2020 – The United States suspends travel from Europe due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
‹
12
March
March 12

Celebrating Arbor Day in China: A Green Initiative for a Sustainable Future
Arbor Day, a holiday dedicated to tree planting and the promotion of environmental awareness, holds significant importance in China. Celebrated on March 12 each year, this day commemorates the efforts of individuals and organizations to restore ecological balance and emphasize the value of trees in sustaining life. The historical roots of Arbor Day in China trace back to the early 20th century, reflecting both a national commitment to combating deforestation and an understanding of trees as vital components of our ecosystem.The significance of Arbor Day transcends beyond mere tree planting; it serves as a reminder for individuals and communities to cultivate a deeper connection with nature...

Arbor Day in Taiwan: A Celebration of Trees and Environmental Stewardship
Arbor Day, a day dedicated to planting and caring for trees, holds a significant place in the cultural and environmental tapestry of Taiwan. Established officially in 1920, it has transformed from a simple observance into a powerful movement that fosters environmental awareness and action among the citizens. The importance of Arbor Day lies not only in its role as an occasion for tree planting but also as an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with nature—a relationship that sustains life and nurtures the spirit. The inception of Arbor Day was rooted deeply in the desire to restore forest cover and promote ecological balance following periods of deforestation during Japanese colonial rule...

Discover National Day in Mauritius: A Celebration of Freedom and Culture
National Day in Mauritius, celebrated annually on March 12th, holds profound significance for the people of this beautiful island nation. It marks the day in 1968 when Mauritius gained independence from British colonial rule, a pivotal moment that shaped the destiny and identity of its citizens. This occasion not only commemorates political freedom but also symbolizes the unity and resilience of a diverse population that has come together to forge a national identity amidst various cultural backgrounds. The journey towards independence was fraught with challenges...

World Day Against Cyber Censorship: Empowering Free Speech Online
World Day Against Cyber Censorship is a significant observance aimed at raising awareness about the importance of internet freedom and the dangers posed by censorship in the digital realm. This day serves as a platform to highlight how governments and other authorities may restrict access to information, suppress free expression, and manipulate online content. Established by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in 2008, this day not only marks the ongoing struggle for free speech but also emphasizes the necessity for vigilance against any forms of digital repression.Censorship has evolved through centuries, but in our modern age, it has taken on new shapes and sizes...

Youth Day in Zambia: Empowering the Next Generation
Youth Day in Zambia is an official holiday celebrated on March 12 each year, dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions of young people to the nation's development. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of youth in shaping the future, echoing a global acknowledgment that investing in young individuals is vital for sustainable progress. In a nation where over 60% of the population comprises youth, it becomes crucial to celebrate their potential and address the challenges they face.Historically, Zambia has faced numerous socio-economic hurdles—ranging from high unemployment rates to limited access to education for many young people...

Celebrating Aztec New Year: Traditions, Rituals, and Significance
The Aztec New Year, known as 'Xiuhmolpilli' in Nahuatl, holds immense significance as it marks the beginning of a new cycle within the ancient Mesoamerican calendar. Traditionally celebrated around the time of the spring equinox, this festive occasion symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The importance of Xiuhmolpilli cannot be understated; it serves not only as a marker of time but also reflects deep cultural beliefs tied to agriculture, cosmology, and community. The Cycle of Seasons: A Dance with Nature With each New Year comes the promise of fertility; it's when farmers pray for rain to nourish their crops...
Events
2019 – In the House of Commons, the revised EU Withdrawal Bill was rejected by a margin of 149 votes.
2018 – US-Bangla Airlines Flight 211 crashes at Tribhuvan International Airport in Katmandu, killing 51 and injuring 20.
2014 – A gas explosion in the New York City neighborhood of East Harlem kills eight and injures 70 others.
2011 – A reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant explodes and releases radioactivity into the atmosphere a day after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
2009 – Financier Bernie Madoff pleads guilty to one of the largest frauds in Wall Street's history.
2004 – The President of South Korea, Roh Moo-hyun, is impeached by its National Assembly: the first such impeachment in the nation's history.
2003 – The World Health Organization officially release a global warning of outbreaks of Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
2003 – Zoran Đinđić, Prime Minister of Serbia, is assassinated in Belgrade.
1999 – Former Warsaw Pact members the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland join NATO.
1993 – North Korea announces that it will withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and refuses to allow inspectors access to its nuclear sites.
1993 – Several bombs explode in Mumbai, India, killing about 300 people and injuring hundreds more.
1992 – Mauritius becomes a republic while remaining a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
1989 – Sir Tim Berners-Lee submits his proposal to CERN for an information management system, which subsequently develops into the World Wide Web.
1971 – The 1971 Turkish military memorandum is sent to the Süleyman Demirel government of Turkey and the government resigns.
1968 – Mauritius gains independence from the United Kingdom.
1967 – Suharto takes power from Sukarno when the People's Consultative Assembly inaugurate him as Acting President of Indonesia.
1950 – The Llandow air disaster kills 80 people when the aircraft they are travelling in crashes near Sigingstone, Wales. At the time this was the world's deadliest air disaster.
1947 – Cold War: The Truman Doctrine is proclaimed to help stem the spread of Communism.
1942 – The Battle of Java ends with the surrender of the American-British-Dutch-Australian Command to the Japanese Empire in Bandung, West Java, Dutch East Indies.
Births
2008 – Emma Kok, Dutch singer
2004 – DannyLux, American singer-songwriter
2003 – Andrea Brillantes, Filipino actress and model
1998 – Elizaveta Ukolova, Czech figure skater
1998 – Daniel Samohin, Israeli figure skater
1998 – Mecole Hardman, American football player
1998 – Carsen Edwards, American basketball player
1997 – Felipe Vizeu, Brazilian footballer
1997 – Allan Saint-Maximin, French footballer
1997 – Dean Henderson, English footballer
Deaths
2021 – Ronald DeFeo Jr., American criminal (b. 1951)
2016 – Lloyd Shapley, American mathematician and economist, Nobel Prize laureate (b. 1923)
2015 – Terry Pratchett, English journalist, author, and screenwriter (b. 1948)
2015 – Ada Jafri, Pakistani poet and author (b. 1924)
2015 – Michael Graves, American architect and academic, designed the Portland Building and the Humana Building (b. 1934)
2015 – Willie Barrow, American minister and activist (b. 1924)
2014 – José Policarpo, Portuguese cardinal (b. 1936)
2014 – Paul C. Donnelly, American scientist and engineer (b. 1923)
2013 – Ganesh Pyne, Indian painter and illustrator (b. 1937)
2013 – Michael Grigsby, English director and producer (b. 1936)