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February


February 12

Darwin Day (International)

Darwin Day: Celebrating Science and Evolution Every February 12th

Every year on February 12th, individuals around the globe commemorate Darwin Day to honor the legacy of Charles Darwin, a pivotal figure in the field of biology and the originator of the theory of evolution. This day not only celebrates Darwin's contributions to science but also encourages education and understanding of the principles of evolution and natural selection...

Georgia Day (Georgia (U.S. state))

Discovering Georgia Day: Celebrating the Peach State's Roots

Georgia Day is a significant celebration in the state of Georgia, marking the anniversary of the colony's founding on February 12, 1733. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on the rich history and culture of Georgia, highlighting its role in the broader narrative of American history...

Lincoln's Birthday (United States)

Lincoln's Birthday: Honoring the Legacy of America's 16th President

Lincoln's Birthday, celebrated on February 12th, honors the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Born in 1809, Lincoln is best known for his leadership during the Civil War and his commitment to ending slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation...

Red Hand Day (United Nations)

Understanding Red Hand Day: A Global Call to Action Against Child Soldiers

Every year on February 12th, the world comes together to observe Red Hand Day, a United Nations initiative aimed at raising awareness about the plight of child soldiers. This day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing recruitment of children for armed conflicts across the globe, highlighting the need for immediate action to protect the rights of children...

Union Day (Myanmar)

Union Day: Understanding Its Significance in Myanmar

Union Day is a significant national holiday in Myanmar, celebrated annually on February 12th. This day commemorates the historic Panglong Agreement, signed in 1947, which laid the groundwork for the country’s independence and establishment of a federal union...


Events

  • In 2019, the Republic of Macedonia officially changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia, following the Prespa Agreement. This pivotal decision resolved a long-standing naming dispute with Greece, marking a significant milestone in regional relations.

  • In 2016, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill made history by signing an Ecumenical Declaration. This landmark meeting marked the first encounter between the leaders of the Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church since their schism in 1054, paving the way for renewed dialogue and unity between these two major Christian denominations.

  • In 2009, Colgan Air Flight 3407 tragically crashed into a home in Clarence Center, New York, during its approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. This devastating incident resulted in the loss of all passengers and crew members on board, as well as one victim on the ground.

  • In 2004, San Francisco made history by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, following a groundbreaking directive from Mayor Gavin Newsom. This landmark decision marked a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality in the United States.

  • In 2002, a tragic accident occurred when an Iran Airtour Tupolev Tu-154 crashed in the mountains near Khorramabad, Iran, during its descent for landing at Khorramabad Airport. The disaster resulted in the loss of 119 lives, marking a significant aviation tragedy in the region.

  • In 2002, the trial of Slobodan Milošević, the ex-President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, commenced at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, Netherlands. Milošević passed away four years later, before the trial's conclusion, marking a significant moment in international law and justice.

  • In 2001, the NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft made history by landing in the "saddle" region of asteroid 433 Eros, marking it as the first spacecraft ever to successfully land on an asteroid.

  • In 1999, President Bill Clinton was acquitted by the United States Senate during his historic impeachment trial, marking a significant moment in American political history.

  • In 1994, a notorious heist at the National Gallery of Norway resulted in the theft of Edvard Munch's legendary painting, The Scream, by four skilled thieves. This audacious crime remains one of the most infamous art thefts in history.

  • In 1993, tragic events unfolded when two-year-old James Bulger was kidnapped from the New Strand Shopping Centre. This horrifying crime was committed by two ten-year-old boys, who went on to torture and murder him, shocking the nation and raising awareness about child safety and crime prevention.


Births

  • Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

    2001 – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georgian footballer

  • Paxton Lynch

    1994 – Paxton Lynch, American football player

  • Arman Hall

    1994 – Arman Hall, American sprinter

  • Kemal Bilmez

    1994 – Kemal Bilmez, Belgian politician

  • Jennifer Stone

    1993 – Jennifer Stone, American actress

  • Bud Dupree

    1993 – Bud Dupree, American football player

  • Magda Linette

    1992 – Magda Linette, Polish tennis player

  • Kane Richardson

    1991 – Kane Richardson, Australian cricketer

  • Patrick Herrmann

    1991 – Patrick Herrmann, German footballer

  • Robert Griffin III

    1990 – Robert Griffin III, American football player

Deaths

  • Ivan Reitman

    2022 – Ivan Reitman, Slovak-Canadian actor, director, and producer (b. 1946)

  • Christie Blatchford

    2020 – Christie Blatchford, Canadian newspaper columnist, journalist and broadcaster (b. 1951)

  • Pedro Morales

    2019 – Pedro Morales, Puerto Rican professional wrestler and commentator (b. 1942)

  • Lyndon LaRouche

    2019 – Lyndon LaRouche, American political activist (b. 1922)

  • Gordon Banks

    2019 – Gordon Banks, English footballer (b. 1937)

  • Anna Marguerite McCann

    2017 – Anna Marguerite McCann, first female American underwater archaeologist (b. 1933)

  • Al Jarreau

    2017 – Al Jarreau, American singer (b. 1940)

  • Yan Su

    2016 – Yan Su, Chinese general and composer (b. 1930)

  • Dominique D'Onofrio

    2016 – Dominique D'Onofrio, Italian-Belgian footballer and coach (b. 1953)

  • Steve Strange

    2015 – Steve Strange, Welsh singer (b. 1959)