21 March - Rosie the Riveter Day (United States)

 

Rosie the Riveter Day is observed in the United States on March 21st each year. This day honors the contributions and achievements of the millions of women who joined the workforce during World War II, particularly in the defense industry, to support the war effort.

The iconic image of Rosie the Riveter, symbolized by a determined woman wearing a red bandana and flexing her arm with the caption "We Can Do It!", has become emblematic of the vital role women played in the war effort. Women took on jobs traditionally held by men, including roles in manufacturing, shipbuilding, aviation, and other industries critical to wartime production.

Rosie the Riveter Day serves as a reminder of the important social and economic changes brought about by the wartime mobilization of women, as well as a celebration of their resilience, strength, and contributions to the nation's history.

Various events, activities, and educational programs are held on Rosie the Riveter Day to commemorate the accomplishments of Rosie and the millions of women who supported the war effort, as well as to promote gender equality and women's empowerment in the workforce and society.

 

21 March - Namibia gained independence 1990

 

Namibia gained independence from South Africa on March 21, 1990. This marked the end of years of struggle against South African colonial rule.

Namibia officially the Republic of Namibia, is a country in Southern Africa. Its western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Zambia and Angola to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. Although it does not border Zimbabwe, less than 200 metres (660 feet) of the Botswanan right bank of the Zambezi River separates the two countries. Namibia gained independence from South Africa on 21 March 1990, following the Namibian War of Independence. Its capital and largest city is Windhoek. Namibia is a member state of the United Nations (UN), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the Commonwealth of Nations.

21 March - Youth Day Tunisia

 

Youth Day in Tunisia is observed on March 21st each year. It commemorates the anniversary of the day when Tunisian citizens, particularly young people, took to the streets in 1956 to demand independence from French colonial rule. This event played a significant role in Tunisia's struggle for independence and is celebrated as a symbol of youth activism and the country's sovereignty.

During Youth Day, various events, ceremonies, and activities are organized across Tunisia to honor the contributions of young people to the nation's development and to reflect on the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future of the country. It's a day to recognize the energy, creativity, and potential of the youth population and to encourage their active participation in civic and social activities.

Youth Day serves as a reminder of Tunisia's history of resistance against colonialism and oppression, as well as a celebration of the achievements and aspirations of its younger generations.

 

21 March - Oltenia Day (Romania)

 

Oltenia Day is a regional holiday celebrated in Romania, specifically in the historical region of Oltenia. Oltenia is located in the southwestern part of Romania and is known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and historical significance.

Oltenia Day is typically observed on March 24th each year. It commemorates the unique cultural identity and contributions of the Oltenia region to Romanian history, art, music, cuisine, and traditions.

During Oltenia Day, various events and activities take place across the region to celebrate its heritage. These may include cultural performances, folk music and dance, traditional food festivals, art exhibitions, historical reenactments, and more.

Oltenia Day provides an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to appreciate and showcase the distinct cultural heritage of the Oltenia region, fostering pride and a sense of community among its residents.

 

21 March - Henry V became King of England

 

Henry V became King of England on 21 March 1413. He ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Henry IV. Henry V's reign was marked by significant military successes, particularly during the Hundred Years' War against France. He is perhaps best known for his victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, where his outnumbered English forces defeated the French army. Henry V's reign saw England assert its dominance in France for a period, although his early death in 1422 brought uncertainty to the kingdom's future.

21 March - World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)

 

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is marked each year on March 21,beginning in 2007. The 21st day of March (the 3rd month of the year) was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

Every year on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day is observed to create awareness about Down syndrome. It is a condition in which a child is born with an extra 21st chromosome.

A common activity is wearing colorful or mismatched socks, to show support for people with Down syndrome.Socks are shaped somewhat like chromosomes.

21 March - Freedom from Hunger Campaign Stamp issued in 1963

 

A commemorative postage stamp issued on (21.March.1963) the Freedom from Hunger Campaign by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): In response to an appeal by FAO , Government of India have also agreed to donate 100,000 stamps as their contribution to the campaign funds. The design of the stamp seeks to symbolise the aspirations and the struggle for the successful attainment of the objectives behind the Campaign. The Freedom from Hunger Campaign was launched by the United Nations "FAO" in 1960 , to mobilize the international community to fight the ongoing challenges of hunger and malnutrition.To maximize visibility for the campaign the FAO ask every UN member state to issue a stamp with the campaign branding in 1963 , the year of the World Food Congress.This resulted in the largest ever joint issue of stamps to date , with 153 countries participating.

21 March - Use of name Iran, instead of Persia

 

On March 21, 1935, during the Persian New Year (Nowruz) celebrations, Reza Shah Pahlavi, the then-ruler of Iran, officially requested that the international community refer to the country as "Iran" instead of "Persia." This change was intended to emphasize the country's Aryan heritage and promote a sense of nationalism.

The name "Persia" had been used historically to refer to the region, and it was a term that many Western countries were familiar with. However, Reza Shah believed that "Iran" more accurately reflected the country's ancient heritage and its connection to the Aryan people. The word "Iran" is derived from the Avestan word "Aryānām," meaning "Land of the Aryans."

The request for the change in name was not just a linguistic preference but also had political and nationalistic undertones. It aimed to modernize and nationalize the country's identity while distancing it from the historical associations of "Persia." Over time, the use of "Iran" became the standard internationally, and it continues to be the official name of the country to this day.

 

21 March - Emergency withdrawal in 1977

 

The Emergency is one of the most controversial periods of Indian history since its independence. The final decision to impose an emergency was proposed by Indira Gandhi, agreed upon by the President of India, and ratified by the Cabinet and the Parliament from July to August 1975. It was based on the rationale that there were imminent internal and external threats to the Indian state.
Officially issued by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed under Article 352 of the Constitution because of prevailing "internal disturbance", the Emergency was in effect from 25 June 1975 to its withdrawal on 21 March 1977. The order bestowed upon the Prime Minister the authority to rule by decree, allowing elections to be cancelled and civil liberties to be suspended. For much of the Emergency, most of Gandhi's political opponents were imprisoned and the press was censored.

21 March - M. N. Roy was born in 1887

 

M. N. Roy, born on 21 March 1887, was an Indian revolutionary, radical activist and political theorist, as well as a noted philosopher in the 20th century. Roy was the founder of the Mexican Communist Party and the Communist Party of India (Tashkent group).