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On February 18

9

Important Days

51

Important Events

186

Births and Deaths

recorded.

Holidays and Occasions

Events

Births and Deaths

Dialect Day (Amami Islands, Japan)

Dialect Day: Celebrating Amami Islands' Unique Linguistic Heritage

Dialect Day is a unique celebratory event dedicated to the preservation and promotion of local dialects, specifically the rich linguistic traditions found in the Amami Islands of Japan. This observance serves as a reminder of the cultural significance of dialects, which reflect the history, way of life, and the distinct identity of the communities...

Independence Day, celebrates the independence of the Gambia from the United Kingdom in 1965

Independence Day: Celebrating The Gambia's Freedom from Colonial Rule

Independence Day in The Gambia is a significant national holiday commemorating the country’s liberation from British colonial rule on February 18, 1965. This day not only marks a historical shift in governance but also celebrates Gambian culture, unity, and progress...

Kurdish Students Union Day (Iraqi Kurdistan)

Kurdish Students Union Day: A Celebration of Kurdish Education and Unity

Kurdish Students Union Day, celebrated annually on December 17th, marks an important occasion for the Kurdish population in Iraqi Kurdistan. This day honors the establishment of the Kurdish Students Union, a pivotal organization that plays a significant role in promoting education, culture, and unity among Kurdish youth...

National Democracy Day, celebrates the 1951 overthrow of the Rana dynasty (Nepal)

National Democracy Day: Celebrating the 1951 Overthrow of the Rana Dynasty in Nepal

National Democracy Day, celebrated on February 18th every year, marks a pivotal moment in Nepal's history—the overthrow of the Rana dynasty in 1951. This day is not just a celebration of political change; it symbolizes the long-lasting struggle for democracy and the rights of the Nepali people...

Bernadette Soubirous (France)
FEAST

Bernadette Soubirous: A Beacon of Faith and Miracle in France

Bernadette Soubirous, born on January 7, 1844, in Lourdes, France, is a name synonymous with faith and spirituality. Her life and experiences, particularly her visions of the Virgin Mary, have inspired millions around the globe...

Colmán of Lindisfarne
FEAST

Colmán of Lindisfarne: A Champion of Celtic Christianity

Colmán of Lindisfarne, a prominent figure in early medieval Christianity, is celebrated for his leadership and contributions to the church in the British Isles during the 7th century. He played a critical role in the monastic community at Lindisfarne, a vital center for Christian scholarship and worship at the time...

Flavian of Constantinople
FEAST

Flavian of Constantinople: A Pivotal Figure in Early Christian History

Flavian of Constantinople, an influential figure in the early Christian Church, played a vital role in shaping ecclesiastical politics and doctrine during a turbulent period in Byzantine history. Born around the late 4th century, Flavian served as the Patriarch of Constantinople from 446 until his death in 449...

Geltrude Comensoli
FEAST

The Inspiring Life of Geltrude Comensoli: Founder of the Holy Family Institute

Geltrude Comensoli, a name that resonates deeply within the realm of religious dedication and community service, was a remarkable Italian nun and founder of the Institute of the Holy Family. Born on January 1, 1847, in the quaint village of Capriolo, Italy, Comensoli emerged as a transformational leader, dedicating her life to education and the care of the marginalized...

Simeon of Jerusalem (Western Christianity)
FEAST

Simeon of Jerusalem: The Pious Leader of the Early Church

Simeon of Jerusalem, also known as Simeon the Just, is an important figure in early Christianity and the first bishop of Jerusalem. His leadership and piety have left a profound impact on Christian history, particularly in Western Christianity...

  • In 2021, NASA's Mars 2020 mission achieved a significant milestone with the successful landing of the Perseverance rover on Mars. Tasked with exploring the Jezero Crater, Perseverance is equipped to search for signs of ancient life and collect samples for future return to Earth.

