16 April - National Orchid Day USA

 

National Orchid Day in the USA falls on April 16th each year, celebrating the beauty and diversity of orchids. Orchids are one of the largest families of flowering plants, with over 25,000 species found in almost every habitat around the world. They come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes, captivating orchid enthusiasts and botanists alike.

National Orchid Day provides an opportunity for orchid lovers to showcase their favorite blooms, share knowledge about orchid care and cultivation, and raise awareness about the importance of orchid conservation. Many botanical gardens, orchid societies, and nurseries may host special events, workshops, or exhibitions on this day to celebrate these remarkable flowers and promote their conservation.

16 April - The Great Indian Peninsula Railway opened in 1853

 

 On 16 April 1853, The Great Indian Peninsula Railway opened the first passenger rail in India, from Bori Bunder to Thane. It had 14 bogies and 400 people traveled. This is the First train of Asia also. It was operated by three locomotives, named Sahib, Sultan and Sindh.

The first passenger train in India ran between Bombay (Bori Bunder) and Thane on 16 April 1853. The 14-carriage train was hauled by three steam locomotives – Sahib, Sindh and Sultan; it carried 400 people and ran on a line of 34 kilometres (21 mi) built and operated by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway. This line was built in 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge, which became the standard for railways in the country. In May 1854, the Bombay–Thane line was extended to Kalyan by India's first railway bridges, the Thane viaducts, over Thane Creek.

16 April - Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma was born in 1813

 

Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, born on 16 April 1813, was the Maharaja of the Kingdom of Travancore. He is also considered as a brilliant music composer and is credited with over 400 classical compositions in both Carnatic and Hindustani style.

16 April - Wilbur Wright was born in 1867

 

The Wright brothers, Wilbur Wright, born on 16 April 1867 and Orville, were two American aviation pioneers generally credited with inventing, building, and flying the world's first successful airplane. They made the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft with the Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903, four miles south of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In 1904–05, the brothers developed their flying machine into the first practical fixed-wing aircraft, the Wright Flyer III. Although not the first to build experimental aircraft, the Wright brothers were the first to invent aircraft controls that made fixed-wing powered flight possible

16 April - Save The Elephant Day

 

Save The Elephant Day is an annual event observed on April 16th, dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of elephants and the importance of their conservation. Elephants face numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching for their ivory tusks, human-wildlife conflict, and captivity. This day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats to ensure their survival for future generations. It also encourages people to take action by supporting conservation efforts, advocating for stronger protection laws, and spreading awareness about the issues facing elephants.

 

16 April - Madame Tussaud death anniversary

 

Madame Tussaud, whose full name was Marie Tussaud, was born on 01 December 1761, in Strasbourg, France. She died on 16 April 1850, in London, England. Madame Tussaud was a pioneering wax sculptor known for her incredibly lifelike wax figures. She gained fame during the French Revolution for her wax models of prominent figures, including royalty and political leaders. In 1835, she established her first permanent wax museum in London, which laid the foundation for the famous Madame Tussauds museums found in various cities worldwide today. Madame Tussaud's legacy continues to live on through her innovative artistry and the enduring popularity of her wax museums.

16 April - World Voice Day

 

World Voice Day is indeed celebrated annually on April 16th. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of the voice and vocal health. The human voice is an incredible instrument, vital for communication, expression, and connection. World Voice Day aims to highlight the significance of vocal health and hygiene, as well as the prevention and treatment of voice disorders.

On World Voice Day, various events and activities may take place around the world, including workshops, seminars, concerts, and screenings related to vocal health and care. Professionals such as speech therapists, vocal coaches, singers, actors, and healthcare providers often participate in initiatives to educate the public about maintaining a healthy voice and addressing vocal issues.

Whether you're a professional vocalist or simply someone who uses their voice daily, World Voice Day serves as a reminder to appreciate and take care of this essential aspect of human communication and expression.

16 April - The Rolling Stones release their debut album 1964

 

The Rolling Stones released their self-titled debut album, "The Rolling Stones," on April 16, 1964. The album marked the beginning of the legendary career of one of the most influential rock bands in history. It featured a mix of rhythm and blues covers along with original compositions by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

"The Rolling Stones" album included classic tracks such as "Route 66," "Carol," and "I Just Want to Make Love to You." While the album received a mixed reception from critics initially, it was well-received by fans and helped establish The Rolling Stones as a major force in the burgeoning rock and roll scene of the 1960s.

Over the years, "The Rolling Stones" has come to be regarded as a seminal work in the band's discography, capturing the raw energy and attitude that would become their trademark. It set the stage for the countless albums and iconic performances that would follow, solidifying The Rolling Stones' status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

 

16 April - Harriet Quimby becomes the first woman to fly an airplane across the English Channel in 1912

 

On 16 April 1912, Harriet Quimby, an American aviator, accomplished the historic feat of becoming the first woman to fly an airplane across the English Channel. Quimby piloted a French-built monoplane, flying from Dover, England, to Hardelot-Plage, France, a distance of about 22 miles (35 kilometers). Her flight took approximately one hour and nine minutes to complete.

Harriet Quimby was already well-known as a pioneering aviator in the United States, having become the first licensed female pilot in the country in 1911. Her successful Channel crossing further solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in aviation history, breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated field.

Tragically, Quimby's groundbreaking aviation career was cut short just a few months later when she died in an airplane crash during an aviation exhibition in Massachusetts on 01 July 1912. Despite her untimely death, Harriet Quimby's contributions to aviation continue to be remembered and celebrated, particularly her historic flight across the English Channel.

 

16 April – The Red Army begins the Battle of Berlin in 1945

 

On 16 April 1945, during World War II, the Red Army of the Soviet Union began the Battle of Berlin. This major military operation marked the final phase of the war in Europe and aimed to capture the capital of Nazi Germany. The Battle of Berlin was part of the larger Soviet Berlin Offensive, which commenced on 16 April and lasted until 02 May 1945.

The Soviet forces, under the command of Marshal Georgy Zhukov, launched a massive assault on Berlin, facing fierce resistance from the German defenders. The battle was characterized by intense street fighting, artillery bombardments, and significant casualties on both sides.

The Battle of Berlin ultimately resulted in the surrender of Nazi Germany on 08 May 1945, following the suicide of Adolf Hitler and the unconditional surrender of German forces. The capture of Berlin by the Soviets effectively marked the end of the war in Europe and the collapse of the Third Reich.