TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 20

 

September 20

 

September 20th is a date that holds significance in various aspects. From historical events to cultural celebrations, this day has left an indelible mark on our collective memory.

One of the most notable events in history that occurred on September 20th is the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On this day in 1810, the people of Mexico began their fight for independence from Spanish rule. The document, known as the Grito de Dolores, marked the beginning of a long and arduous struggle that ultimately led to Mexico's independence over a decade later. This event serves as a reminder of the courage and determination of those who fought for their freedom.

September 20th is also known for various cultural celebrations around the world. In Germany, the Oktoberfest kicks off on this date. This traditional festival is held in Munich and draws millions of visitors each year. It is a vibrant celebration of Bavarian culture, featuring beer, food, music, and parades. The festivities continue for several weeks, culminating in a grand finale that leaves a lasting impression on all who partake in it.

In addition to Oktoberfest, September 20th is celebrated as National Punch Day in the United States. This lighthearted holiday pays homage to the popular beverage and encourages people to try different punch recipes. It is a day to enjoy the refreshing taste of fruit-infused drinks and to share them with friends and family.

September 20th is also a day to commemorate notable individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. For instance, Upton Sinclair, a prominent American author and social reformer, was born on this day in 1878. Sinclair's works, such as \The Jungle,\ exposed the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry and sparked important public debates on issues such as labor rights and food safety.

Furthermore, September 20th serves as a reminder of the power of collective action. In recent years, this date has gained recognition as the Global Climate Strike. Organized by young activists, such as Greta Thunberg, it is a worldwide movement that aims to raise awareness about the climate crisis and demand urgent action from governments and corporations. The September 20th Climate Strikes have seen millions of people take to the streets, showcasing the strength in numbers and the determination of the global community to address this pressing issue.

On a lighter note, September 20th is also a day to celebrate the magic of reading. It marks National Read an eBook Day, encouraging book lovers to embrace digital reading formats and explore the vast literary world available at their fingertips. This occasion serves as a reminder of the versatility of reading and the importance of continued learning and personal growth.

In conclusion, September 20th brings together a multitude of events and celebrations that span across history, culture, and individual achievements. From the fight for independence in Mexico to the vibrant festivities of Oktoberfest, this date marks significant milestones and moments of unity. It reminds us of the power of collective action, the importance of awareness and change, and the beauty of literature. September 20th is indeed a day worth commemorating and appreciating.

Here are some more events of this day:

1058 – Agnes of Poitou and Andrew I of Hungary meet to negotiate about the border territory of Burgenland.

1066 – At the Battle of Fulford, Harald Hardrada defeats earls Morcar and Edwin.

1187 – Saladin begins the Siege of Jerusalem.

1260 – The Great Prussian Uprising among the old Prussians begins against the Teutonic Knights.

1378 – Cardinal Robert of Geneva is elected as Pope Clement VII, beginning the Papal schism.

1498 – The Nankai tsunami washes away the building housing the Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in; it has been located outside ever since.

1519 – Ferdinand Magellan sets sail from Sanlúcar de Barrameda with about 270 men on his expedition which ultimately culminates in the first circumnavigation of the globe.

1586 – A number of conspirators in the Babington Plot are hanged, drawn and quartered.

1602 – The Spanish-held Dutch town of Grave capitulates to a besieging Dutch and English army under the command of Maurice of Orange.

1697 – The Treaty of Ryswick is signed by France, England, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire and the Dutch Republic, ending the Nine Years' War.

1737 – The Walking Purchase concludes, which forces the cession of 1.2 million acres (4,860 km) of Lenape-Delaware tribal land to the Pennsylvania Colony.

1792 – French troops stop an allied invasion of France at the Battle of Valmy.

1835 – The decade-long Ragamuffin War starts when rebels capture Porto Alegre in Brazil.

1854 – Crimean War: British and French troops defeat Russians at the Battle of Alma.

1857 – The Indian Rebellion of 1857 ends with the recapture of Delhi by troops loyal to the East India Company.

1860 – The future King Edward VII of the United Kingdom begins the first visit to North America by a Prince of Wales.

1863 – American Civil War: The Battle of Chickamauga, in northwestern Georgia, ends in a Confederate victory.

1870 – The Bersaglieri corps enter Rome through the Porta Pia, and complete the unification of Italy.

1871 – Bishop John Coleridge Patteson, first bishop of Melanesia, is martyred on Nukapu, now in the Solomon Islands.

