What’s Happening Today?

Levy Mwanawasa Day (Zambia). This Day is set aside to celebrate Mwanawasa (in the photo), who was the third President of Zambia and ruled the country from January 2002 until his death in August 2008. Today was selected as the date for the holiday because it is the date of his birth. 
Mwanawasa is credited for having initiated a campaign to rid the corruption situation in Zambia during his term. Prior to Mwanawasa's election, he served as vice-president from November 1991 to July 1994, when he also served as an elected Member of Parliament of Chifubu Constituency.

Flag Day (Australia). It commemorates the day in 1901 on which the Australian National Flag was first flown. On that day Prime Minister Edmund Barton announced the winners of the official 1901 Federal Flag Design Competition. A large flag, 5.5 by 11 metres (18 by 36 ft), was flown over the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne.

What Happened Today?

1. In 1967, car drivers in Sweden switched from driving on the left-hand side of the road to the right. With all of Sweden’s neighbouring countries driving on the right, it made sense for Sweden to do the same though the move was hugely unpopular at the time. 

2. In 1971, Qatar gained independence from Britain after 55 years of British rule. The day was however abolished as a public holiday in 2007 following a decree by then Crown Prince, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

3. In 2004, the Beslan School Siege ended with 334 deaths including those of 164 children. The siege was staged by a group of armed Chechen separatists on September 1 who were sent by the Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev. Basayev demanded Russian withdrawal and recognition of the independence of Chechnya. It ended on September 3 when Russian security forces stormed the building with tanks, incendiary rockets and other heavy weapons.

Birthdays

1. 1965 – Charlie Sheen, American actor most famous for appearing in the television sitcom Two and a Half Men.

2. 1992 – August Alsina, American R ‘n’ B singer and songwriter

Sources: Wikipedia and checkiday.com

Photo: Famous People