Captain Picard Day

Engage! Because today we celebrate Capt Picard Day. June 16th is a holy date among Trekkies, because today we honour the most famous hero of the Star Trek universe. Yes, he is almost a legend, the Jean Luc. That's why you should know the most important facts about him before the festivities:

• He was born on 13 July 2305 in La Barre on earth in France.

• His Starfleet duty number is SP-937-215.

• He likes to drink hot Earl Grey.

• He knows a lot about Shakespeare.

• He is interested in archaeology and classical music.

• He plays the Ressikan flute.

• He doesn't like children.

As Captain of the USS Enterprise D (NCC-1701-D) and USS Enterprise E (NCC-1701-E), Sir Patrick Stewart has created a role that for many was probably like a father substitute. Unconventional but loyal, he always sticks by his crew and Starfleet - a real childhood hero! Which is why Capt Picard Day is the perfect day to pay tribute to him.

Origin of the Captain Picard Day

Only real Trekkies know why Captain Picard Day is celebrated today of all days. Let's go at warp speed into the twelfth episode of the seventh season of Star Trek Next Generation.

It was first aired under the title Pegasus on January 10, 1994. We learn in this episode that every year on the Enterprise, a kind of special day takes place, which is mainly celebrated by the children on board.

We even find out when this day takes place: 47457.1. If we convert the stardate, the result is 16.06.2370. Well, that may be in the future - but who says that you can't celebrate holidays from the future?

So you can celebrate Captain Picard Day

In the twelfth episode of the seventh season, we also learn what's going on on Enterprise on this special holiday. So if you want to celebrate Captain Picard Day the way you do on the Enterprise.

For example, there is a handicraft competition on board. Children paint or craft figures of the Captain and submit them for the competition. A jury collects all the handicrafts and evaluates them - and no one less than Captain Picard is also on the jury. What an honour when the Captain judges your handicrafts!

A little tip in the margin: In the sequel a child with a clay figure of the Captain wins. So: Do it like this and inspire the Captain!

The best episodes with Captain Picard

If tinkering is not your thing, you can pay tribute to the Captain by watching his best moments again on his day of honour. He has experienced so much during his time on the Enterprise that it was really hard for us to put together the best episodes with him for you. Watch out, spoilers!

• Season 1, Episode 25 Conspiracy: The Captain learns that parasitic body-snatcher aliens have infiltrated Starfleet Headquarters. What makes this episode so special? Our Jean-Luc takes on the nasty aliens and defeats them with his phaser. Pure suspense!

• Season 3, Episode 26 The Best of Both Worlds: Every trekkie can probably remember the probably biggest cliffhanger of all times. Captain Picard is kidnapped by the Borg and becomes Locutus of Borg. We still have a trauma from this nerve-wracking episode!

• Season 6, Episode 11: The Chain of Command: In this episode things look very bad for the Captain. He's been captured by the Cardassians and is told to confess that five lights are on in the room. He refuses, hence one of his most famous sentences: There are four lights! An amazing sequence in which Sir Patrick once again demonstrates all his skills!

Can't get enough of our captain either?