1881 – U.S. President Chester A. Arthur is sworn in upon the death of James A. Garfield the previous day.

1893 – Charles Duryea and his brother road-test the first American-made gasoline-powered automobile.

1911 – The White Star Line's RMS Olympic collides with the British warship HMS Hawke.

1920 – Irish War of Independence: British police known as "Black and Tans" burn the town of Balbriggan and kill two local men in revenge for an IRA assassination.

1941 – The Holocaust in Lithuania: Lithuanian Nazis and local police begin a mass execution of 403 Jews in Nemenčinė.

1942 – The Holocaust in Ukraine: In the course of two days a German Einsatzgruppe murders at least 3,000 Jews in Letychiv.

1946 – The first Cannes Film Festival is held, having been delayed for seven years due to World War II.

1946 – Six days after a referendum, King Christian X of Denmark annuls the declaration of independence of the Faroe Islands.

1955 – The Treaty on Relations between the USSR and the GDR is signed.

1961 – Greek general Konstantinos Dovas becomes Prime Minister of Greece.

1962 – James Meredith, an African American, is temporarily barred from entering the University of Mississippi.

1965 – Following the Battle of Burki, the Indian Army captures Dograi in during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

1967 – The Cunard Liner Queen Elizabeth 2 is launched in Clydebank, Scotland.

1971 – Having weakened after making landfall in Nicaragua the previous day, Hurricane Irene regains enough strength to be renamed Hurricane Olivia, making it the first known hurricane to cross from the Atlantic Ocean into the Pacific.

1973 – Billie Jean King beats Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes tennis match at the Houston Astrodome.

1973 – Singer Jim Croce, songwriter and musician Maury Muehleisen and four others die when their light aircraft crashes on takeoff at Natchitoches Regional Airport in Louisiana.

1977 – Vietnam is admitted to the United Nations.

1979 – A French-supported coup d'état in the Central African Empire overthrows Emperor Bokassa I.

1982 – NFL season: American football players in the National Football League begin a 57-day strike.

1984 – A suicide bomber in a car attacks the U.S. embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, killing twenty-two people.

1989 – USAir Flight 5050 crashes into Bowery Bay during a rejected takeoff from LaGuardia Airport, killing two people.

1990 – South Ossetia declares its independence from Georgia.

2000 – The United Kingdom's MI6 Secret Intelligence Service building is attacked by individuals using a Russian-built RPG-22 anti-tank missile.

2001 – In an address to a joint session of Congress and the American people, U.S. President George W. Bush declares a "War on Terror".

2003 – Civil unrest in the Maldives breaks out after a prisoner is killed by guards.

2007 – Between 15,000 and 20,000 protesters march on Jena, Louisiana, United States, in support of six black youths who had been convicted of assaulting a white classmate.

2008 – A dump truck full of explosives detonates in front of the Marriott hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing 54 people and injuring 266 others.

2011 – The United States military ends its "don't ask, don't tell" policy, allowing gay men and women to serve openly for the first time.

2017 – Hurricane Maria makes landfall in Puerto Rico as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, resulting in 2,975 deaths, US$90 billion in damage, and a major humanitarian crisis.

2018 – At least 161 people die after a ferry capsizes close to the pier on Ukara Island in Lake Victoria, Tanzania.

2019 – Roughly four million people, mostly students, demonstrate across the world to address climate change. Sixteen-year-old Greta Thunberg from Sweden leads the demonstration in New York City.

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 19

 

September 19

 September 19th is a significant day in history as it marks the birth of many influential individuals and the occurrence of significant events that have shaped the world we live in today. This date is filled with notable occurrences across various fields, including politics, entertainment, and science. From political milestones to scientific breakthroughs and artistic achievements, September 19th has definitely left its mark in history.

One of the most prominent events that took place on September 19th was in 1796 when George Washington gave his farewell address. After serving as the first President of the United States for two terms, Washington addressed the nation, offering his guidance and advice for the future. His farewell address became a historical document that emphasized the importance of unity, national identity, and the dangers of political parties.

In the world of entertainment, September 19th holds significance as well. In 1934, \The Bride of Frankenstein,\ a classic horror film directed by James Whale, was released. This film is considered one of the greatest sequels in cinema history, known for its stunning visuals and groundbreaking special effects. It further popularized the portrayal of monsters in the horror genre.

