1. A Special Birthday in the United Nations
On October 24, 1945, the United Nations officially came into existence when the Charter of the United Nations was ratified by a majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council. Given its significance, this date is now celebrated as United Nations Day.
2. The Gui Disaster
October 24, 1949, had one of the most catastrophic mine disasters in history. At a coal mine in the Chinese province of Hunan, a deadly explosion killed roughly 1,000 miners, marking it as one of the darkest chapters in coal mining history.
3. Fannie Lou Hamer’s Birth
Fannie Lou Hamer, an influential American voting rights activist and civil rights leader, was born on October 24, 1917. Her tireless efforts significantly contributed to the passing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.
4. The Great Stock Market Crash
On this day in 1929, a severe plunge in the U.S. stock market began, leading to the infamous Black Tuesday, which signaled the start of the Great Depression.
5. Day of the Libraries
In Germany, October 24 is recognized as Day of the Libraries. Initiated by Heinrich Heine, this annual occasion spotlights the importance of libraries as valuable centers for education and culture.
6. The Release of "Jigsaw"
October 24, 2017, marked the release of the eighth installment of the famous horror movie franchise, "Saw". Aptly named "Jigsaw," the movie was a significant hit in the box office.
7. The Sinking of the HMS Royal George
On October 24, 1782, the HMS Royal George sank at Portsmouth, England, with a severe loss of over 800 lives, marking it as one of the major maritime disasters of the 18th century.
8. Take Back Your Time Day
October 24 is also recognized as Take Back Your Time day in the United States. It underlines the need for individuals to balance work, life, and community engagement.
9. Draconid Meteor Shower Peaks
Star gazers are in for a treat on October 24 as the Draconid meteor shower, which starts in early October, often reaches its peak on this day. It's an incredible sight to behold.
10. National Bologna Day
This might be a fun reminder for foodies, October 24 is National Bologna Day in the United States. Bologna is a sausage derived from mortadella, a similar-looking, finely ground pork sausage containing cubes of pork fat from Italy.
11. Some Famous Birthday
Celebrities such as Drake, a renowned rapper, and PewDiePie, an influential YouTube personality, celebrate their birthdays on October 24.
12. Formation of the Republican Party
On October 24, 1854, the Republican Party was formalized in the United States. It grew swiftly and by 1860, was powerful enough to see its candidate, Abraham Lincoln, elected as President.
13. The Concorde makes its last commercial flight
On October 24, 2003, the Concorde supersonic passenger plane completed its last commercial flight, signaling an end to a key chapter in aviation history.
14. The Birth of Kevin Kline
Internationally acclaimed actor Kevin Kline, best known for his roles in films such as A Fish Called Wanda and In & Out, was born on October 24, 1947.
15. Sale of Alaska
On October 24, 1867, the official handover ceremony took place, and Alaska was transferred from Russia to the United States following the Alaska Purchase.
16. National Crazy Day
In addition to being National Bologna Day, October 24 is also recognized as National Crazy Day in the United States, a day to do something out of character or fun.
17. Establishment of Zambia
On October 24, 1964, Northern Rhodesia became the independent Republic of Zambia, freeing itself from British rule.
18. Annie Edson Taylor's death-defying feat
October 24, 1901, marked the first attempt by anyone to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. The daredevil in question was Annie Edson Taylor, and she incredibly survived this stunt on her 63rd birthday!
19. The Discovery of Planet Uranus
On October 24, 1851, William Lassell, a British astronomer, discovered Umbriel and Ariel, two significant moons of Uranus.
20. World Polio Day
Last but not least, in an effort to completely eradicate polio, Rotary Clubs worldwide celebrate World Polio Day on October 24. This day provides an opportunity to highlight global efforts toward a polio-free world and to honour the tireless contributions of those on the frontlines in the fight to eradicate the polio virus from every corner of the globe.