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21

June


June 21

Day of the Martyrs (Togo)

Day of the Martyrs: Honoring Togo's Fight for Freedom

The Day of the Martyrs, observed on January 13 every year, is a significant date in the Togolese calendar. It commemorates the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country's independence and democratic freedom, serving as a reminder of Togo's history and the ongoing struggle for civil rights...

Father's Day (Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Uganda, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates)

Father's Day Celebrations in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Uganda, Pakistan, and UAE

Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and father figures for their contributions to our lives. Celebrated worldwide, this day varies in tradition, dates, and significance across different cultures...

Go Skateboarding Day

Go Skateboarding Day: A Celebration of Community and Creativity

Every year on June 21st, skateboarders around the world come together to celebrate Go Skateboarding Day, a holiday that not only honors the sport itself but also fosters a sense of community among riders of all ages and skill levels. Established to promote skateboarding as an expression of creativity, sport, and art, this day has transcended its origins and has grown into an international phenomenon...

International Yoga Day (international)

International Yoga Day: A Global Celebration of Unity and Wellness

Every year on June 21st, the world comes together to celebrate International Yoga Day. This global event was established by the United Nations in 2014, promoting the numerous benefits of yoga—both for individuals and for communities...

National Aboriginal Day (Canada)

Celebrating National Aboriginal Day in Canada: Heritage, Culture, and Unity

National Aboriginal Day, celebrated annually on June 21, is a time to recognize and honor the cultural heritage and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. This important day is a celebration of the rich traditions, languages, and histories reflected across the diverse Indigenous communities...

Solstice-related observances (see also June 20):

Celebrating the Solstice: Observances Around the World

The Solstice, which occurs twice a year, marks pivotal points in the Earth's orbit around the sun, leading to the longest and shortest days of the year. The June solstice, occurring around June 20 or 21, signifies the peak of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, while the December solstice, around December 21 or 22, heralds the onset of winter...


Events

  • In 2012, a tragic incident occurred when an Indonesian Air Force Fokker F27 Friendship crashed near Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport, resulting in the loss of 11 lives. This devastating event highlights the importance of aviation safety and the need for continuous improvements in air travel protocols.

  • In 2012, a tragic maritime disaster occurred when a boat overloaded with over 200 migrants capsized in the Indian Ocean, near the Indonesian island of Java and Christmas Island. This heartbreaking incident resulted in 17 fatalities, while 70 individuals remain unaccounted for.

  • In 2009, Greenland gained self-rule, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards greater autonomy. This pivotal event highlights the island's efforts to manage its own governance and resources, shaping its future as an independent entity.

  • In 2006, a tragic accident occurred when a Yeti Airlines de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter crashed at Jumla Airport in Nepal. The incident resulted in the loss of nine lives, highlighting the safety challenges faced in the region's aviation.

  • In 2006, astronomers officially named Pluto's newly discovered moons as Nix and Hydra, expanding our understanding of this distant dwarf planet. Discover the intriguing history of Pluto's moons and their significance in our solar system.

  • In 2005, Edgar Ray Killen was convicted of manslaughter for the infamous 1964 murders of civil rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Mickey Schwerner. This landmark conviction came 41 years after the original cases were reopened in 2004, highlighting the ongoing pursuit of justice in the civil rights movement.

  • In 2004, SpaceShipOne made history by becoming the first privately funded spaceplane to successfully reach space. This groundbreaking achievement marked a significant milestone in the evolution of commercial space travel.

  • In 2001, a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, issued indictments against 13 Saudi nationals and one Lebanese individual for their alleged involvement in the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 19 American servicemen.

  • In 2000, Scotland voted 99 to 17 to repeal Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, which had prohibited the 'promotion' of homosexuality in the UK. This significant legislative change marked a progressive step towards LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in Scotland.

  • In 1993, the Space Shuttle Endeavour embarked on its STS-57 mission, successfully launching to retrieve the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA) satellite. This mission marked a historic milestone as it was also the inaugural shuttle flight to include the Spacehab module, enhancing scientific research capabilities in space.


Births

  • Lil Bub

    2011 – Lil Bub, American celebrity cat (d. 2019)

  • Alexandra Obolentseva

    2001 – Alexandra Obolentseva, Russian chess player

  • Dylan Brown

    2000 – Dylan Brown, New Zealand rugby league player

  • Ky Rodwell

    1999 – Ky Rodwell, Australian rugby league player

  • Derrius Guice

    1997 – Derrius Guice, American football player

  • Rebecca Black

    1997 – Rebecca Black, American singer-songwriter

  • Scottie Scheffler

    1996 – Scottie Scheffler, American golfer

  • Tyrone May

    1996 – Tyrone May, Australian rugby league player

  • Başak Eraydın

    1994 – Başak Eraydın, Turkish tennis player

  • Hungrybox

    1993 – Hungrybox, Argentine-American esports player

Deaths

  • Frederick Crews

    2024 – Frederick Crews, American essayist and literary critic (b. 1933)

  • Winnie Ewing

    2023 – Winnie Ewing, Scottish politician (b. 1929)

  • Charles Krauthammer

    2018 – Charles Krauthammer, American columnist and conservative political commentator (b. 1950)

  • Gunther Schuller

    2015 – Gunther Schuller, American horn player, composer, and conductor (b. 1925)

  • Alexander Schalck-Golodkowski

    2015 – Alexander Schalck-Golodkowski, German soldier and politician (b. 1932)

  • Veijo Meri

    2015 – Veijo Meri, Finnish author and poet (b. 1928)

  • Walter Kieber

    2014 – Walter Kieber, Austrian-Liechtenstein politician, 7th Prime Minister of Liechtenstein (b. 1931)

  • Yozo Ishikawa

    2014 – Yozo Ishikawa, Japanese politician, Japanese Minister of Defense (b. 1925)

  • Elliott Reid

    2013 – Elliott Reid, American actor and screenwriter (b. 1920)

  • James P. Gordon

    2013 – James P. Gordon, American physicist and academic (b. 1928)