Furthermore, September 19th commemorates the birth of remarkable individuals who have left lasting impacts on their respective fields. One such individual is William Golding, the English novelist and playwright. Born in 1911, he is best known for his novel \Lord of the Flies,\ which explores the dark side of human nature through the story of a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island. Golding's work is celebrated for its thought-provoking themes and timeless relevance.

Additionally, September 19th is the birthdate of the famous physicist, Nobel laureate, and co-discoverer of the higgs boson, Sheldon L. Glashow. Born in 1932, Glashow made significant contributions to the field of particle physics, particularly in the study of fundamental forces and subatomic particles. His work revolutionized our understanding of the universe and earned him numerous accolades in the scientific community.

September 19th is also a day of triumph and celebration. In 1991, Ötzi the Iceman, one of the oldest naturally preserved human bodies, was discovered in the Alps. The discovery of Ötzi was a groundbreaking archaeological find that provided valuable insights into the life and culture of the Copper Age. This discovery is not only significant for its scientific importance but also for the wonder it inspires in understanding our ancient past.

As we reflect on the events and individuals associated with September 19th, it becomes evident that this date holds particular importance in various aspects of human history. From political history and entertainment milestones to scientific breakthroughs and remarkable individuals, September 19th has left an indelible mark on the collective memory of humanity.

Here are some more events of this day:

85 – Nerva, suspected of complicity of the death of Domitian, is declared emperor by Senate. The Senate then annuls laws passed by Domitian and orders his statues to be destroyed.

634 – Siege of Damascus: The Rashidun Arabs under Khalid ibn al-Walid capture Damascus from the Byzantine Empire.

1356 – Battle of Poitiers: An English army under the command of Edward the Black Prince defeats a French army and captures King John II.

1410 – End of the Siege of Marienburg: The State of the Teutonic Order repulses the joint Polish—Lithuanian forces.

1676 – Jamestown is burned to the ground by the forces of Nathaniel Bacon during Bacon's Rebellion.

1777 – American Revolutionary War: British forces win a tactically expensive victory over the Continental Army in the First Battle of Saratoga.

1778 – The Continental Congress passes the first United States federal budget.

1796 – George Washington's Farewell Address is printed across America as an open letter to the public.

1799 – French Revolutionary Wars: French-Dutch victory against the Russians and British in the Battle of Bergen.

1846 – Two French shepherd children, Mélanie Calvat and Maximin Giraud, experience a Marian apparition on a mountaintop near La Salette, France, now known as Our Lady of La Salette.

1852 – Annibale de Gasparis discovers the asteroid Massalia from the north dome of the Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte.

1862 – American Civil War: Union troops under William Rosecrans defeat a Confederate force commanded by Sterling Price.

1863 – American Civil War: The first day of the Battle of Chickamauga, in northwestern Georgia, the bloodiest two-day battle of the conflict, and the only significant Confederate victory in the war's Western Theater.

1864 – American Civil War: Union troops under Philip Sheridan defeat a Confederate force commanded by Jubal Early. With over 50,000 troops engaged, it was the largest battle fought in the Shenandoah Valley.

1868 – La Gloriosa begins in Spain.

1870 – Franco-Prussian War: The siege of Paris begins. The city held out for over four months before surrendering.

1893 – In New Zealand, the Electoral Act of 1893 is consented to by the governor, giving all women in New Zealand the right to vote.

1916 – World War I: During the East African Campaign, colonial forces of the Belgian Congo (Force Publique) under the command of Charles Tombeur capture the town of Tabora after heavy fighting.

1939 – World War II: The Battle of Kępa Oksywska concludes, with Polish losses reaching roughly 14% of all the forces engaged.

1940 – World War II: Witold Pilecki is voluntarily captured and sent to Auschwitz concentration camp to gather and smuggle out information for the resistance movement.

1944 – World War II: The Battle of Hürtgen Forest begins. It will become the longest individual battle that the U.S. Army has ever fought.

1944 – World War II: The Moscow Armistice between Finland and the Soviet Union is signed, which officially ended the Continuation War.

1946 – The Council of Europe is founded following a speech by Winston Churchill at the University of Zurich.

1950 – Korean War: An attack by North Korean forces was repelled at the Battle of Nam River.

1957 – Plumbbob Rainier becomes the first nuclear explosion to be entirely contained underground, producing no fallout.

1970 – Michael Eavis hosts the first Glastonbury Festival.

