24 August - Independence Day of Ukraine

 

Independence Day of Ukraine is the main state holiday in modern Ukraine,celebrated on 24 August in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of 1991.

When Ukraine was still a Soviet republic, the Ukrainian diaspora traditionally recognized 22 January (the Declaration of Independence of the Ukrainian People's Republic in 1918) as Ukrainian Independence day.

The current form of the holiday was first celebrated on 16 July 1991, as the first anniversary of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine passed by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) in 1990.Since the Declaration of Independence was issued on 24 August 1991, and confirmed by the referendum of 1 December 1991, the date of the holiday was changed.

24 August - Flag Day in Liberia

 

Flag Day in Liberia is celebrated on August 24th each year. It is a national holiday in Liberia and is dedicated to honoring the country's flag, which holds great significance in Liberian history and identity.

The Liberian flag consists of 11 horizontal stripes of red and white, with a blue square in the upper left corner that contains a single white star. The flag's design is a symbol of Liberia's history and values, with the red and white stripes representing the 11 signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence. The blue square and white star symbolize African freedom and the ex-slaves and free black Americans who migrated to Liberia in the early 19th century.

On Flag Day, Liberians participate in various festivities and events to celebrate their national flag. This includes parades, cultural performances, educational programs, and ceremonies. Schools, government offices, and many businesses are closed for the day, allowing people to engage in patriotic activities and reflect on the importance of the flag to their nation's identity.

 

24 August - Bal Gangadhar Kher birth anniversary

 

Balasaheb Gangadhar Kher, commonly known as B. G. Kher, was an Indian politician and a key figure in the Indian National Congress during the pre-independence and post-independence periods. He served as the Chief Minister of the Bombay Presidency (now Maharashtra) and also played a role in shaping post-independence Maharashtra's political landscape.

Born on August 24, 1888, B. G. Kher was deeply involved in the freedom struggle against British colonial rule. He was an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi's principles and actively participated in various civil disobedience movements and initiatives to promote India's independence.

One of his significant contributions was his role in the integration of princely states into the newly formed Indian Union after independence. As Chief Minister of Bombay Presidency, he worked to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition of princely states like Saurashtra into the Indian Republic.

B. G. Kher was a respected leader and administrator known for his commitment to social welfare and education. He believed in fostering a progressive and inclusive society. He also played a role in establishing the Mumbai University.

Kher's legacy extends beyond his political career. He was instrumental in laying the foundation for the political structure of the state of Maharashtra after it was reorganized on linguistic lines. His contributions to the socio-political landscape of Maharashtra continue to be remembered and acknowledged.

B. G. Kher passed away on March 8, 1957. His efforts in both the pre-independence and post-independence eras have left a lasting impact on the political and social development of Maharashtra and India as a whole.