  • In 2018, a tragic accident occurred when Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 3704 crashed in the Dena sub-range of the Zagros Mountains, resulting in the loss of 66 lives. This devastating incident highlights the importance of aviation safety in Iran.

  • In 2014, a tragic clash in Kyiv, Ukraine, resulted in the deaths of at least 76 individuals and left hundreds more injured. The violent encounter involved riot police and demonstrators, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region during that turbulent time.

  • In 2013, a daring heist at Brussels Airport in Belgium saw armed robbers make off with an astonishing $50 million worth of diamonds. This high-profile robbery highlights significant security challenges faced by major airports.

  • In 2010, WikiLeaks released the first of many classified documents revealed by whistleblower Chelsea Manning, marking a pivotal moment in transparency and government accountability.

  • In 2004, a devastating explosion in Nishapur, Iran, claimed the lives of up to 295 individuals, including nearly 200 dedicated rescue workers. The tragedy occurred when a runaway freight train, transporting hazardous materials such as sulfur, petrol, and fertilizer, caught fire. This catastrophic incident highlights the critical importance of safety protocols in rail transport.

  • In 2003, a tragic incident in Daegu, South Korea, claimed the lives of 192 people when an arsonist ignited a fire on a subway train. This devastating event remains one of the deadliest disasters in South Korean history, highlighting the critical importance of public safety and emergency preparedness in transportation systems.

  • In 2001, the Sampit conflict erupted in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, marking a tragic episode of inter-ethnic violence between the Dayak and Madurese communities. This violent clash led to over 500 fatalities and displaced more than 100,000 Madurese individuals from their homes, significantly impacting the region's demographic landscape.

  • In 2001, FBI agent Robert Hanssen was arrested for espionage, betraying his country by spying for the Soviet Union. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in prison for his high-profile crimes, marking one of the most significant espionage cases in U.S. history.

  • In the early morning of 1991, the IRA detonated bombs at Paddington and Victoria stations in London, causing significant disruption and raising concerns about safety in the city. Discover the details of this pivotal historical event that shook London's transport system.

  • In 1983, the Wah Mee massacre in Seattle resulted in the tragic deaths of thirteen individuals, with one person sustaining serious injuries. This horrific event is recognized as the largest robbery-motivated mass murder in U.S. history, marking a significant and somber moment in criminal history.

  • In 1979, Richard Petty achieved a remarkable milestone by winning his then-record sixth Daytona 500. This thrilling race, notable for being the first NASCAR event broadcast live from start to finish, saw leaders Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough collide on the final lap, paving the way for Petty's victory.

  • In 1977, the Space Shuttle Enterprise made history as it embarked on its inaugural "flight" atop a Boeing 747 test carrier. This groundbreaking event marked a significant milestone in aerospace innovation and shuttle programs.

  • In 1977, a thousand armed soldiers stormed Kalakuta Republic, the commune of renowned Nigerian singer Fela Kuti, resulting in the tragic death of Funmilayo Anikulapo Kuti. This pivotal event marked a significant moment in Nigeria's history and the legacy of Fela Kuti's activism.

  • On Chinese New Year in 1977, a tragic fire broke out at the Xinjiang 61st Regiment Farm, ignited by a firecracker that accidentally set memorial wreaths for the late Mao Zedong ablaze. This devastating incident resulted in the loss of 694 lives and is recorded as the deadliest fireworks accident in history.

  • In 1972, the California Supreme Court made a landmark decision in People v. Anderson (6 Cal.3d 628), which struck down the state's death penalty. As a result, all inmates on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, marking a significant shift in capital punishment laws in California.

  • In 1970, the Chicago Seven were acquitted of conspiracy charges for allegedly inciting riots during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. This landmark verdict highlighted the tensions of the era and significantly impacted the discussion around civil rights and political dissent in the United States.

  • In 1965, The Gambia achieved independence from the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards self-governance and nationhood. Discover more about this pivotal event in Gambian history and its impact on the country's development.