1970 – Kostas Georgakis, a Greek student of geology, sets himself ablaze in Matteotti Square in Genoa, Italy, as a protest against the dictatorial regime of Georgios Papadopoulos.

1976 – Turkish Airlines Flight 452 hits the Taurus Mountains, outskirt of Karatepe, Turkey, killing all 154 passengers and crew.

1976 – Two Imperial Iranian Air Force F-4 Phantom II jets fly out to investigate an unidentified flying object, when both independently lose instrumentation and communications as they approach, only to have them restored upon withdrawal.

1978 – The Solomon Islands join the United Nations.

1982 – Scott Fahlman posts the first documented emoticons :-) and :-( on the Carnegie Mellon University bulletin board system.

1983 – Saint Kitts and Nevis gains its independence.

1985 – A strong earthquake kills thousands and destroys about 400 buildings in Mexico City.

1985 – Tipper Gore and other political wives form the Parents Music Resource Center as Frank Zappa, John Denver, and other musicians testify at U.S. Congressional hearings on obscenity in rock music.

1989 – A bomb destroys UTA Flight 772 in mid-air above the Tùnùrù Desert, Niger, killing all 170 passengers and crew.

1991 – Ötzi the Iceman is discovered in the Alps on the border between Italy and Austria.

1995 – The Washington Post and The New York Times publish the Unabomber manifesto.

1997 – The Guelb El-Kebir massacre in Algeria kills 53 people.

2006 – The Thai army stages a coup. The Constitution is revoked and martial law is declared.

2010 – The leaking oil well in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is sealed.

2011 – Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees surpasses Trevor Hoffman to become Major League Baseball's all-time career saves leader with 602.

2016 – In the wake of a manhunt, the suspect in a series of bombings in New York and New Jersey is apprehended after a shootout with police.

2017 – The 2017 Puebla earthquake strikes Mexico, causing 370 deaths and over 6,000 injuries, as well as extensive damage.

2019 – A drone strike by the United States kills 30 civilian farmers in Afghanistan.

2021 – The Cumbre Vieja volcano, on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, erupts. The eruption lasts for almost three months, ending on December 13.

2022 – The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is held at Westminster Abbey, London.

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 12

 

September 12

 September 12th is a date that holds significance both historically and personally for many individuals around the world. This particular day marks important events, ranging from tragedies to triumphs, that have shaped our society and influenced our lives.

One of the most prominent events that occurred on September 12th is the devastating terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City in 2001. On this day, the lives of thousands of people were tragically taken as terrorist hijackers flew two planes into the iconic Twin Towers, causing them to collapse in a matter of hours. This act of terror not only shook the United States but also had a profound impact on the entire world, reshaping international relations, foreign policies, and security measures. September 12th serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity displayed by people in times of great tragedy and the ongoing fight against terrorism.

On a more positive note, September 12th is also celebrated as National Day in the Principality of Monaco. This day commemorates the foundation, sovereignty, and independence of Monaco as a nation. The festivities include a grand parade, concerts, and fireworks, culminating in a magnificent display of national pride and unity. September 12th is a day of celebration and reflection for the citizens of Monaco, reminding them of their unique history and vibrant cultural identity.

Furthermore, September 12th holds personal significance for many individuals around the world, as it marks birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. For those born on this day, it serves as a reminder of their birth and the joy and blessings that they bring to their loved ones. September 12th serves as an opportunity for them to reflect on the years that have passed and the accomplishments they have achieved.

For others, September 12th may represent a milestone in their lives, such as a wedding anniversary, a graduation, or a significant achievement. It is a time to reminisce about past accomplishments and set new goals for the future.

Moreover, September 12th serves as a turning point for some people, marking a moment of personal growth and transformation. It may be a day that they choose to make significant decisions, embark on new journeys, or let go of the past. September 12th can symbolize a fresh start and a chance to create a better future.

In conclusion, September 12th is a date that holds both historical and personal significance. It reminds us of the tragedies and triumphs that have shaped our society and impacted our lives. Whether it is remembering the terrorist attacks of 9/11, celebrating Monaco's National Day, or reflecting on personal milestones, this day serves as a reminder that life is filled with both joy and sorrows, but it is up to us to determine how we respond to them. September 12th represents resilience, unity, and personal growth, reminding us to appreciate the present and look forward to a brighter future.

