14 September - Penang Bridge the longest bridge in Malaysia opens to traffic in 1985

 

The Penang Bridge, the longest bridge in Malaysia at the time of its completion, officially opened to traffic on 14 September 1985. This iconic structure connects Penang Island to the mainland of Malaysia, specifically the seaboard town of Perai on the mainland in Seberang Perai. Spanning 13.5 kilometers (8.4 miles), it is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Malaysia, facilitating transportation and boosting economic activity between Penang and the mainland.

Background:

The idea for the Penang Bridge was proposed in the 1960s, with the goal of improving connectivity between Penang, a key economic hub, and the mainland. Prior to the bridge, the only way to travel between the island and mainland was by ferry. Construction of the bridge began in 1982 under the guidance of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the then-Prime Minister of Malaysia. It was built by the Korean company Hyundai Engineering and Construction.

Design and Structure:

The Penang Bridge is a dual carriageway toll bridge that features a cable-stayed section in the middle to allow for the passage of ships underneath. Its design has become one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in Malaysia. The total length of the bridge is 13.5 kilometers, with 8.4 kilometers over water, making it the longest bridge in Southeast Asia at the time of its completion.

Impact:

The opening of the Penang Bridge dramatically improved travel time between Penang Island and the mainland, leading to increased trade, tourism, and development in the region. It continues to be a crucial link in Penang’s infrastructure, handling a significant volume of daily traffic.

Further Development:

To address growing traffic congestion, a second bridge, the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, was completed in 2014. This second bridge is even longer, at 24 kilometers, and further enhances the connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland.

The Penang Bridge remains an engineering marvel and a symbol of Malaysia’s progress in infrastructure development.

14 September - San Jacinto Day (Nicaragua)

 

San Jacinto Day is a national holiday in Nicaragua, observed annually on 14 September . It commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, a pivotal event in the country’s history during the mid-19th century. The battle, which took place on 14 September 1856, is remembered as a significant victory for Nicaraguan forces in their fight against foreign invaders, particularly the American filibuster William Walker and his mercenary forces.

Historical Context:

In the mid-1850s, Nicaragua was embroiled in political turmoil, and this internal strife was exploited by William Walker, an American adventurer and mercenary who sought to establish a personal empire in Central America. Walker, with his small army of mercenaries, invaded Nicaragua and declared himself president in 1856. His ambition was to take control of the entire region, supported by some American expansionists.

The Battle of San Jacinto:

The Battle of San Jacinto was fought at the Hacienda San Jacinto, a farm located north of Managua. It involved a group of around 160 Nicaraguan soldiers led by Colonel José Dolores Estrada against approximately 300 filibusters under Walker’s command. Despite being outnumbered and less equipped, the Nicaraguan forces managed to defeat the filibusters after a fierce battle, forcing them to retreat. This victory became a symbol of national pride and resistance to foreign intervention.

Significance:

The victory at San Jacinto marked a turning point in Nicaragua’s struggle against William Walker and his ambitions to conquer Central America. It is celebrated as a symbol of the Nicaraguan people’s resilience and determination to protect their sovereignty. Colonel Estrada and the soldiers who fought at San Jacinto are regarded as national heroes, with the battle becoming an important part of the country’s national identity.

Celebrations:

San Jacinto Day is celebrated with great patriotism in Nicaragua. The day includes military parades, speeches, cultural performances, and patriotic displays across the country. Schools often hold special programs to honor the memory of the soldiers who fought in the battle, and the event is a focal point for instilling a sense of national pride in younger generations. Government officials also pay tribute to the historic victory, emphasizing its significance in Nicaraguan history.

The day precedes Independence Day, which is celebrated on 15 September making it part of a broader celebration of Nicaragua's national pride and independence.

14 September - World First Aid Day

 

World First Aid Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of September. This year it will be celebrated on September 14. Any form of help given to a sick or injured person during an emergency situation is called as first aid. It is provided until a full medical treatment is available. World First Aid Day is celebrated to bring awareness among the people about the importance of first aid.

• “Safety first” is “Safety always”

#WFAD  #FirstAid #Worldfirstaidday #firstaidday #firstaid #WorldFirstAidDay2020

14 September - The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC) was founded in 1960

 

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, was founded on September 14, 1960. OPEC is an intergovernmental organization that was established by five major oil-producing countries: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. The organization was founded in Baghdad, Iraq, with the goal of coordinating and unifying the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensuring stable oil prices in the global market.

OPEC has since grown to include several other member countries from different regions of the world, and it plays a significant role in influencing global oil production and prices. The organization's actions and decisions regarding oil production quotas and pricing have a substantial impact on the global economy, given the vital role that oil plays in various industries and everyday life.

 

14 September - British calendar in line with the Gregorian calendar

 

The British Empire adopted the Gregorian calendar, but the process of adoption was not as straightforward as simply switching calendars on a specific date.

The Gregorian calendar was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 as a reform of the Julian calendar, which had been in use for centuries. The Gregorian calendar was designed to bring the date of the spring equinox closer to March 21 and to better align the calendar year with the solar year.

However, it took many years for the Gregorian calendar to be adopted by various countries and regions. In the case of the British Empire, the calendar change did not occur until the 18th century. The British Empire, including its American colonies, transitioned from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in September 1752.

The transition was implemented by the Calendar (New Style) Act 1750, also known as An Act for Regulating the Commencement of the Year; and for Correcting the Calendar now in Use. According to this act, the day following September 2, 1752, was designated as September 14, 1752, in order to bring the British calendar in line with the Gregorian calendar. This adjustment involved skipping 11 days to make up for the discrepancy between the two calendars.

So, while it is correct to say that the British Empire adopted the Gregorian calendar in September 1752, the transition involved a specific adjustment to the calendar to correct the discrepancy between the Julian and Gregorian systems, resulting in the omission of 11 days from the calendar.