  • In 1957, Walter James Bolton was the last individual to be legally executed in New Zealand, marking a significant moment in the country's legal history.

  • In 1957, Dedan Kimathi, the prominent Kenyan rebel leader, was executed by the British colonial government, marking a pivotal moment in Kenya's fight for independence. This significant event underscores the struggle for freedom in Africa during the colonial era.

  • In 1955, Operation Teapot saw the successful detonation of the test shot "Wasp" at the Nevada Test Site, yielding 1.2 kilotons. Wasp marked the beginning of the Teapot series, which comprised a total of fourteen nuclear tests. Discover more about the historical significance of Operation Teapot.

  • In 1954, the first Church of Scientology was established in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in the history of this religious movement. Discover how this landmark event shaped the foundations of Scientology and its beliefs.

  • In 1947, during the First Indochina War, the French successfully regained full control of Hanoi by compelling the Viet Minh to retreat to the mountainous areas. Discover the pivotal moments of this historical conflict and its impact on Vietnam's battle for independence.

  • In 1946, a significant mutiny erupted among the Sailors of the Royal Indian Navy in Bombay Harbour. This pivotal event quickly spread across British India, engaging 78 ships, twenty shore establishments, and involving approximately 20,000 brave sailors. Explore the historical impact of this uprising on India's maritime history and its role in the nation's quest for independence.

  • 1943 – During World War II, Joseph Goebbels delivers the infamous Sportpalast speech, a pivotal moment in Nazi propaganda that aimed to rally support for the German war effort.

  • In 1943 during World War II, the Nazis captured the members of the White Rose movement, a courageous group of German students who resisted Nazi oppression through non-violent activism and pamphleteering. Explore the impact of their arrest on the fight against tyranny.

  • In 1942 during World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army initiated a brutal campaign of systematic extermination against perceived hostile elements within the Chinese community in Singapore. This dark chapter highlights the tragic consequences of war and the impact on civilian populations.

  • In 1938, amidst the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Nanking International Rescue Committee was established as a rebranding of the Nanking Safety Zone International Committee during the tragic Nanking Massacre. As the situation deteriorated, the safety zone that once provided refuge for countless individuals began to collapse, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by civilians during this tumultuous period in history.

  • In 1932, the Empire of Japan established the independent state of Manzhouguo, formerly known as Manchuria, severing ties with the Republic of China. The Japanese appointed former Chinese Emperor Aisin Gioro Puyi as the Chief Executive of this newly formed state.

  • In 1930, Elm Farm Ollie made history as the first cow to fly in a fixed-wing aircraft, marking a significant milestone in aviation. This pioneering cow also became the first to be milked mid-flight, showcasing the intersection of agriculture and aeronautics.

  • In 1930, astronomer Clyde Tombaugh made a groundbreaking discovery while examining photographs from January – he identified Pluto, the ninth planet of our solar system. This pivotal moment in astronomy opened new avenues for research and exploration.

  • Unrestricted Submarine Warfare 1915 – The Imperial German Navy launches its U-boat campaign in the waters surrounding Great Britain and Ireland, marking a pivotal moment in naval strategy during World War I. Explore the impact and significance of this aggressive maritime tactic on the war effort.

  • In 1911, a pivotal moment in aviation history occurred as the first official airmail flight took off from Allahabad, United Provinces, British India (now part of modern-day India). Twenty-three-year-old pilot Henri Pequet successfully delivered 6,500 letters to Naini, located just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away, marking a significant milestone in the development of airmail services.

  • In 1906, Édouard de Laveleye established the Belgian Olympic Committee in Brussels, marking a significant milestone in Belgium's sports history. This pivotal organization plays a vital role in promoting Olympic values and supporting Belgian athletes on the international stage.

  • Discover the historical significance of Bloody Sunday during the Second Boer War in 1900, where Imperial forces faced their deadliest single-day loss at the Battle of Paardeberg. Explore the dramatic events that unfolded and their impact on the war’s progression.