Here are more events on this day:

490 BC – Battle of Marathon: The conventionally accepted date for the Battle of Marathon. The Athenians and their Plataean allies defeat the first Persian invasion force of Greece.

372 – Sixteen Kingdoms: Jin Xiaowudi, age 10, succeeds his father Jin Jianwendi as Emperor of the Eastern Jin dynasty.

1213 – Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort, 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Battle of Muret.

1229 – Battle of Portopí: The Aragonese army under the command of James I of Aragon disembarks at Santa Ponça, Majorca, with the purpose of conquering the island.

1309 – The First Siege of Gibraltar takes place in the context of the Spanish Reconquista pitting the forces of the Kingdom of Castile against the Emirate of Granada resulting in a Castilian victory.

1609 – Henry Hudson begins his exploration of the Hudson River while aboard the Halve Maen.

1634 – A gunpowder factory explodes in Valletta, Malta, killing 22 people and damaging several buildings.

1683 – Austro-Ottoman War: Battle of Vienna: Several European armies join forces to defeat the Ottoman Empire.

1762 – The Sultanate of Sulu ceded Balambangan Island to the British East India Company

1814 – Battle of North Point: an American detachment halts the British land advance to Baltimore in the War of 1812.

1846 – Elizabeth Barrett elopes with Robert Browning.

1847 – Mexican–American War: the Battle of Chapultepec begins.

1848 – A new constitution marks the establishment of Switzerland as a federal state.

1857 – The SS Central America sinks about 160 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, drowning a total of 426 passengers and crew, including Captain William Lewis Herndon. The ship was carrying 13–15 tons of gold from the California Gold Rush.

1885 – Arbroath 36–0 Bon Accord, a world record scoreline in professional Association football.

1890 – Salisbury, Rhodesia, is founded.

1897 – Tirah Campaign: In the Battle of Saragarhi, ten thousand Pashtun tribesmen suffer several hundred casualties while attacking 21 Sikh soldiers in British service.

1906 – The Newport Transporter Bridge is opened in Newport, South Wales by Viscount Tredegar.

1910 – Premiere performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8 in Munich (with a chorus of 852 singers and an orchestra of 171 players. Mahler's rehearsal assistant conductor was Bruno Walter).

1915 – French soldiers rescue over 4,000 Armenian genocide survivors stranded on Musa Dagh.

1923 – Southern Rhodesia, today called Zimbabwe, is annexed by the United Kingdom.

1933 – Leó Szilárd, waiting for a red light on Southampton Row in Bloomsbury, conceives the idea of the nuclear chain reaction.

1938 – Adolf Hitler demands autonomy and self-determination for the Germans of the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia.

1940 – Cave paintings are discovered in Lascaux, France.

1940 – The Hercules Powder Plant Disaster in the United States kills 51 people and injures over 200.

1942 – World War II: RMS Laconia, carrying civilians, Allied soldiers and Italian POWs is torpedoed off the coast of West Africa and sinks with a heavy loss of life.

1942 – World War II: First day of the Battle of Edson's Ridge during the Guadalcanal Campaign. U.S. Marines protecting Henderson Field are attacked by Imperial Japanese Army troops.

1943 – World War II: Benito Mussolini is rescued from house arrest by German commando forces led by Otto Skorzeny.

1944 – World War II: The liberation of Yugoslavia from Axis occupation continues. Bajina Bašta in western Serbia is among the liberated cities.

1945 – The People's Republic of Korea is proclaimed, bringing an end to Japanese rule over Korea.

1948 – Chinese Civil War: Marshal Lin Biao, commander-in-chief of the Chinese communist Northeast Field Army, launched a massive offensive toward Jinzhou, Liaoshen Campaign has begun.

1953 – U.S. Senator and future President John Fitzgerald Kennedy marries Jacqueline Lee Bouvier at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island.

1958 – Jack Kilby demonstrates the first working integrated circuit while working at Texas Instruments.

1959 – The Soviet Union launches a large rocket, Lunik II, at the Moon.

1959 – Bonanza premieres, the first regularly scheduled TV program presented in color.

1961 – The African and Malagasy Union is founded.

1961 – Air France Flight 2005 crashes near Rabat–Salé Airport, in Rabat, Morocco, killing 77 people.

1962 – President John F. Kennedy delivers his "We choose to go to the Moon" speech at Rice University.

