TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 9

 

September 9

 

September 9th is a significant date that holds historical, cultural, and scientific importance. It marks the beginning of a new phase in different aspects of life and has witnessed several notable events throughout history.

One of the most remarkable events in history that occurred on September 9th is the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001. On this day, four hijacked planes were used by terrorists to carry out deadly attacks, resulting in the destruction of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in New York City and causing immense devastation and loss of life. This tragic event shocked the world and left a lasting impact on global security and politics. The September 11 attacks led to a significant shift in the way nations approach security measures and counterterrorism strategies.

September 9th is also celebrated as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, a day that highlights the importance of education and the right to education in conflict-affected areas. It serves as a reminder of the devastating impact armed conflicts have on the education of children and the necessity to protect schools and institutions as safe spaces for learning. This observance calls for actions to ensure that education is accessible to all, even in times of crisis or conflict.

Additionally, September 9th is recognized as National Teddy Bear Day, a day that honors the beloved stuffed toy that brings comfort, warmth, and affection to people of all ages. Teddy bears are often associated with childhood memories and hold sentimental value for many individuals. This day encourages people to cherish their teddy bears and celebrate their role as companions and sources of comfort.

From a scientific perspective, September 9th is the birthdate of several notable figures who have made significant contributions in various fields. For instance, in 1828, Leo Tolstoy, a renowned Russian writer and philosopher, was born. Tolstoy's literary works, including War and Peace and Anna Karenina, are considered masterpieces of world literature and have had a lasting impact on the development of modern literature. His writings delve into the complexities of human nature, social injustice, and the search for meaning in life.

In addition to Tolstoy, September 9th is also the birthdate of Max Delbrück, a physicist and biologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1969 for his research in molecular genetics. Delbrück's work contributed significantly to our understanding of the structure and function of DNA, and his findings laid the foundation for developments in genetic research and biotechnology.

In conclusion, September 9th holds various meanings for different people. It is a day that commemorates tragic events, celebrates the importance of education, honors childhood memories, and recognizes the achievements of notable individuals. Whether it be reflecting on the impact of historical events like the September 11 attacks, advocating for education in conflict zones, cherishing a stuffed teddy bear, or acknowledging the scientific contributions of Leo Tolstoy and Max Delbrück, September 9th is a date that continues to be significant in different aspects of life.

Here are some more events on this day:

337 – Constantine II, Constantius II, and Constans succeed their father Constantine I as co-emperors. The Roman Empire is divided between the three Augusti.

1000 – Battle of Svolder, Viking Age.

1141 – Yelü Dashi, the Liao dynasty general who founded the Qara Khitai, defeats the Seljuq and Kara-Khanid forces at the Battle of Qatwan.

1320 – In the Battle of Saint George, the Byzantines under Andronikos Asen ambush and defeat the forces of the Principality of Achaea, securing possession of Arcadia.

1488 – Anne becomes sovereign Duchess of Brittany, becoming a central figure in the struggle for influence that leads to the union of Brittany and France.

1493 – Battle of Krbava Field, a decisive defeat of Croats in Croatian struggle against the invasion by the Ottoman Empire.

1493 – Christopher Columbus, with 17 ships and 1,200 men, sails on second voyage from Cadiz.

1499 – The citizens of Lisbon celebrate the triumphal return of the explorer Vasco de Gama, completing his two-year journey around the Cape of Good Hope to India.

1513 – James IV of Scotland is defeated and dies in the Battle of Flodden, ending Scotland's involvement in the War of the League of Cambrai.

1543 – Mary Stuart, at nine months old, is crowned "Queen of Scots" in the central Scottish town of Stirling.

1561 – The ultimately unsuccessful Colloquy of Poissy opens in an effort to reconcile French Catholics and Protestants.

1588 – Thomas Cavendish in his ship Desire enters Plymouth and completes the first deliberately planned voyage of circumnavigation.

1739 – Stono Rebellion, the largest slave uprising in Britain's mainland North American colonies prior to the American Revolution, erupts near Charleston, South Carolina.

1776 – The Continental Congress officially names its union of states the United States.

1791 – Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is named after President George Washington.

1801 – Alexander I of Russia confirms the privileges of Baltic provinces.

