01 March - South Korea 1st March Movement (Samiljeol)

 

The March 1st Movement, also known as Samiljeol, was a pivotal event in Korean history and played a significant role in the Korean independence movement. It occurred on March 1, 1919, in Seoul, which was then under Japanese rule.

On this day, a peaceful protest was organized by Korean activists who sought to end Japanese colonial rule and regain Korea's sovereignty. The movement began with the reading of the Korean Declaration of Independence at a public meeting in Seoul, and it quickly spread throughout the country. Millions of Koreans participated in demonstrations, rallies, and protests against Japanese rule.

The March 1st Movement was met with harsh repression from the Japanese authorities, leading to arrests, imprisonments, and even executions of Korean leaders and activists. While the movement itself did not immediately achieve independence, it had a profound impact on Korean national consciousness and inspired subsequent resistance against Japanese colonial rule.

The date, March 1st, is now observed as a national holiday in South Korea known as Samiljeol, commemorating the courage and spirit of those who participated in the March 1st Movement.

 

01 March - Castle Bravo Nuclear Test

 

Castle Bravo was the first in a series of high-yield thermonuclear weapon design tests conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands, as part of Operation Castle. Detonated on March 1, 1954, the device was the most powerful nuclear device detonated by the United States and its first lithium deuteride fueled thermonuclear weapon.Castle Bravo's yield was 15 megatonnes of TNT (63 PJ), 2.5 times the predicted 6 megatonnes of TNT (25 PJ), due to unforeseen additional reactions involving lithium-7,which led to the unexpected radioactive contamination of areas to the east of Bikini Atoll. At the time, it was the most powerful artificial explosion in history.

Fallout, the heaviest of which was in the form of pulverized surface coral from the detonation, fell on residents of Rongelap and Utirik atolls, while the more particulate and gaseous fallout spread around the world. The inhabitants of the islands were not evacuated until three days later and suffered radiation sickness. Twenty-three crew members of the Japanese fishing vessel Daigo Fukuryū Maru ("Lucky Dragon No. 5") were also contaminated by the heavy fallout, experiencing acute radiation syndrome. The blast incited a strong international reaction over atmospheric thermonuclear testing.

The Bravo Crater is located at 11°41′50″N 165°16′19″E. The remains of the Castle Bravo causeway are at 11°42′6″N 165°17′7″E.

01 March - Frédéric Chopin Polish composer was born in 1810

 

Frédéric François Chopin(born Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin; 1 March 1810 – 17 October 1849) was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic period, who wrote primarily for solo piano. He has maintained worldwide renown as a leading musician of his era, one whose "poetic genius was based on a professional technique that was without equal in his generation

01 March - Baba Marta - martenitsa

 

Bulgarians all over the world celebrate the centuries-old legend of Baba Marta on March 1. On this day, it is tradition to exchange what is called a martenitsa. This consists of red and white colored strings interwoven and gifted to friends and family as a symbol of health, happiness, and gratitude.

01 March - Independence Day Bosnia and Herzegovina

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates its Statehood Day, also known as Independence Day, on March 1st. This national holiday marks the country's declaration of sovereignty and independence from the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

On March 1, 1992, a referendum was held in Bosnia and Herzegovina in which the majority of the population voted for independence. This move led to the establishment of an independent state, but it also marked the beginning of the Bosnian War, a conflict that lasted from 1992 to 1995.

Statehood Day is an important occasion in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it is observed with various events, ceremonies, and commemorations throughout the country.

 

01 March - P. N. Panicker birth anniversary

 

P. N. Panicker, also known as "The Father of the Library Movement in Kerala," was a prominent social reformer and educator in India. His full name was Padmanabhan Palpu Narayana Panicker. He played a crucial role in promoting education and literacy in the state of Kerala. Here are some key points about P. N. Panicker:

1. Birth and Early Life:

   • P. N. Panicker was born on 01 March 1909, in the town of Kuttippuram in Malappuram district, Kerala, India.

2. Library Movement:

   • He is best known for pioneering the library movement in Kerala. He believed that libraries could play a vital role in spreading education and knowledge at the grassroots level.

3. Kerala Grandhasala Sanghom:

   • In 1945, P. N. Panicker founded the Kerala Grandhasala Sanghom, which aimed to establish a library in every village in Kerala. This initiative significantly contributed to improving literacy and educational levels in the state.

4. Literacy Programs:

   • Panicker was actively involved in various literacy programs and campaigns. He emphasized the importance of reading and education in eradicating social issues.

5. Recognition:

   • In recognition of his contributions to the library movement and education, P. N. Panicker received several awards, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 2004.

6. Death:

   • P. N. Panicker passed away on 19 June 1995.

P. N. Panicker's legacy continues through the widespread presence of libraries in Kerala and the emphasis on education and literacy in the state. His efforts have had a lasting impact on the intellectual and educational landscape of Kerala.

 

01 April - The United States Air Force Academy is established in Colorado in 1954

 

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) was established on April 1, 1954. It is a military academy for officer cadets of the United States Air Force and is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The academy's mission is to educate, train, and inspire cadets to become officers of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to the nation.

The establishment of the Air Force Academy was a significant development in the history of the United States Air Force, providing a dedicated institution for the education and training of future Air Force officers. The academy offers a rigorous academic program, military training, and character development to prepare cadets for leadership roles in the Air Force.