1966 – Gemini 11, the penultimate mission of NASA's Gemini program, and the current human altitude record holder (except for the Apollo lunar missions).

1969 – Philippine Airlines Flight 158 crashes in Antipolo, near Manila International Airport in the Philippines, killing 45 people.

1970 – Dawson's Field hijackings: Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terrorists blow up three hijacked airliners in Zarqa, Jordan, continuing to hold the passengers hostage in various undisclosed locations in Amman.

1974 – Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, 'Messiah' of the Rastafari movement, is deposed following a military coup by the Derg, ending a reign of 58 years.

1977 – South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko dies in police custody.

1980 – The 43rd government of Turkey is overthrown in a coup d'état led by General Kenan Evren.

1983 – A Wells Fargo depot in West Hartford, Connecticut, United States, is robbed of approximately US$7 million by Los Macheteros.

1983 – The USSR vetoes a United Nations Security Council Resolution deploring the Soviet destruction of Korean Air Lines Flight 007.

1984 – Dwight Gooden sets the baseball record for strikeouts in a season by a rookie with 276, previously set by Herb Score with 246 in 1954. Gooden's 276 strikeouts that season, pitched in 218 innings, set the current record.

1988 – Hurricane Gilbert devastates Jamaica; it turns towards Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula two days later, causing an estimated $5 billion in damage.

1990 – The two German states and the Four Powers sign the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany in Moscow, paving the way for German reunification.

1990 – The Red Cross organizations of mainland China and Taiwan sign Kinmen Agreement on repatriation of illegal immigrants and criminal suspects after two days of talks in Kinmen, Fujian Province in response to the two tragedies in repatriation in the previous two months. It is the first agreement reached by private organizations across the Taiwan Strait.

1992 – NASA launches Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-47 which marked the 50th shuttle mission. On board are Mae Carol Jemison, the first African-American woman in space, Mamoru Mohri, the first Japanese citizen to fly in a US spaceship, and Mark Lee and Jan Davis, the first married couple in space.

1992 – Abimael Guzmán, leader of the Shining Path, is captured by Peruvian special forces; shortly thereafter the rest of Shining Path's leadership fell as well.

1994 – Frank Eugene Corder fatally crashes a single-engine Cessna 150 into the White House's south lawn, striking the West wing. There were no other casualties.

2001 – Ansett Australia, Australia's first commercial interstate airline, collapses due to increased strain on the international airline industry, leaving 10,000 people unemployed.

2003 – The United Nations lifts sanctions against Libya after that country agreed to accept responsibility and recompense the families of victims in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.

2003 – Iraq War: In Fallujah, U.S. forces mistakenly shoot and kill eight Iraqi police officers.

2003 – Typhoon Maemi, the strongest recorded typhoon to strike South Korea, made landfall near Busan.

2005 – Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the Israeli disengagement from Gaza is completed, leaving some 2,530 homes demolished.

2007 – Former Philippine President Joseph Estrada is convicted of plunder.

2007 – Two earthquakes measuring 8.4 and 7.9 on the Richter Scale hits the Indonesian island of Sumatra, killing 25 people and injuring 161.

2008 – The 2008 Chatsworth train collision in Los Angeles between a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train kills 25 people.

2011 – The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City opens to the public.

2013 – NASA confirms that its Voyager 1 probe has become the first manmade object to enter interstellar space.

2015 – A series of explosions involving propane triggering nearby illegally stored mining detonators in the Indian town of Petlawad in the state of Madhya Pradesh kills at least 105 people with over 150 injured.

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 13

 

September 13

 September 13th holds significance for various reasons, both historically and culturally. It is a day marked by significant events that have shaped our world in various spheres, such as politics, arts, and sports. Through these events, we gain insights into the human experiences and the progress made in different aspects of our society.

One of the major events that occurred on September 13th is the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905. This treaty, negotiated by President Theodore Roosevelt, brought an end to the Russo-Japanese War. The conflict had lasted for over a year and resulted in a tremendous loss of life and resources. The Peace Treaty of Portsmouth represented a major diplomatic achievement, as it was one of the first instances where the United States acted as a mediator on the international stage. This event serves as a reminder of the power of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and fostering peace.

From a cultural perspective, September 13th is an important date in the world of literature. On this day in 1948, Margaret Mitchell's iconic novel \Gone with the Wind\ was published. Mitchell's novel explored themes of love, loss, and survival against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The book went on to become one of the best-selling novels of all time and was subsequently adapted into an acclaimed film. \Gone with the Wind\ remains a cultural touchstone, illustrating the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to captivate audiences across generations.

