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February


February 21

Armed Forces Day (South Africa)

Armed Forces Day South Africa: A Tribute to Our Heroes

Armed Forces Day in South Africa is celebrated annually on the 21st of February. This significant day provides an opportunity for the nation to honor the brave men and women of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who protect and service the country...

Birthday of King Harald V (Norway)

Celebrating King Harald V: A Glimpse into His Life and Legacy

On February 21, Norway celebrates the birthday of its beloved monarch, King Harald V. Born in 1937, King Harald ascended to the throne in 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V...

Father Lini Day (Vanuatu)

Father Lini Day: Celebrating Independence and Legacy in Vanuatu

Father Lini Day, observed annually on February 28th, is a significant public holiday in the beautiful island nation of Vanuatu. This day honors the legacy of Father Walter Lini, the first Prime Minister of Vanuatu and a key figure in the struggle for independence from colonial rule...

Language Movement Day (Bangladesh)

Language Movement Day: A Tribute to Linguistic Heritage in Bangladesh

Language Movement Day, observed on February 21st every year, is a significant event in Bangladesh that commemorates the sacrifice of those who fought for the recognition of their mother language, Bengali (Bangla). This day not only honors the martyrs of the language movement but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural identity...

International Mother Language Day (UNESCO)

The Importance of International Mother Language Day: Preserving Linguistic Diversity

International Mother Language Day, observed annually on February 21, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity. Established by UNESCO in 1999, this day highlights the value of maintaining and promoting mother languages worldwide...

The first day of the Birth Anniversary of Fifth Druk Gyalpo, celebrated until February 23. (Bhutan)

Celebrating the Birth Anniversary of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo in Bhutan

The Birth Anniversary of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo, His Late Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is one of the most significant national celebrations in Bhutan. This auspicious occasion falls on February 21 and marks the legacy of a beloved monarch whose reign has greatly influenced the kingdom's social, political, and economic landscapes...


Events

  • In 2022, during the escalating Russo-Ukrainian crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the Luhansk People's Republic and Donetsk People's Republic as independent entities from Ukraine. This provocative move led to a military buildup in the region and was met with widespread condemnation from the United Nations. Stay informed about the latest geopolitical developments and their global implications.

  • In 2013, a tragic series of bombings rocked Hyderabad, India, claiming the lives of at least 17 individuals and injuring 119 others. This devastating incident highlighted the growing security challenges faced by urban areas in India.

  • In 1995, Steve Fossett made history by landing in Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada, as the first individual to complete a solo balloon flight across the Pacific Ocean. This groundbreaking achievement marked a significant milestone in aviation and adventure.

  • In 1994, Aldrich Ames was apprehended by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for espionage, having sold national secrets to the Soviet Union. This significant event took place in Arlington County, Virginia, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. intelligence history.

  • In 1975, the Watergate scandal reached a pivotal moment as former U.S. Attorney General John N. Mitchell, along with ex-White House aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, received prison sentences. This significant event marked a critical chapter in American political history and underscored the consequences of corruption at the highest levels of government.

  • In 1974, the final Israeli soldiers departed from the west bank of the Suez Canal, marking a significant moment in history following a truce agreement with Egypt. This pivotal event reshaped the dynamics of Israeli-Egyptian relations.

  • In 1973, a tragic incident occurred over the Sinai Desert when Israeli fighter jets shot down Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114, resulting in the loss of 108 lives. This significant event remains a pivotal moment in aviation and military history.

  • In 1972, the Soviet Union's uncrewed spacecraft Luna 20 successfully lands on the Moon, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration. Discover the history and achievements of the Luna 20 mission in our detailed article on space exploration.

  • In 1972, U.S. President Richard Nixon made a historic visit to China, marking a pivotal moment in the normalization of Sino-American relations. This landmark trip reshaped diplomatic ties between the two nations and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.

  • In 1971, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances was signed in Vienna, marking a significant step in international drug control and regulation. This pivotal agreement aimed to address the use and distribution of psychotropic substances worldwide.


Births

  • Metawin Opas-iamkajorn

    1999 – Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, Thai actor and singer

  • Sophie Turner

    1996 – Sophie Turner, English actress

  • Wendy

    1994 – Wendy, South Korean singer

  • Hayley Orrantia

    1994 – Hayley Orrantia, American actress and singer-songwriter

  • Davy Klaassen

    1993 – Davy Klaassen, Dutch footballer

  • Steve Leo Beleck

    1993 – Steve Leo Beleck, Cameroonian footballer

  • Devon Travis

    1991 – Devon Travis, American baseball player

  • Ji So-yun

    1991 – Ji So-yun, South Korean footballer

  • Riyad Mahrez

    1991 – Riyad Mahrez, Algerian footballer

  • Joe Alwyn

    1991 – Joe Alwyn, English actor

Deaths

  • John Bahnsen

    2024 – John Bahnsen, United States Army brigadier general and decorated veteran of the Vietnam War (b. 1934)

  • Mireya Arboleda

    2021 – Mireya Arboleda, Colombian classical pianist (b. 1928)

  • Peter Tork

    2019 – Peter Tork, American musician and actor (b. 1942)

  • Stanley Donen

    2019 – Stanley Donen, American film director (b. 1924)

  • Billy Graham

    2018 – Billy Graham, American evangelist (b. 1918)

  • Clark Terry

    2015 – Clark Terry, American trumpet player, composer, and educator (b. 1920)

  • Sadeq Tabatabaei

    2015 – Sadeq Tabatabaei, Iranian journalist and politician (b. 1943)

  • Aleksei Gubarev

    2015 – Aleksei Gubarev, Russian general, pilot, and astronaut (b. 1931)

  • Hasse Jeppson

    2013 – Hasse Jeppson, Swedish footballer (b. 1925)

  • H. M. Darmstandler

    2012 – H. M. Darmstandler, American general (b. 1922)