Fact 1: The United States Air Force Foundation Date
September 18, 1947, marks the beginning of the United States Air Force, the aerial warfare service branch of the U.S. military. This day is now recognized and celebrated as "Air Force Day".
Fact 2: A Day For Cheeseburgers
September 18 is also National Cheeseburger Day in the United States. Every year on this date, Americans celebrate the culinary delight, often with discounted burgers at various restaurants.
Fact 3: Scott Crossfield's Supersonic Flight
On September 18, 1959, Scott Crossfield, a famous American Naval test pilot, became the first person to fly at twice the speed of sound, breaking the existing world record.
Fact 4: A Landmark Medical Achievement
On this day in 1977, Anastasio Somoza Debayle, a renowned medical researcher, performed the first successful heart transplant in the USA, marking a significant milestone in medical history.
Fact 5: Significant Day in Canadian History
September 18, 1851, is when the first edition of The Globe, now known as The Globe and Mail, was published in Ontario. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious newspapers in Canada.
Fact 6: Start of the First Journey Around the Moon
The first human journey to leave Earth's orbit began on September 18, 1968, when Zond 5, a spacecraft from the Soviet Union, was launched.
Fact 7: The Divorce of Nelson and Winnie Mandela
On September 18, 1996, the globally recognized political leader Nelson Mandela and his wife Winnie officially divorced.
Fact 8: Premier of a Cult Classic Film
Film enthusiasts might be delighted to know that September 18, 1975, is the day 'Jaws,' the infamous shark movie directed by Steven Spielberg, premiered in Sweden.
Fact 9: An Important Date for American Railways
The Santa Fe Railroad in America was finished on September 18, 1882. This was a pivotal moment in establishing an efficient transcontinental transportation system.
Fact 10: The Release of Resident Evil
For video game enthusiasts, September 18, 1998, is a significant date. That's when the hit horror video game "Resident Evil 3: Nemesis" was released in Japan.
Fact 11: The Birth of Greta Garbo
Hollywood legend Greta Garbo was born on September 18, 1905. Known for being fiercely private, her talent and allure made her an unforgettable silver screen icon.
Fact 12: The Death of Jimi Hendrix
The legendary rock and roll artist Jimi Hendrix passed away on September 18, 1970, leaving a significant influence on the world of music.
Fact 13: The Formation of the Rugby World Cup
September 18, 1987, marked the kick-off of the inaugural Rugby World Cup, with New Zealand playing Italy in the opening match.
Fact 14: The Capital of Australia Decided
Australia's capital, Canberra, was named on September 18, 1913. Prior to Canberra, the country did not have a designated capital city.
Fact 15: Founding of the New York Times
The esteemed daily newspaper, The New York Times, was founded on September 18, 1851. It was originally called the "New-York Daily Times.”
Fact 16: Wimbledon Football Club Move
After 104 years at Plough Lane, Wimbledon Football Club played their last game on the ground on September 18, 1991. This marked the end of an era for the “Dons”.
Fact 17: Singapore Joins the United Nations
On September 18, 1965, Singapore joined the United Nations, just one month after gaining independence from Malaysia.
Fact 18: Quebec Referendum Act
September 18, 1995, marked the passing of the Quebec Referendum Act, which was a major political event in Canadian history.
Fact 19: The Birth of Lance Armstrong
Lance Armstrong, the former professional road racing cyclist, was born on September 18, 1971. He is known for winning the Tour de France seven consecutive times, later stripped of these titles for doping.
Fact 20: The Marriage of George Clooney
Actor George Clooney married human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in Venice on September 18, 2014, truly a Hollywood moment that stole headlines around the world.