In the sporting world, September 13th is notable for significant athletic achievements. On this day in 2009, Usain Bolt of Jamaica set a world record by running 100 meters in 9.58 seconds at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin. Bolt's record-breaking run showcased his immense talent and athleticism, solidifying his status as one of the greatest sprinters in history. This achievement also symbolizes the constant pursuit of excellence in sports and the global fascination with record-breaking performances.

Beyond these specific events, September 13th also represents the transition from summer to autumn in the northern hemisphere. This time of the year is marked by beautiful transformations in nature, as leaves change color and temperatures begin to cool. It is a time of reflection and preparation for the upcoming season, with people making adjustments to their routines and embracing the changes that come with the passing of time. The significance of this day lies in the reminder that change is a constant in life, and September 13th serves as a milestone in this ongoing cycle.

In conclusion, September 13th is a day that has witnessed significant historical events, cultural milestones, and seasonal changes. From the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth to the publication of \Gone with the Wind\ and Usain Bolt's record-breaking sprint, this date represents a diverse range of achievements and experiences that have shaped our world. Whether in diplomacy, literature, sports, or the beauty of nature, September 13th reminds us of the transformative power of human endeavors and the continuous cycle of growth and change we all experience.

Here are more events on this day:

585 BC – Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, king of Rome, celebrates a triumph for his victories over the Sabines, and the surrender of Collatia.

509 BC – The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on Rome's Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September.

379 – Yax Nuun Ahiin I is crowned as 15th Ajaw of Tikal

533 – Belisarius of the Byzantine Empire defeats Gelimer and the Vandals at the Battle of Ad Decimum, near Carthage, North Africa.

1229 – Ögedei Khan is proclaimed Khagan of the Mongol Empire in Kodoe Aral, Khentii: Mongolia.

1437 – Battle of Tangier: a Portuguese expeditionary force initiates a failed attempt to seize the Moroccan citadel of Tangier.

1609 – Henry Hudson reaches the river that would later be named after him – the Hudson River.

1645 – Wars of the Three Kingdoms: Scottish Royalists are defeated by Covenanters at the Battle of Philiphaugh.

1743 – Great Britain, Austria and the Kingdom of Sardinia sign the Treaty of Worms.

1759 – Battle of the Plains of Abraham: the British defeat the French near Quebec City in the Seven Years' War, known in the United States as the French and Indian War.

1782 – American Revolutionary War: Franco-Spanish troops launch the unsuccessful "grand assault" during the Great Siege of Gibraltar.

1788 – The Philadelphia Convention sets the date for the first presidential election in the United States, and New York City becomes the country's temporary capital.

1791 – King Louis XVI of France accepts the new constitution.

1808 – Finnish War: In the Battle of Jutas, Swedish forces under Lieutenant General Georg Carl von Döbeln beat the Russians, making von Döbeln a Swedish war hero.

1812 – War of 1812: A supply wagon sent to relieve Fort Harrison is ambushed in the Attack at the Narrows.

1814 – In a turning point in the War of 1812, the British fail to capture Baltimore. During the battle, Francis Scott Key composes his poem "Defence of Fort McHenry", which is later set to music and becomes the United States' national anthem.

1843 – The Greek Army rebels (OS date: September 3) against the autocratic rule of king Otto of Greece, demanding the granting of a constitution.

1847 – Mexican–American War: Six teenage military cadets known as Niños Héroes die defending Chapultepec Castle in the Battle of Chapultepec. American troops under General Winfield Scott capture Mexico City in the Mexican–American War.

1848 – Vermont railroad worker Phineas Gage survives an iron rod 1+⁄₄ inches (3.2 cm) in diameter being driven through his brain; the reported effects on his behavior and personality stimulate discussion of the nature of the brain and its functions.

1862 – American Civil War: Union soldiers find a copy of Robert E. Lee's battle plans in a field outside Frederick, Maryland. It is the prelude to the Battle of Antietam.

1880 – The Basuto Gun War breaks out after the Basuto launch a rebellion against the Cape Colony.

1882 – Anglo-Egyptian War: The Battle of Tel el-Kebir is fought.

1898 – Hannibal Goodwin patents celluloid photographic film.

1899 – Henry Bliss is the first person in the United States to be killed in an automobile accident.

