Fact 1 : Inception of the Inauguration Day
January 20 wasn’t always Inauguration Day in the United States. Before the 1933 ratification of the 20th Amendment, which set the presidential term to start on January 20th, an incoming president was sworn into office on March 4th. The change was made to shorten the period between Election Day and the start of the presidential term.
Fact 2: The Busiest Air Traffic Day
On January 20 2009, the Federal Aviation Administration of USA marked it as the busiest day ever for private air traffic. It was recorded that over 1000 private jets flew into the Washington D.C. area for President Obama's first inauguration.
Fact 3: The Shortest Inaugural Speech
The shortest inaugural speech was given by George Washington on January 20, 1893. He honored the day by giving a powerful speech that was only a brief 135 words long.
Fact 4: Edison's First Public Demonstration
Thomas Edison, the brilliant inventor, gave his first public demonstration of his incandescent light bulb on January 20, 1880. This laid the foundation of our modern electrical world.
Fact 5: Inception of MTV Russia
On January 20, 1998, MTV Russia made its debut on television, marking a remarkable moment in the music and broadcasting history of Russia.
Fact 6: Mystery of the Yellow Emperor
As per the Gregorian date, Huangdi or the Yellow Emperor of China began his reign on January 20, 2697 BC. He is considered one of the legendary Chinese sovereigns and cultural heroes.
Fact 7: American Idol’s Historic Launch
The incredibly popular American Idol debuted on Fox Network on January 20, 2002.
Fact 8: The Grand TGV Launch
On January 20, 1990, France launched its TGV Atlantique, then the fastest train in the world.
Fact 9: Reagan’s Remarkable Inaugural Ball
President Reagan's inaugural ball was held on January 20, 1981. It was unique as the new President danced with his wife, Nancy, to Frank Sinatra's rendition of "My Way."
Fact 10: The Day of the First Modern Olympic Games
January 20, 1924, marked the opening of the first Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France.
Fact 11: Joy Division’s Day
British rock band Joy Division made their live debut on January 20, 1978 at Pips Disco in Manchester, UK.
Fact 12: Centered in Eastern Europe
January 20 is a memorable day in Azerbaijani history, as it commemorates 'Black January' when Soviet troops invaded Baku in 1990, marking the restoration of their independence.
Fact 13: Obama’s Momentous Inauguration
On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama became the first African-American President of the United States.
Fact 14: The FIFA Ballon d'Or
Cristiano Ronaldo won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for the second time on January 20, 2014.
Fact 15: The Beatles’ First Invasion
January 20, 1964, saw the start of "Beatlemania" in the U.S., with the release of their first American album, "Meet the Beatles."
Fact 16: Australia’s Battle
January 20, 1942, is a notable day for Australia during World War II, when Japanese forces invaded Rabaul in New Britain.
Fact 17: The Birth of Literature
A literary legend, Edgar Allan Poe, was born on January 20, 1809.
Fact 18: Colorful Celebration
In the Philippines, January 20 is recognized as the day of the Ati-Atihan Festival, a week-long celebration in honor of the Santo Niño.
Fact 19: The Birth of Braille
January 20 is also recognized as World Braille Day, in celebration of Louis Braille, the inventor of the reading and writing system used by the visually impaired.
Fact 20: The Ultimate Broadcast
On January 20, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's inauguration was the first to be broadcast on television, marked as a significant advancement in mass communication.