07 February - The Great Siege of Gibraltar

 

The Great Siege of Gibraltar took place between 1779 and 1783 during the American Revolutionary War and the Anglo-Spanish War. It was a prolonged military conflict between the British and the Spanish-French alliance for control of the strategic Gibraltar peninsula.

Gibraltar, a British overseas territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has long been of strategic importance due to its position at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea. The siege began in June 1779 when Spain, joined later by France, initiated a blockade of Gibraltar by land and sea.

The British garrison, led by General George Eliott, resisted the siege with determination and resourcefulness. The defenders faced hardships, including shortages of food and supplies, but they managed to hold out against the combined Spanish and French forces. The British Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral George Rodney, played a crucial role in breaking through the blockade to resupply and reinforce the garrison.

The siege lasted for over three years, and the conditions were challenging for both the defenders and attackers. Disease, lack of resources, and the tenacity of the British defense contributed to the eventual failure of the siege. The Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the American Revolutionary War, also led to the conclusion of the Great Siege of Gibraltar. The terms of the treaty stipulated that Gibraltar would remain under British control.

The Great Siege of Gibraltar is considered one of the longest sieges in British military history and played a significant role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Mediterranean region.

 On 07 February 1783, the siege was ended after a British convoy was able to slip through the blockade. The victory was decisive for the British, even though the War of Independence was a victory overall for the Americans and their allies.

07 February - The movie Pinocchio is released by Walt Disney in 1940

 

Pinocchio, released by Walt Disney Productions on 07 February 1940, in New York City, was the studio's second animated feature film, following Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). Based on Carlo Collodi's 1883 Italian novel The Adventures of Pinocchio, the film tells the story of a wooden puppet brought to life by the Blue Fairy, who must prove himself brave, truthful, and unselfish to become a real boy. Directed by Ben Sharpsteen and Hamilton Luske, Pinocchio was groundbreaking for its detailed animation, expressive character designs, and innovative special effects, such as realistic water sequences.

Despite its artistic achievements and critical acclaim, the film initially struggled at the box office due to World War II limiting its international release. However, through multiple re-releases over the decades, Pinocchio became one of Disney’s most beloved classics. The film introduced the Academy Award-winning song "When You Wish Upon a Star," which became Disney’s signature tune. Today, Pinocchio is widely regarded as one of the greatest animated films of all time, praised for its storytelling, animation, and moral lessons.

07 February - National Girls and Women in Sports Day

 

National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates the achievements and contributions of female athletes in sports. The day is dedicated to recognizing the importance of sports and fitness for girls and women and the positive influence that participation in sports can have on their lives.

NGWSD was initially established in 1987 by the U.S. Congress to honor Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman, who passed away in 1986. The day is celebrated on the first Wednesday in February each year. It serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the progress that has been made in women's sports, raise awareness of the ongoing challenges and inequalities, and inspire girls and women to pursue and excel in sports at all levels.

Various events, activities, and programs are organized on National Girls and Women in Sports Day to promote gender equality in sports and encourage female participation in physical activities. This day has become a platform to highlight the achievements of female athletes, coaches, administrators, and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of sports.

07February - World Read Aloud Day

 

World Read Aloud Day is an annual event celebrated globally to encourage the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories. The event usually takes place on the first Wednesday of February each year. Its primary goal is to promote literacy, advocate for the right to literacy, and celebrate the joy of reading.

World Read Aloud Day was initiated by LitWorld, a non-profit organization, in 2010. The day aims to emphasize the power of words and the transformative impact of reading aloud, not only for children but for people of all ages. The idea is to create a world where everyone has the right to literacy and can experience the joy and benefits of reading.

On World Read Aloud Day, individuals, schools, libraries, and various organizations around the world participate by organizing events, reading aloud sessions, and other literacy-focused activities. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of literacy in education, personal development, and building strong communities.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information about World Read Aloud Day events, it is recommended to check the official website of LitWorld or follow their announcements on social media.

06 February - Bob Marley birth anniversary

 

Bob Marley, born on 06 February 1945, in Nine Mile, Jamaica, was a legendary Jamaican reggae singer, songwriter, and musician. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of reggae music and popular culture.

Marley's musical career began in the late 1960s with the formation of the Wailers, a group he formed with friends Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. The Wailers achieved international success with hits like "Simmer Down" and "One Love." Marley's distinctive voice, poignant lyrics, and the fusion of reggae with elements of ska and rocksteady contributed to the global appeal of his music.

Bob Marley's most famous albums include "Exodus," "Catch a Fire," "Natty Dread," and "Rastaman Vibration." His songs often addressed social and political issues, promoting messages of peace, love, and resistance against oppression. "No Woman, No Cry," "Buffalo Soldier," "Redemption Song," and "Three Little Birds" are some of his most celebrated and enduring tracks.

Apart from his musical contributions, Bob Marley was also a symbol of the Rastafari movement, and his life and work continue to have a profound impact on the world. Tragically, he passed away on  11 May 1981, at the age of 36, after battling cancer. Despite his relatively short life, Bob Marley's legacy endures, and his music remains influential across generations.

