maine officially adopted its state motto, "Dirigo," which means "I lead" or "I direct" in Latin. The motto is prominently displayed on the state seal and is a symbol of Maine's independent spirit.

2. On December 28, 1871, the famous Maine poet Edwin Arlington Robinson was born in Head Tide, Maine. He went on to win three Pulitzer Prizes for his poetry and is considered one of America's greatest poets.

3. In 1918, the infamous Spanish flu pandemic hit Maine. Over 5,000 Mainers died from the disease, including many young soldiers returning from World War I. December 28 would have been a somber day during this time as the state was in the midst of the pandemic.

4. On December 28, 1945, the Portland Gulls hockey team defeated the Boston Olympics in a thrilling game at the Portland Expo. The Gulls were part of the Eastern Hockey League and played in Maine from 1944-1951.

5. In 1973, the famous poet Robert Frost passed away in Boston. Although Frost wasn't born in Maine, he spent much of his life in the state and is considered one of Maine's most beloved literary figures. Frost's poetry often reflects Maine's natural beauty and rugged landscape.