Fact 1: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
September 16 is recognized globally as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. This day was established by the United Nations in 1994 to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. This is an initiative to raise awareness of the depletion of the ozone layer and the search for solutions to preserve it.
Fact 2: Mexico's Independence Day
Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16. This historical event took place in 1810 when the Mexican War of Independence against Spain began. The celebratory day is marked with parades, concerts, and a lot of patriotism across the country.
Fact 3: American Playwright Lauren Gunderson's Birthday
Celebrated American playwright Lauren Gunderson was born on September 16. The author of "The Book of Will", "Silent Sky", and many other critically acclaimed plays, Gunderson was the most produced playwright in America in 2017.
Fact 4: National Guacamole Day in the U.S.
In the United States, September 16 is National Guacamole Day. The celebration honors the delicious Mexican dip made from avocados. People across the country enjoy guacamole with their meals making September 16 a special 'guacamole indulgence' day.
Fact 5: The day of the Great Fire of London’s End
The Great Fire of London, one of the most infamous fire incidents in history, ended on September 16, 1666. The fire, which started on September 2, killed six people and destroyed most of the medieval City of London inside the old Roman city wall.
Fact 6: The Birth of Blues Legend B.B. King
September 16 marks the birth date of the celebrated blues musician B.B. King. Born in 1925 in Mississippi, USA, King's singing and guitar playing skills have left a lasting impact on the music industry worldwide.
Fact 7: NASA's Gemini 5 Landed
On September 16, 1965, NASA's Gemini 5, which was the third crewed Earth-orbiting spacecraft of the Gemini series, landed in the Atlantic Ocean. It spent eight days in space, which was a new record at that time.
Fact 8: The Birth of Famous Author, James Cash Penney
James Cash Penney, the founder of J.C. Penney stores, was born on September 16, 1875, in Missouri, USA. His store is one of the largest department chains in the United States today.
Fact 9: The First Edition of the Wall Street Journal Europe
On September 16, 1983, the first edition of the Wall Street Journal Europe was published. This broadsheet format newspaper circulates in over 50 countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Fact 10: The First Flight across the Pacific Ocean
September 16, 1923, saw the first flight across the Pacific Ocean. Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon completed the journey from Japan to Washington State in the United States on their single-engine aircraft, Miss Veedol.
Fact 11: Canada's National Celiac Awareness Day
Every year on September 16, Canada observes National Celiac Awareness Day to draw attention to Celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.
Fact 12: Death Anniversary of Mary Proctor, Notable Astronomer and Science Writer
September 16 marks the death anniversary of Mary Proctor, a renowned British-American astronomer, and science writer famous for writing and spreading knowledge about comets, meteors, and galaxies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Fact 13: Birth of Yugoslav and Serbian Philosopher Radomir Konstantinović
Radomir Konstantinović, a prominent Yugoslav and Serbian philosopher, writer, and literary critic, was born on September 16, 1928. He is best known for his philosophical treatise "Philosophy of Paraindividualism" and his critiques on totalitarianism.
Fact 14: French Opera "Samson and Delilah" Premiere
On September 16, 1877, the French grand opera "Samson and Delilah" by Camille Saint-Saëns premiered in Weimar, Germany. The opera is now one of the most performed in the international operatic repertoire.
Fact 15: The Battle of San Jacinto (Ecuador) Ended
On September 16, 1860, the Battle of San Jacinto ended, lining Ecuador up for its transition from the Federal Republic of Ecuador to a unitary state. This step was key to Ecuador's path to a more centralized government.
Fact 16: Birth of Sportscaster Allen Bestwick
One of the best-known voices in motorsports in the United States, Allen Bestwick, was born on September 16, 1961, in Newport, Rhode Island. He is particularly known for his commentary on NASCAR and IndyCar races.
Fact 17: The Founding of General Motors
September 16, 1908, marks the founding of General Motors by William C. Durant. Today, General Motors is one of the world's largest and most influential automotive manufacturers with vehicles sold in over 125 countries.
Fact 18: Roller Coaster Patent Day
On September 16, 1898, Edwin Prescott patented the roller coaster design, which revolutionized the amusement park industry. His looping roller coaster design became very popular and evolved into the thrilling rides we enjoy today.
Fact 19: The Day Skippy the Bush Kangaroo First Aired
On September 16, 1968, the first episode of Australian children's television series, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, was broadcast. The series was a hit and beloved by many, affectionately termed as Australia's Lassie.
Fact 20: The Day the Mayflower Set Sail
September 16 also bears historical significance as the day the famous Mayflower ship set sail from Plymouth, England, in 1620. The ship was carrying the so-called Pilgrims, who were among the first English settlers of North America. This was a journey that redefined the course of history, especially that of the United States.