🗓️ On This Day - Aug 11th
Is August 11th an important day for you? Statistically, it's a very important day for millions of people celebrating birthdays today – but there are a few other reasons why this otherwise innocuous date is worth marking in the calendar. Below, we've lined up some of the most important historical events that unfolded today, as well as some famous birthdays, and some facts about your star sign if you're celebrating.
On this day
The Mesoamerican Long Count calendar began.
In 3114 BC, the Mesoamerican Long Court calendar officially began. It was used by various Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Mayans. This dating system was used on monuments and plinths, and it’s even still measurable to this day.
Japan had to compromise.
In 1945, allies fighting during World War II refused Japan’s offer to surrender. The condition of the offer was that Emperor Hirohito retained his status – but this really didn’t sit well with Western forces! Japan’s surrender effectively brought the conflict to a close.
Al-Qaeda was formed.
In 1988, during a meeting between Osama bin Laden, Dr. Fadl, and Ayman al-Zawahiri, the notorious cell Al-Qaeda was formed. The organization was formed in Peshawar, in Pakistan, and would later become the main focus during George W. Bush’s “War on Terror,” following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
NATO took command in Afghanistan.
In 2003, NATO took command of the peacekeeping force in Afghanistan. This was the organization’s first major operation outside of Europe.
Lightning struck in Bangladesh.
In 2013, lightning struck a Mosque in Bangladesh. 13 people were killed, and 15 more were injured during the incident.
Special Days Falling on August 11th
August 11th isn’t only special due to its historical events! It’s also special for the celebrations around the world that are honored today. Here are some of the most notable international holidays taking place right now.
Mountain Day
August 11th is also the date that Japan celebrates Mountain Day every year! Japan is known for its mountainous terrain, so it should come as no surprise that every year the people choose to honor their mountains, especially those they see as natural sanctuaries. This date is particularly important as it’s a symbolic choice – in Kanji, the number eight (for August) is a mountain, and the number 11, for the date, looks like a pair of trees!
Hip-Hop Day
August 11th also marks Hip-Hop Day. And, while it is a holiday mainly in the US, the day is there to observe the importance of hip-hop and the influence this musical genre has had around the world! August 11th, 1973 was the day that, reportedly, DJ Kool Herc threw a party that gave birth to a new genre of music. So, today, take the time to look into the history of hip-hop and how some of its most influential artists changed the game.
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This page was last modified on July 26, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was founded! Back in August 1900, one of the automobile’s most influential companies, Firestone, started out thanks to the work of Harvey Firestone and his team. The company still runs to this day and is known for making some of the most reliable tires on the road!
Famous Birthdays on August 11th
If you were born on August 11th…
…you’re a Leo! You are strong, compassionate, dedicated, and very loyal. You’re also a lover of the luxury things life has to offer you, meaning you’re always keen to work hard for your rewards. But, if we were to detail everything else that defines you as an August Leo, it would take an entire article! Luckily, we have exactly that on our Leo facts page – head over and see if you learn something new about yourself.