06 February - Elizabeth II became Queen of The United Kingdom

 

Queen Elizabeth II became the Queen of the United Kingdom on 06 February 1952. She ascended to the throne following the death of her father, King George VI. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was only 25 years old at the time of her accession.

Her coronation took place on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey in London. Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning current monarch, having surpassed numerous milestones during her reign. As of my knowledge cutoff date in January 2022, she has been the reigning monarch for over 69 years.

Queen Elizabeth II has played a significant role in the modern history of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Her reign has witnessed numerous changes and challenges, and she has been a symbol of continuity and stability for the British people. The Queen is known for her sense of duty, dedication to public service, and the many official and ceremonial duties she carries out.

It's worth noting that my information is accurate as of January 2022, and I do not have real-time updates. Please verify with up-to-date sources for any developments since then.

 

06 February - Arthur Ashe death anniversary

Arthur Ashe (10 July 1943– 06 February 1993) was a highly regarded American professional tennis player. He achieved numerous accomplishments throughout his career and is remembered not only for his sporting achievements but also for his contributions to civil rights and humanitarian causes.

Some key points about Arthur Ashe include:

1. Tennis Career: Ashe became the first African American male to win a Grand Slam tournament when he won the US Open in 1968. He also won the Australian Open in 1970 and Wimbledon in 1975.

2. Civil Rights Activism: Ashe was an advocate for civil rights and social justice. He spoke out against racial inequality and was actively involved in various causes.

3. Education: Ashe was known for his intellectual pursuits and earned a degree in business administration. He continued his education even during his tennis career.

4. Humanitarian Work: After contracting HIV from a blood transfusion during heart surgery, Ashe became an advocate for AIDS awareness and research. He established the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS to fund research and education about the disease.

5. Legacy: Arthur Ashe's legacy extends beyond tennis, as he is remembered for breaking barriers in the sport and his commitment to social causes.

Ashe's impact on and off the tennis court has left a lasting legacy, and he is often remembered as a trailblazer and a symbol of resilience and activism.

 

06 February - Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati birth anniversary

 

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati (1874-1937) was a prominent Indian spiritual leader, philosopher, and the founder of the Gaudiya Math, a spiritual institution dedicated to propagating the teachings of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He was born as Bimala Prasad Datta on 06 February 1874, in Puri, Odisha, to Bhaktivinoda Thakur, a respected scholar and devotee of Lord Krishna, and Bhagavati Devi. From an early age, he exhibited exceptional intelligence and a deep inclination towards spirituality.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati was a strict and dynamic preacher of Vaishnavism, a tradition within Hinduism that emphasizes devotion to Lord Krishna. He was known for his scholarly rigor, having mastered various branches of knowledge, including astronomy, astrology, and Vedic scriptures. His deep understanding of spiritual texts earned him the title "Siddhanta Saraswati," meaning "one who has realized the conclusions of the scriptures."

He was particularly influential in re-establishing the purity of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, which had become diluted over time. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati strongly opposed caste-based discrimination within the Vaishnava community and emphasized that devotion to Krishna was open to all, regardless of birth or social standing. He also stressed the importance of distributing spiritual knowledge and established more than 60 centers of the Gaudiya Math across India and abroad to facilitate this mission.

One of his significant contributions was reviving the ancient tradition of printing and distributing spiritual literature. He was a prolific writer and editor, and under his guidance, numerous texts on Gaudiya Vaishnavism were published and widely distributed. His work laid the foundation for the global spread of the Hare Krishna movement, which was later popularized by his disciple, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati passed away on 01 January 1937, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), but his teachings continue to inspire millions of devotees worldwide. He is revered as one of the foremost spiritual leaders in the modern history of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

06 February - National Chopsticks Day

 National Chopsticks Day is held every year on February 6. Is it just us, or can you practically smell the stir fry and steamed rice already? A large part of the world’s population uses chopsticks as their utensil of choice. People in China have been deftly using chopsticks since 1200 B.C. where they were first used to cook before they became a popular tool with which to eat across East Asia. Every time you use a chopstick to eat, you engage over 50 different joints and muscles. Not only do you use your fingers and wrists but your arms and shoulders too. That’s quite the workout. And there’s so much more about the humble chopstick that the world ought to know.

06 February - Battle of San Domingo

 

The Battle of San Domingo, also known as the Battle of Santo Domingo, took place on February 6, 1806, during the Napoleonic Wars. It was a naval engagement between the British Royal Navy and the French Navy off the coast of Santo Domingo (modern-day Dominican Republic).

The main participants in the battle were the British fleet under the command of Vice-Admiral Sir John Thomas Duckworth and the French fleet commanded by Vice-Admiral Corentin Urbain Leissègues. The British fleet had been sent to the Caribbean to counter French naval activities and protect British interests in the region.

During the battle, the British fleet engaged the French fleet, which was attempting to reinforce French-held colonies in the Caribbean. The British achieved a decisive victory in the battle, sinking or capturing several French ships. The engagement was significant because it weakened French naval power in the Caribbean and hindered Napoleon's plans to strengthen his hold on the region.

The Battle of San Domingo was part of the larger Napoleonic Wars, a series of conflicts that involved major European powers and their colonies. The victory at San Domingo was a notable success for the British Navy in its efforts to maintain control of the seas and disrupt French maritime activities during this period.