On This Day - September 9th
Anything special about September 9th that comes to mind? If you're already celebrating today, many happy returns – but if not, we've lined up some fantastic facts, figures, and statistics to help ease you into the day. We'll also fill you in on a few famous folks you might be sharing a birthday with – so let's dive in and take a look at September 9th in detail.
On this day
The Battle of Svolder took place
In 1000, during the Battle of Svolder, in the Baltic Sea, King Olaf was defeated. He reportedly leaped to his death overboard during what was supposedly one of the greatest battles of the Viking Age!
The trailblazing Alexander Twilight earned his degree.
In 1817, Alexander Twilight received his bachelor’s degree at Middlebury College. In doing so, he became the first African American ever to graduate from a United States college!
New Zealand established its database.
In 1976, New Zealand’s government established the nation’s first-ever centralized electronic database through the Wanganui Computer Act. In so doing, it raised a lot of questions about the state’s ability to gain and gather information on its citizens. To this day, there are global concerns over how much information about us all is accessible through government hardware.
Queen Elizabeth II set a record.
In 2015, on this very date, the late Queen Elizabeth II became Great Britain’s longest-reigning monarch ever! At the time, she had spent 63 years and seven months on the throne, thus surpassing her great-great-grandmother, the previous record-holder, Queen Victoria. She would reign for a further seven years before she passed away in September 2022.
Australia experienced excruciating wildfires.
In 2019, Australia started experiencing extreme wildfires, devastating lives and livelihoods alike. By September 9th, they had already started fighting dozens of bushfires specifically in Queensland and New South Wales. It’s thought the bushfire season, which extended into 2020, claimed at least 34 lives, destroyed almost 2,800 homes, and burned over 243,000 square km of land.
Special Days Falling on September 9th
September 9th means a great deal to many of us for various reasons. Here are some of the most important events to consider today, whether or not you’re already celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or anything else!
Tajikistan Independence Day
Every September 9th is Tajikistan Independence Day or Day of State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan. Back in 1991, the ruling Tajikistan Communist Party was dissolved, and a new resolution was brought in regarding the independence of the nation. So, every year since then, businesses close, fireworks go off, and people all over the nation gather to witness the 21-gun salute.
International Day to Protect Education From Attack
Every September 9th also honors International Day to Protect Education From Attack. The day was created to bring awareness about the threats children around the world face and the threat their education faces. The United Nations, therefore, created this day in the hopes of helping to protect children everywhere and their right to education!
German Language Day
German is an old language that has been used to bring the world some of the most beautiful and influential literature ever, not to mention films, music, and more! English shares many of its roots with German, and as such, many people love studying and speaking the language alongside. Why not give it a try for yourself?
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This page was last modified on August 31, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
Napoleon III surrendered. In 1870, the French Emperor surrendered to the Prussians during the Battle of Sedan. In doing so, it led to the fall of the Second French Empire.
Famous Birthdays on September 9th
If you were born on September 9th…
…you’re a Virgo! You are a very balanced person. You know when to have fun and relax, but you are also great at taking the lead in difficult situations. People tend to rely on you to find answers to all kinds of problems! Learn more about Virgos from our dedicated Virgo facts page!
