On This Day - September 11th
We all know September 11th, sadly, for a tragic reason that changed the world. However, it is important to remember that a lot has taken place on this date in the past and continues to take place every year around the world. Here are some of the most important things to know about September 11th – and a few famous birthdays if you’re marking a special occasion.
On this day
The Battle at Stirling Bridge took place.
In 1297, the Battle at Stirling Bridge took place, in which William Wallace defeated the
English. He was eventually executed for treason in England in 1305 – many people will recognize the name as he was the subject of the Mel Gibson movie, Braveheart, in 1994.
The Battle of Zenta unfolded.
In 1697, during the Battle of Zenta, the Turks were defeated by the forces of Prince Eugene of Savoy. And so, the Ottoman control of large parts of Central Europe came to an end. That said, the Ottoman Empire would officially endure all the way to 1922, culminating in a stunning 600 years of rule!
Charles XII turned around!
In 1708, during the Great Northern War, Charles XII of Sweden suddenly stopped his march to conquer Moscow. He stopped outside of Smolensk. This was a turning point in the whole war, though the conflicts would endure until 1721.
The Last King of Kaffa was caught.
In 1897, Gaki Sherocho, the Last King of Kaffa, was caught by the generals of Menelik II of Ethiopia. This brought an end to the ancient Kingdom of Kaffa, which had stood since 1390. Its land now forms part of modern Ethiopia.
Halley’s comet was discovered!
In 1909, Halley’s comet was discovered by German astronomer Max Wolf. We can see the comet roughly every 75 years, so make sure to look out of your window on July 28th, 2061, if you’re free!
Special Days Falling on September 11th
September 11th has important significance for many of us – and while it's a day of remembrance for many, it's also a day for looking forward. Here are a few of the special occasions and observances happening today.
9/11 Remembrance Day
Of course, every September 11th is the date on which we remember the atrocities that took place on September 11th, 2001, when 2,977 people died due to the terrorist attacks that shook New York City. With thousands injured and families shaken by the incident for years to come, 9/11 was an event that changed world politics for good, though not necessarily for the better. Today, we remember the fallen, regardless of affiliation.
Emergency Number Day
September 11th is also the day we come together and honor all emergency services. Without them, we would truly be lost. We all know the numbers we need to call for help, and we are guaranteed someone at the end will ensure we get the help we need as soon as possible. For all the hard work they do – take the time today to consider emergency service people.
Libraries Remember Day
Libraries Remember Day takes place on September 11th every year, too. It is a day to honor the importance of libraries in our communities – how everyone is welcome to dive deep into a world of learning and intrigue without having to pay for books or encyclopedias. They stood long before the internet came around, and they’ll likely be around for many more years to come, too.
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This page was last modified on September 3, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
Soviet Russia made a dangerous decision. In 1962, Soviet Russia decided to agree to send arms to Cuba – this decision led to the October Missile Crisis, as US forces later discovered the shipments.
Famous Birthdays on September 11th
If you were born on September 11th…
…you’re a Virgo! You are a born problem-solver. No matter the issue, you are generally the person to turn to, which on the whole makes you a pretty inspiring leader! That said, you do often feel a little closed-off – why not open up a little? Take a look at our Virgo facts file for more information.
