23 September - The first official airmail flight in the United States in 1911

 

On 23 September 1911, Earle Lewis Ovington, an American aviation pioneer, conducted the first official airmail flight sanctioned by the U.S. Post Office Department. The historic flight took place during an aviation meet in Garden City, New York, on Long Island. Ovington was flying a Blériot XI monoplane, a small, single-seat aircraft with an open cockpit, which was one of the earliest airplanes built for aviation.

As the designated "Air Mail Pilot No. 1," Ovington took off carrying a mailbag containing about 640 letters and 1,280 postcards. Since the aircraft had no landing gear suitable for delivering mail, Ovington employed a creative method: he simply dropped the mailbag from the plane as he flew over Mineola, his designated delivery point. Unfortunately, the bag burst open upon impact, scattering letters and postcards on the ground, but postal workers quickly gathered them up.

The flight was relatively short, about five miles, but it symbolized a significant step forward in the use of aircraft for mail delivery. Ovington’s flight marked the official beginning of airmail service in the U.S., demonstrating the potential for airplanes to revolutionize communication. Over the next few years, air mail service expanded rapidly, eventually becoming a vital part of both national and international postal services.

Though the first flight was ceremonial and limited in scope, it laid the groundwork for future airmail services, which by the 1920s became a regular part of the U.S. postal system, with dedicated pilots and routes.

23 September - Robert Bosch birth anniversary

 

Robert Bosch, born on 23 September 1861, and passing away on 12 March 1942, was a German industrialist, engineer, and inventor, best known for founding Bosch, one of the world's leading engineering and technology companies. His innovations, particularly in the development of the magneto ignition system, revolutionized the automotive industry. Bosch was also known for his commitment to social responsibility, fair labor practices, and philanthropy, advocating for better working conditions and the welfare of his employees. His legacy endures in the global impact of the Bosch brand and its contributions to technology and industry.

23 September - William Stewart Halsted birth anniversary

 

William Stewart Halsted, born on 23 September 1852, and passing away on 07 September 1922, was a pioneering American surgeon who revolutionized the field of surgery with his innovative techniques and contributions to medical education. As one of the founding physicians of Johns Hopkins Hospital, he introduced the use of aseptic techniques to reduce infections during surgery and developed the Halsted mastectomy for breast cancer treatment. His work in anesthesia and the creation of the surgical residency system left a lasting legacy in modern surgical practices.

23 September - Saudi National Day

 

 

Saudi National Day is celebrated on 23 September each year to mark the anniversary of the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The day commemorates the moment in 1932 when King Abdulaziz Al Saud declared the creation of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after successfully uniting the various regions of the Arabian Peninsula, including the Najd and Hijaz.

This day is a public holiday in Saudi Arabia, and it is marked by various festivities such as parades, cultural performances, fireworks, and public events. The holiday is also a time of national pride, with public buildings and homes adorned with the Saudi flag, and special programs broadcast on television and radio.

The celebration reflects Saudi Arabia's rich history, culture, and achievements, while also serving as a reminder of the nation’s development and modernization since its founding.

23 September - Augustus the Great

 

The title "Augustus" is historically associated with Gaius Octavius, later known as Augustus Caesar, who was the first Roman Emperor.

Gaius Octavius, born on September 23, 63 BCE, was the grandnephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar. Following Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE, Octavius, Mark Antony, and Marcus Lepidus formed the Second Triumvirate to avenge Caesar's death and consolidate power. The triumvirs defeated the forces of the senatorial faction led by Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BCE.

However, conflicts emerged between Octavius and Antony, leading to the naval Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, where Octavius emerged victorious. In 27 BCE, Octavius voluntarily relinquished extraordinary powers and handed control of the Roman Republic back to the Senate. The Senate then bestowed upon him the honorific title "Augustus," signifying reverence, authority, and a sacred nature.

Augustus became the first Roman Emperor, reigning from 27 BCE until his death in 14 CE. His rule marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire. Augustus implemented significant political and social reforms, bringing about an era of relative stability known as the Pax Romana (Roman Peace).

While the title "the Great" is often associated with historical figures who had a profound and lasting impact on their civilizations (such as Alexander the Great), it is not commonly used in connection with Augustus. Augustus is often referred to as one of Rome's most successful and influential leaders, and his legacy is significant in shaping the history and governance of the Roman Empire.