Whatc��?cs Happening Today?

National Geographic Day (USA). The National Geographic Society was incorporated in Washington, D.C. on today's date in 1888, by a group of 33 scientists, scholars, businessmen, and explorers who had a passion for geography, science, and travel, and who believed Americans were taking more of an interest in the outside world at the time. Its founding goal was for "the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge." Today it is one of the largest and most inclusive organizations in the world.

International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Commonly known as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, it commemorates those who lost their lives during the Holocaust, the genocide perpetrated by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II which killed 6 million Jewsc��?�about one-third of their total numberc��?�as well as 11 million others. This solemn remembrance was designated with United Nations General Assembly resolution 60/7, on November 1, 2005, during the 42nd plenary session. The resolution and the day were initiated by Israel.

What Happened Today?

1. In 1945, Soviet forces liberated Auschwitz. The German Nazi regime murdered over 1.1 million people in the extermination camps near O?�?�wi?�?ccim, Poland.

2. In 1967, 3 astronauts died in a cabin fire while preparing for the Apollo 1 mission. The accident was a blow to NASA's Apollo manned lunar landing program.

3. In 1983, the first shaft of the world's longest tunnel was completed. The Seikan Tunnel, 53.85 km (33.46 mi) in length, connects the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido.

Birthdays

1. 1859 - William II,� the last German Emperor and King of Prussia.�

2. 1979 c��?? Rosamund Pike, British actress.

Sources: wikipedia & checkiday