1899 – Mackinder, Ollier and Brocherel make the first ascent of Batian (5,199 m – 17,058 ft), the highest peak of Mount Kenya.

1900 – Filipino insurgents defeat a small American column in the Battle of Pulang Lupa, during the Philippine–American War.

1906 – The Santos-Dumont 14-bis makes a short hop, the first flight of a fixed-wing aircraft in Europe.

1914 – World War I: The Battle of Aisne begins between Germany and France.

1922 – The final act of the Greco-Turkish War, the Great Fire of Smyrna, commences.

1923 – Following a military coup in Spain, Miguel Primo de Rivera takes over, setting up a dictatorship.

1933 – Elizabeth McCombs becomes the first woman elected to the New Zealand Parliament.

1942 – World War II: Second day of the Battle of Edson's Ridge in the Guadalcanal Campaign. U.S. Marines successfully defeat attacks by the Japanese with heavy losses for the Japanese forces.

1944 – World War II: Start of the Battle of Meligalas between the Greek Resistance forces of the Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS) and the collaborationist security battalions.

1948 – Deputy Prime Minister of India Vallabhbhai Patel orders the Army to move into Hyderabad to integrate it with the Indian Union.

1948 – Margaret Chase Smith is elected United States senator, and becomes the first woman to serve in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the United States Senate.

1953 – Nikita Khrushchev is appointed General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

1956 – The IBM 305 RAMAC is introduced, the first commercial computer to use disk storage.

1956 – The dike around the Dutch polder East Flevoland is closed.

1962 – An appeals court orders the University of Mississippi to admit James Meredith, the first African-American student admitted to the segregated university.

1964 – South Vietnamese Generals Lâm Văn Phát and Dương Văn Đức fail in a coup attempt against General Nguyễn Khánh.

1964 – Martin Luther King Jr. addresses a crowd of 20,000 West Berliners on Sunday, in Waldbühne.

1968 – Cold War: Albania leaves the Warsaw Pact.

1971 – State police and National Guardsmen storm New York's Attica Prison to quell a prison revolt, which claimed 43 lives.

1971 – Chairman Mao Zedong's second in command and successor Marshal Lin Biao flees China after the failure of an alleged coup. His plane crashes in Mongolia, killing all aboard.

1977 – General Motors introduces Diesel engine, with Oldsmobile Diesel engine, in the Delta 88, Oldsmobile 98, and Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser models amongst others.

1979 – South Africa grants independence to the "homeland" of Venda (not recognised outside South Africa).

1982 – Spantax Flight 995 crashes at Málaga Airport during a rejected takeoff, killing 50 of the 394 people on board.

1985 – Super Mario Bros. is released in Japan for the NES, which starts the Super Mario series of platforming games.

1986 – A magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes Kalamata, Greece with a maximum Modified Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme), killing at least 20 and causing heavy damage in the city.

1987 – Goiânia accident: A radioactive object is stolen from an abandoned hospital in Goiânia, Brazil, contaminating many people in the following weeks and causing some to die from radiation poisoning.

1988 – Hurricane Gilbert is the strongest recorded hurricane in the Western Hemisphere, later replaced by Hurricane Wilma in 2005 (based on barometric pressure).

1989 – Largest anti-Apartheid march in South Africa, led by Desmond Tutu.

1993 – Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin shakes hands with Palestine Liberation Organization chairman Yasser Arafat at the White House after signing the Oslo Accords granting limited Palestinian autonomy.

1997 – A German Air Force Tupolev Tu-154 and a United States Air Force Lockheed C-141 Starlifter collide in mid-air near Namibia, killing 33.

2001 – Civilian aircraft traffic resumes in the United States after the September 11 attacks.

2007 – The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

2007 – The McLaren F1 team are found guilty of possessing confidential information from the Ferrari team, fined $100 million, and excluded from the constructors' championship standings.

2008 – Delhi, India, is hit by a series of bomb blasts, resulting in 30 deaths and 130 injuries.

2008 – Hurricane Ike makes landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast of the United States, causing heavy damage to Galveston Island, Houston, and surrounding areas.

2013 – Taliban insurgents attack the United States consulate in Herat, Afghanistan, with two members of the Afghan National Police reported dead and about 20 civilians injured.

2018 – The Merrimack Valley gas explosions: One person is killed, 25 are injured, and 40 homes are destroyed when excessive natural gas pressure caused fires and explosions.