  • In 1885, Mark Twain's iconic novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" was published in the United States, marking a significant milestone in American literature. This timeless tale explores themes of freedom, friendship, and societal norms through the eyes of its young protagonist, Huck Finn. Discover the influence and legacy of this classic work that continues to resonate with readers today.

  • In 1878, the murder of John Tunstall by notorious outlaw Jesse Evans ignited the fierce Lincoln County War in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Explore the historical significance and impact of this brutal conflict that shaped the American West.

  • In 1873, Bulgarian revolutionary leader Vasil Levski was executed by hanging in Sofia by the Ottoman authorities, marking a pivotal moment in Bulgaria's struggle for independence. Discover the significance of Levski's sacrifice in the fight against oppression and his lasting legacy in Bulgarian history.

  • In 1861, as Italian unification reaches its final stages, Victor Emmanuel II of Piedmont, Savoy, and Sardinia proclaims himself the King of Italy, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Discover the significance of his reign and the unification process that shaped modern Italy.

  • In 1861, Jefferson Davis is inaugurated as the provisional President of the Confederate States of America in Montgomery, Alabama, marking a pivotal moment in Civil War history. Discover the significance of this event and its impact on the Confederacy.

  • Explore the pivotal Battle of Montereau in 1814 during the Napoleonic Wars, a key event that shaped European history. Discover its significance and impact on the unfolding conflict.

  • In 1797, during the French Revolutionary Wars, Sir Ralph Abercromby led a strategic invasion of Trinidad with the support of 18 formidable British warships. Explore this pivotal moment in history that reshaped the Caribbean landscape.

  • In 1791, Congress officially admitted Vermont to the Union, effective March 4th. Prior to this, Vermont had operated as a de facto independent state for 14 years, largely unrecognized. This pivotal moment in American history marked Vermont's transition from an independent territory to a recognized state within the United States.

  • In 1781, during the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War, Captain Thomas Shirley launched a strategic expedition targeting Dutch colonial outposts along the Gold Coast of Africa, now known as present-day Ghana. Explore the significant military actions that shaped colonial conflicts during this pivotal period in history.

  • Discover the historical significance of "Flora, or Hob in the Well," the first ballad opera ever produced in North America, premiered in 1735 in Charleston, South Carolina. This milestone marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of opera in the Americas.

  • In 1637, during the Eighty Years' War, a significant naval encounter occurred off the coast of Cornwall, England. A robust Spanish fleet intercepted a crucial Anglo-Dutch merchant convoy comprising 44 vessels, protected by six warships. This decisive clash resulted in the destruction or capture of 20 merchant ships, marking a pivotal moment in maritime history.

  • In 1478, George, Duke of Clarence, was executed in a private session at the Tower of London after being convicted of treason against his elder brother, Edward IV of England. This historical event marks a significant moment in English monarchy.

  • In 1332, Amda Seyon I, the Emperor of Ethiopia, initiates significant military campaigns in the southern Muslim provinces, marking a pivotal moment in Ethiopian history. Discover more about this key historical figure and the impact of his conquests on the region.

  • Experience the thrilling historical event of 1268 – The Battle of Wesenberg, where the Livonian Order clashes with Dovmont of Pskov. Discover the key players and the significance of this pivotal conflict in medieval history.

  • 1229 – The Sixth Crusade: In a significant diplomatic achievement, Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, negotiates a ten-year truce with al-Kamil, successfully reclaiming Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem without military conflict or papal backing. Discover the pivotal events surrounding this remarkable Crusade.

  • In 3102 BC, the Kali Yuga, the fourth and final age of Hinduism, began following the death of Lord Krishna. This pivotal period marks a significant transformation in spiritual and moral values, as outlined in Hindu texts. Discover the implications of the Kali Yuga in Hindu philosophy and its impact on the world today.

