What’s Happening Today?

Independence Day (Uruguay). On August 25th, 1825, following a short period of rebellion, Uruguay declared its independence from Brazil. This instigated the Argentina- Brazil War. The conflict lasted until August 1828, when the British negotiated a resolution that led to Brazil recognizing Uruguay's independence.

Liberation Day (France). This commemorates the military battle that took place during World War II from 19 August 1944 until the German garrison surrendered the French capital to French troops on 25 August 1944. Paris had been occupied by Nazi Germany since the signing of the Second Compiègne Armistice on 22 June 1940, after which the Wehrmacht occupied northern and western France. 

What Happened Today?

1.    In 1609, Galileo Galilei demonstrated his first telescope to Venetian lawmakers. Galileo recognized that his observations supported Nicolaus Copernicus's theory that the planets revolve around the Sun.

2.    In 1980, Zimbabwe joined the United Nations. This was after Revolutionary leader Robert Mugabe won an election that proceeded Zimbabwe’s independence.

3.    In 2001, American singer Aaliyah and several members of her record company were killed as their overloaded aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Marsh Harbour Airport, Bahamas.

Birthdays

1.    1930 – Sean Connery, British actor who starred as the first James Bond. He died in 2020.

2.    1981 – Timothy Batabaire, former Uganda Cranes defender who also won several league titles and the CECAFA Club Championship with SC Villa.

Sources: Wikipedia, officeholidays.com & bornglorious

Photo: BBC