🗓️ On This Day - August 23rd
August 23rd isn’t just any regular day! As you will see, it is a day for celebration, commemoration, and a lot of information. You may already be celebrating a birthday today, and if that’s the case, you’ll find our celebrity birthdays section of interest! Let’s take a deep dive into August 23rd, and why it’s so important.
On this day
A volcano started to stir…
In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius began stirring. The volcano eventually went on to erupt, destroying towns such as Pompeii in its path – a moment that’s well documented both in legend and in physical historical record.
William Wallace was executed.
In 1305, Scottish patriot William Wallace was executed on the grounds of high treason. He was sentenced to death by Edward I of England and died at Smithfield in London. Wallace was the inspiration for the Mel Gibson movie "Braveheart."
The Battle of Stalingrad took place.
In 1942, during World War II, 600 Luftwaffe planes bombed Stalingrad – hence the name of the well-known battle. 40,000 people died during the assault.
The largest tank battle in history unfolded.
In 1943, the 50th battle day of Kursk in the USSR took place. The largest tank battle ever finally came to an end with Russia winning over Germany – 10,000 tanks took part in the battle, and an estimated 250,000 people were killed.
Armenia broke free from Soviet rule.
In 1990, Armenia celebrated its independence as August 23rd marked its breaking away from the USSR. This was a huge moment for the nation – as they had been part of the Soviet Union since 1922! The independence declaration was finally made solid the next year, as of September 21st, 1991 – and Armenia has remained its own independent state ever since.
Special Days Falling on August 23rd
August 23rd is a special day for a variety of reasons across the globe. If you’re stuck for something to mark or remember today, we’re here to help. Here are some of the most important celebrations to consider today.
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
The 23rd of August is an immensely important date for us all to remember – in that it's marked to help us recognize the atrocities committed as a result of the slave trade just hundreds of years ago. What's more, while the slave trade as we know it in America may have been abolished, modern slavery continues to be a disturbing issue across the modern world.
Ukraine’s Day of the National Flag
Every August 23rd is also Day of the National Flag for Ukraine. The day celebrates the country’s national symbol, and everything it represents. As a result of the ongoing battles with Russia, many around the world will continue to honor this flag and the people it represents.
European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism
August 23rd continues to be a highly important date for looking back on humanity’s mistakes and how we can learn from them. Stalinism and Nazism have both claimed many lives over the past century. Today is a good day to look back at the cruelty and atrocities of the early 20th century and to show gratitude for how far we’ve come.
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This page was last modified on August 16, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
Philippe Petit took a huge step in more ways than one! In August 1974, French high-wire artist Petit walked a jaw-dropping eight times across a wire between the World Trade Center's Twin Tower blocks in New York. He completed his walks in just 45 minutes, with the wire suspended a terrifying 1,350 feet (411 meters) up in the air. What’s more, he was only 24 years old at the time!
Famous Birthdays on August 23rd
If you were born on August 23rd…
…you’re a Virgo! Virgos tend to be fairly practical people, and are often quick at coming up with ideas. However, you’re also keen to follow a “my way or the highway” approach! Take a look at our Virgo facts page to learn more.