Births

  • Jaime Jaquez Jr.

    2001 – Jaime Jaquez Jr., American basketball player

  • Tanguy Coulibaly

    2001 – Tanguy Coulibaly, French footballer

  • Giacomo Raspadori

    2000 – Giacomo Raspadori, Italian footballer

  • Zakaria Aboukhlal

    2000 – Zakaria Aboukhlal, Moroccan footballer

  • Tyler Dorsey

    1996 – Tyler Dorsey, American-Greek basketball player

  • Nathan Aké

    1995 – Nathan Aké, Dutch footballer

  • Paul Zipser

    1994 – Paul Zipser, German basketball player

  • J-Hope

    1994 – J-Hope, South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, and record producer

  • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

    1993 – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, American basketball player

  • Logan Miller

    1992 – Logan Miller, American actor

  • Martin Marinčin

    1992 – Martin Marinčin, Slovak ice hockey player

  • Le'Veon Bell

    1992 – Le'Veon Bell, American football player

  • Sebastian Neumann

    1991 – Sebastian Neumann, German footballer

  • Bryan Oviedo

    1990 – Bryan Oviedo, Costa Rican footballer

  • Cody Hodgson

    1990 – Cody Hodgson, Canadian ice hockey player

  • Didi Gregorius

    1990 – Didi Gregorius, Dutch baseball player

  • Monica Aksamit

    1990 – Monica Aksamit, American saber fencer

  • Sonja Vasić

    1989 – Sonja Vasić, Serbian basketball player

  • Maiara Walsh

    1988 – Maiara Walsh, American-Brazilian actress

  • Sarah Sutherland

    1988 – Sarah Sutherland, American actress

Deaths

  • Flavio Bucci

    2020 – Flavio Bucci, Italian actor and voice actor (b. 1947)

  • Alessandro Mendini

    2019 – Alessandro Mendini, Italian designer and architect (b. 1931)

  • Elchanan Heilprin

    2015 – Elchanan Heilprin, Czechoslovakian-born English rabbi (b. 1920 or 1922)

  • Maria Franziska von Trapp

    2014 – Maria Franziska von Trapp, Austrian-American singer (b. 1914)

  • Mavis Gallant

    2014 – Mavis Gallant, Canadian-French author and playwright (b. 1922)

  • Dale Earnhardt

    2001 – Dale Earnhardt, American racer and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (b. 1951)

  • Balthus

    2001 – Balthus, Polish-Swiss painter and illustrator (b. 1908)

  • Ngaio Marsh

    1982 – Ngaio Marsh, New Zealand author (b. 1895)

  • Jack Northrop

    1981 – Jack Northrop, American engineer and businessman, founded the Northrop Corporation (b. 1895)

  • Andy Devine

    1977 – Andy Devine, American actor (b. 1905)

  • Dragiša Cvetković

    1969 – Dragiša Cvetković, Serbian lawyer and politician, 17th Prime Minister of Yugoslavia (b. 1893)

  • J. Robert Oppenheimer

    1967 – J. Robert Oppenheimer, American physicist and academic (b. 1904)

  • Grigory Nelyubov

    1966 – Grigory Nelyubov, Soviet pilot and military officer (b. 1934)

  • Gertrude Vanderbilt

    1960 – Gertrude Vanderbilt, American stage actress (b. c. 1885)

  • Gustave Charpentier

    1956 – Gustave Charpentier, French composer (b. 1860)

  • David King Udall

    1938 – David King Udall, American missionary and politician (b. 1851)

  • James J. Corbett

    1933 – James J. Corbett, American boxer and actor (b. 1866)

  • Frank James

    1915 – Frank James, American soldier and criminal (b. 1843)

  • Lucy Stanton

    1910 – Lucy Stanton, American activist (b. 1831)

  • Charles Lewis Tiffany

    1902 – Charles Lewis Tiffany, American businessman, founded Tiffany & Co. (b. 1812)

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