15 February - Liberation Day (Afghanistan)

 

Afghan Liberation Day is celebrated each year on February 15 in Afghanistan. It marks the country's liberation from the Soviet Union with the final departure on February 15, 1989 of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. The Soviet Army had been present in Afghanistan since the Soviet invasion of December 24, 1979

15 February - Ernest Henry Shackleton death anniversary

 

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton (1874–1922) was a renowned Anglo-Irish Antarctic explorer, born on 15 February 1874, in Kilkea, County Kildare, Ireland. Shackleton is best known for his leadership and remarkable feats during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.

Some key points about Ernest Shackleton's life and expeditions include:

1. Early Career:

   • Shackleton joined the merchant navy at a young age and later became involved in Antarctic exploration.
   • He participated in Robert Falcon Scott's Discovery Expedition (1901–1904) and later led the Nimrod Expedition (1907–1909), during which he came closest to the South Pole at that time.

2. Endurance Expedition (1914–1917):

   • Shackleton's most famous expedition was the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914–1917), also known as the Endurance Expedition.
   • The goal was to cross the entire continent of Antarctica via the South Pole, but the expedition faced significant challenges.
   • The ship Endurance became trapped in the pack ice of the Weddell Sea and was eventually crushed, forcing the crew to abandon ship and survive on the ice.

3. Leadership and Survival:

   • Shackleton's leadership skills were crucial in keeping his crew motivated and united during the harrowing ordeal.
   • The crew lived on the drifting ice for several months before reaching Elephant Island.
   • Shackleton and a small group undertook a perilous open-boat journey to South Georgia Island to seek help.

4. Rescue and Legacy:

   • After reaching South Georgia, Shackleton organized the rescue of the remaining crew on Elephant Island, ensuring the survival of all members.
   • Despite the failure to complete the intended trans-Antarctic crossing, Shackleton's leadership and the successful rescue of his crew became legendary.
   • Shackleton died of a heart attack on January 5, 1922, during another Antarctic expedition. He was buried on South Georgia Island.

5. Legacy and Recognition:

   • Shackleton is remembered as one of the greatest polar explorers and a symbol of leadership and endurance.
   • His leadership style and ability to navigate crises have been studied in management and leadership courses.
   • The Shackleton Glacier, Shackleton Range, and Shackleton Ice Shelf in Antarctica are named in his honor.

Ernest Shackleton's story of leadership and survival in the face of adversity remains an inspiration, and his expeditions are celebrated for their contributions to the understanding of Antarctica and the heroic age of exploration.

15 February - Galileo di Vincenzo birth 1564

 

Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de' Galilei (15 February 1564 – 8 January 1642) was an Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer, sometimes described as a polymath. Commonly referred to as Galileo. He was born in the city of Pisa, then part of the Duchy of Florence.Galileo has been called the "father" of observational astronomy,modern physics,the scientific method,and modern science.

Galileo studied speed and velocity, gravity and free fall, the principle of relativity, inertia, projectile motion and also worked in applied science and technology, describing the properties of pendulums and "hydrostatic balances". He invented the thermoscope and various military compasses, and used the telescope for scientific observations of celestial objects. His contributions to observational astronomy include telescopic confirmation of the phases of Venus, observation of the four largest satellites of Jupiter, observation of Saturn's rings, and analysis of lunar craters and sunspots.

15 February - National Day Serbia

 

Serbia Statehood Day or National Day is a holiday celebrated every 15 February in Serbia to commemorate the outbreak of the First Serbian Uprising in 1804, which evolved into the Serbian Revolution against Ottoman rule. The revolution ultimately resulted in the recognition of Serbia's National by the Ottoman Empire (formally in 1817, de jure in 1835).

On the same day in 1835, during the rule of Miloš Obrenović, the first modern Serbian constitution was adopted in Kragujevac, known as the Sretenje Constitution or ‘Candlemas Constitution’.

National Day is a public national holiday, and official celebrations last for two days, every 15 February.

15 February - John Frum Day (Vanuatu)

 

John Frum Day is a celebration observed on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. It typically occurs on February 15th each year. The day is part of the John Frum movement, a cargo cult that emerged in the context of the islanders' interactions with Western cultures, particularly during and after World War II.

The movement centers around a mythical or prophetic figure named John Frum, who is believed to bring prosperity and material wealth to the people of Tanna. Followers of the John Frum movement engage in various rituals and ceremonies to honor and attract the return of John Frum, often incorporating elements that reflect the influence of Western military personnel and their cargo during the war.

On John Frum Day, celebrations may include traditional dances, feasts, and ceremonies dedicated to the belief in John Frum's return and the anticipation of prosperity that he is expected to bring. The day is specific to the island of Tanna and is not widely observed throughout the rest of Vanuatu or internationally.

 

15 February - Susan B. Anthony Day

 

Susan B. Anthony Day is observed in the United States to honor the birthday of Susan B. Anthony, a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement. Susan B. Anthony was a leading advocate for women's rights and played a crucial role in the fight for women's suffrage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Susan B. Anthony Day is observed annually on February 15th, marking the birthday of Susan B. Anthony, who was born on February 15, 1820. The day is recognized as an occasion to celebrate the contributions of Anthony and others in the suffrage movement, as well as to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for women's rights.

While Susan B. Anthony Day is not a federal holiday, some states and localities may officially recognize and commemorate the day. Schools and organizations may hold events, discussions, or activities to honor Susan B. Anthony's legacy and promote the principles of equality and women's rights.

 

15 February - Total Defence Day in Singapore

 

Total Defence Day in Singapore is observed annually on February 15th. This day commemorates the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese during World War II on February 15, 1942. The fall of Singapore was a significant event in history, and the day serves as a reminder for the nation to be prepared and resilient in the face of various threats.

The concept of Total Defence in Singapore encompasses six pillars: Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence, Psychological Defence, and Digital Defence. Total Defence Day is an occasion for Singaporeans to reflect on the importance of these pillars and their collective responsibility in ensuring the security and well-being of the nation.

Various activities and events are organized around Total Defence Day to promote awareness and preparedness among the Singaporean population. These may include educational programs, exhibitions, and community initiatives to emphasize the importance of being vigilant and united in safeguarding the country.

 

15 February - Louis XV of France birth anniversary

 

Louis XV of France, also known as Louis the Beloved (Louis le Bien-Aimé), was born on 15 February 1710. He became the King of France on 01 September 1715, following the death of his great-grandfather, Louis XIV. Louis XV reigned for several decades until his death.

Louis XV passed away on 10 May 1774, at the Palace of Versailles, France. His reign was marked by various challenges, including military conflicts, economic issues, and social unrest, contributing to the decline of the French monarchy in the years leading up to the French Revolution.

15 February - The movie Cinderella is released by Walt Disney.

 

"Cinderella" was released by Walt Disney on February 15, 1950. The animated film, based on the fairy tale by Charles Perrault, marked Disney's return to feature-length animation after a series of package films. "Cinderella" became a classic in the Disney animated canon and is celebrated for its memorable characters, enchanting story, and iconic songs, including "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" and "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes." The film's success played a crucial role in revitalizing Disney's animation studio during the post-war era.

15 February - The first Teddy Bear is made and kept for sale

 

On this day, 15 February 1903, Morris Michtom (1870–1938) put a teddy bear made by his wife, Rose (1867–1937), in the window of their small candy and toy shop in Brooklyn. The rest, as they say, is history. Teddy bears became, and remain, a mainstay for children around the world. In 1907, the couple founded the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company.