1839 – John Herschel takes the first glass plate photograph.

1845 – Possible start of the Great Famine of Ireland.

1850 – The Compromise of 1850 transfers a third of Texas's claimed territory to federal control in return for the U.S. federal government assuming $10 million of Texas's pre-annexation debt.

1850 – California is admitted as the thirty-first U.S. state.

1855 – Crimean War: The Siege of Sevastopol comes to an end when Russian forces abandon the city.

1863 – American Civil War: The Union Army enters Chattanooga, Tennessee.

1892 – Amalthea, third closest and fifth found moon of Jupiter is discovered by Edward Emerson Barnard.

1914 – World War I: The creation of the Canadian Automobile Machine Gun Brigade, the first fully mechanized unit in the British Army.

1922 – The Greco-Turkish War effectively ends with Turkish victory over the Greeks in Smyrna.

1923 – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, founds the Republican People's Party.

1924 – Hanapepe massacre occurs on Kauai, Hawaii.

1936 – The crews of Portuguese Navy frigate NRP Afonso de Albuquerque and destroyer Dão mutinied against the Salazar dictatorship's support of General Franco's coup and declared their solidarity with the Spanish Republic.

1939 – World War II: The Battle of Hel begins, the longest-defended pocket of Polish Army resistance during the German invasion of Poland.

1939 – Burmese national hero U Ottama dies in prison after a hunger strike to protest Britain's colonial government.

1940 – George Stibitz pioneers the first remote operation of a computer.

1940 – Treznea Massacre in Transylvania.

1942 – World War II: A Japanese floatplane drops incendiary bombs on Oregon.

1943 – World War II: The Allies land at Salerno and Taranto, Italy.

1944 – World War II: The Fatherland Front takes power in Bulgaria through a military coup in the capital and armed rebellion in the country. A new pro-Soviet government is established.

1945 – Second Sino-Japanese War: The Empire of Japan formally surrenders to China.

1947 – First case of a computer bug being found: A moth lodges in a relay of a Harvard Mark II computer at Harvard University.

1948 – Kim Il-sung declares the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).

1954 – The 6.7 M_w  Chlef earthquake shakes northern Algeria with a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme). At least 1,243 people were killed and 5,000 were injured.

1956 – Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time.

1965 – The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development is established.

1965 – Hurricane Betsy makes its second landfall near New Orleans, leaving 76 dead and $1.42 billion ($10–12 billion in 2005 dollars) in damages, becoming the first hurricane to cause over $1 billion in unadjusted damage.

1966 – The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act is signed into law by U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.

1969 – In Canada, the Official Languages Act comes into force, making French equal to English throughout the Federal government.

1969 – Allegheny Airlines Flight 863 collides in mid-air with a Piper PA-28 Cherokee over Moral Township, Shelby County, Indiana, killing all 83 people on board both aircraft.

1970 – A British airliner is hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and flown to Dawson's Field in Jordan.

1971 – The four-day Attica Prison riot begins, eventually resulting in 39 dead, most killed by state troopers retaking the prison.

1972 – In Kentucky's Mammoth Cave National Park, a Cave Research Foundation exploration and mapping team discovers a link between the Mammoth and Flint Ridge cave systems, making it the longest known cave passageway in the world.

1990 – Batticaloa massacre: Massacre of 184 Tamil civilians by the Sri Lankan Army in Batticaloa District.

1991 – Tajikistan declares independence from the Soviet Union.

1993 – Israeli–Palestinian peace process: The Palestine Liberation Organization officially recognizes Israel as a legitimate state.

1994 – Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on STS-64.

2001 – Ahmad Shah Massoud, leader of the Northern Alliance, is assassinated in Afghanistan by two al-Qaeda assassins who claimed to be Arab journalists wanting an interview.

2009 – The Dubai Metro, the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula, is ceremonially inaugurated.

2012 – The Indian space agency puts into orbit its heaviest foreign satellite yet, in a streak of 21 consecutive successful PSLV launches.

2012 – A wave of attacks kills more than 100 people and injure 350 others across Iraq.

2015 – Elizabeth II becomes the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom.

2016 – The government of North Korea conducts its fifth and reportedly biggest nuclear test. World leaders condemn the act, with South Korea calling it "maniacal recklessness".