Since its founding, the United States Air Force Academy has produced thousands of graduates who have gone on to serve with distinction in the Air Force and in various civilian sectors. The academy's campus features iconic landmarks such as the Cadet Chapel and is known for its stunning natural surroundings in the Rocky Mountains.

01 March - The city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil was officially founded in 1565

 

The city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil was officially founded on March 1, 1565. It was initially established by the Portuguese explorer Estácio de Sá, who led an expedition against the French presence in the region. The city's full name, São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, was given in honor of St. Sebastian, the patron saint of Rio de Janeiro, and the Portuguese king at the time. Rio de Janeiro went on to become one of the most iconic and culturally vibrant cities in Brazil, serving as the capital of the country from 1763 to 1960.

01 March - Yap Day (Yap State)

 

Yap Day is a cultural event celebrated in Yap State, which is part of the Federated States of Micronesia. Yap Day usually takes place annually on March 1st.

Yap Day is a significant cultural festival that showcases the traditions, customs, and heritage of the Yapese people. The event typically includes traditional dances, ceremonies, displays of local crafts, and other cultural activities. Yapese men and women often wear traditional attire during the celebrations.

 

01 March - Titanic, based on the ship of the same name, becomes the first film to gross $1 billion.

 

"Titanic," directed by James Cameron and based on the ship of the same name, became the first film to gross $1 billion on March 1, 1998. The film's tremendous success at the box office was a historic achievement, and it continued to be the highest-grossing film worldwide until James Cameron's "Avatar" surpassed it in 2010.

01 March - The Peace Corps is established in 1961

 

The Peace Corps was established on 01March 1961, by an executive order issued by U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The Peace Corps is a volunteer program that provides assistance to people in developing countries. It aims to promote peace and friendship by engaging American volunteers in various sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and community development. The Peace Corps has since become an iconic institution known for its commitment to cross-cultural exchange and service around the world.

01 March - Yahoo! was officially incorporated

 

Yahoo! was officially incorporated on March 1, 1995. The company was founded by Jerry Yang and David Filo, who started it as a directory of websites. Over the years, Yahoo! evolved into a major internet portal, offering a wide range of services, including search, email, news, and more. Yahoo! played a significant role in the early days of the internet and became one of the most well-known and widely used websites during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

01 March - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) began its operations

 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was formed on December 27, 1945, and it officially began its operations on March 1, 1947. The IMF was established with the goal of promoting international monetary cooperation, exchange rate stability, balanced trade growth, and the financial stability of its member countries. The organization provides policy advice, financial assistance, and technical assistance to its member countries to help them address economic challenges and maintain stability in the global financial system.

01 March - Zero Discrimination Day

 

 

 

Zero Discrimination Day is an annual day celebrated on 1 March each year by the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations. The day aims to promote equality before the law and in practice throughout all of the member countries of the UN. The day was first celebrated on March 1, 2014, and was launched by UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé on 27 February of that year with a major event in Beijing.

In February 2017, UNAIDS called on people to "make some noise around zero discrimination, to speak up and prevent discrimination from standing in the way of achieving ambitions, goals and dreams."

The day is particularly noted by organisations like UNAIDS that combat discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. "HIV related stigma and discrimination is pervasive and exists in almost every part of the world including our Liberia", according to Dr. Ivan F. Camanor, Chairman of the National AIDS Commission of Liberia.The UN Development Programme also paid tribute in 2017 to LGBTI people with HIV/AIDS who face discrimination.

Campaigners in India have used this day to speak out against laws making discrimination against the LGBTI community more likely, especially during the previous campaign to repeal the law (Indian Penal Code, s377) that used to criminalise homosexuality in that country, before that law was overturned by the Indian Supreme Court in September 2018.

In 2015, Armenian Americans in California held a 'die-in' on Zero Discrimination Day to remember the victims of the Armenian genocide

01 March - World Seagrass Day

 

World Seagrass Day is a day of awareness and celebration of the role seagrass plays in creating healthier oceans, coastlines and its role as a climate solution. It serves to highlight the importance of protecting seagrass ecosystems and increasing their resilience to challenges such as climate change, pollution and other human impacts.

01 March - Glenn Miller born in 1904

 

Swinging Miller Puts Fans in The Mood

In their career The Beatles scored 33 top ten hits, while Elvis Presley notched up 38. But a middle-aged band leader outperformed them both with 59 top ten hits, including 17 Number Ones, in just a four-year period.

And the music of Glenn Miller, who was born on 1 March 1904, remains popular, with tribute bands successfully pumping out his swinging tunes in venues across the world.

01 March - National day of Wales also known as St. David's Day

 

St. David's Day, also known as Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant in Welsh, is the national day of Wales. It is celebrated on March 1st each year in honor of Saint David (Dewi Sant), the patron saint of Wales. Saint David was a Welsh bishop during the 6th century and is recognized for spreading Christianity in Wales and performing miracles.

On St. David's Day, people in Wales and those of Welsh descent around the world celebrate their Welsh heritage and culture. Many wear traditional Welsh clothing, such as daffodils (the national flower of Wales) and leeks (a traditional Welsh vegetable). Schools, communities, and organizations often hold festivities, including parades, concerts, and other cultural events.

St. David's Day is an opportunity for the Welsh people to come together and celebrate their identity, language, and traditions. It's a significant day in the Welsh calendar and is an important part of Wales' cultural heritage.