14 September - Penang Bridge the longest bridge in Malaysia opens to traffic in 1985

 

The Penang Bridge, the longest bridge in Malaysia at the time of its completion, officially opened to traffic on 14 September 1985. This iconic structure connects Penang Island to the mainland of Malaysia, specifically the seaboard town of Perai on the mainland in Seberang Perai. Spanning 13.5 kilometers (8.4 miles), it is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Malaysia, facilitating transportation and boosting economic activity between Penang and the mainland.

Background:

The idea for the Penang Bridge was proposed in the 1960s, with the goal of improving connectivity between Penang, a key economic hub, and the mainland. Prior to the bridge, the only way to travel between the island and mainland was by ferry. Construction of the bridge began in 1982 under the guidance of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the then-Prime Minister of Malaysia. It was built by the Korean company Hyundai Engineering and Construction.

Design and Structure:

The Penang Bridge is a dual carriageway toll bridge that features a cable-stayed section in the middle to allow for the passage of ships underneath. Its design has become one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in Malaysia. The total length of the bridge is 13.5 kilometers, with 8.4 kilometers over water, making it the longest bridge in Southeast Asia at the time of its completion.

Impact:

The opening of the Penang Bridge dramatically improved travel time between Penang Island and the mainland, leading to increased trade, tourism, and development in the region. It continues to be a crucial link in Penang’s infrastructure, handling a significant volume of daily traffic.

Further Development:

To address growing traffic congestion, a second bridge, the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, was completed in 2014. This second bridge is even longer, at 24 kilometers, and further enhances the connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland.

The Penang Bridge remains an engineering marvel and a symbol of Malaysia’s progress in infrastructure development.

14 September - San Jacinto Day (Nicaragua)

 

San Jacinto Day is a national holiday in Nicaragua, observed annually on 14 September . It commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, a pivotal event in the country’s history during the mid-19th century. The battle, which took place on 14 September 1856, is remembered as a significant victory for Nicaraguan forces in their fight against foreign invaders, particularly the American filibuster William Walker and his mercenary forces.

Historical Context:

In the mid-1850s, Nicaragua was embroiled in political turmoil, and this internal strife was exploited by William Walker, an American adventurer and mercenary who sought to establish a personal empire in Central America. Walker, with his small army of mercenaries, invaded Nicaragua and declared himself president in 1856. His ambition was to take control of the entire region, supported by some American expansionists.

The Battle of San Jacinto:

The Battle of San Jacinto was fought at the Hacienda San Jacinto, a farm located north of Managua. It involved a group of around 160 Nicaraguan soldiers led by Colonel José Dolores Estrada against approximately 300 filibusters under Walker’s command. Despite being outnumbered and less equipped, the Nicaraguan forces managed to defeat the filibusters after a fierce battle, forcing them to retreat. This victory became a symbol of national pride and resistance to foreign intervention.

Significance:

The victory at San Jacinto marked a turning point in Nicaragua’s struggle against William Walker and his ambitions to conquer Central America. It is celebrated as a symbol of the Nicaraguan people’s resilience and determination to protect their sovereignty. Colonel Estrada and the soldiers who fought at San Jacinto are regarded as national heroes, with the battle becoming an important part of the country’s national identity.

Celebrations:

San Jacinto Day is celebrated with great patriotism in Nicaragua. The day includes military parades, speeches, cultural performances, and patriotic displays across the country. Schools often hold special programs to honor the memory of the soldiers who fought in the battle, and the event is a focal point for instilling a sense of national pride in younger generations. Government officials also pay tribute to the historic victory, emphasizing its significance in Nicaraguan history.

The day precedes Independence Day, which is celebrated on 15 September making it part of a broader celebration of Nicaragua's national pride and independence.

14 September - World First Aid Day

 

World First Aid Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of September. This year it will be celebrated on September 14. Any form of help given to a sick or injured person during an emergency situation is called as first aid. It is provided until a full medical treatment is available. World First Aid Day is celebrated to bring awareness among the people about the importance of first aid.

• “Safety first” is “Safety always”

#WFAD  #FirstAid #Worldfirstaidday #firstaidday #firstaid #WorldFirstAidDay2020

14 September - The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC) was founded in 1960

 

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, was founded on September 14, 1960. OPEC is an intergovernmental organization that was established by five major oil-producing countries: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. The organization was founded in Baghdad, Iraq, with the goal of coordinating and unifying the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensuring stable oil prices in the global market.

OPEC has since grown to include several other member countries from different regions of the world, and it plays a significant role in influencing global oil production and prices. The organization's actions and decisions regarding oil production quotas and pricing have a substantial impact on the global economy, given the vital role that oil plays in various industries and everyday life.

 

14 September - British calendar in line with the Gregorian calendar

 

The British Empire adopted the Gregorian calendar, but the process of adoption was not as straightforward as simply switching calendars on a specific date.

The Gregorian calendar was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 as a reform of the Julian calendar, which had been in use for centuries. The Gregorian calendar was designed to bring the date of the spring equinox closer to March 21 and to better align the calendar year with the solar year.

However, it took many years for the Gregorian calendar to be adopted by various countries and regions. In the case of the British Empire, the calendar change did not occur until the 18th century. The British Empire, including its American colonies, transitioned from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in September 1752.

The transition was implemented by the Calendar (New Style) Act 1750, also known as An Act for Regulating the Commencement of the Year; and for Correcting the Calendar now in Use. According to this act, the day following September 2, 1752, was designated as September 14, 1752, in order to bring the British calendar in line with the Gregorian calendar. This adjustment involved skipping 11 days to make up for the discrepancy between the two calendars.

So, while it is correct to say that the British Empire adopted the Gregorian calendar in September 1752, the transition involved a specific adjustment to the calendar to correct the discrepancy between the Julian and Gregorian systems, resulting in the omission of 11 days from the calendar.

13 September - Milton Snavely Hershey birth anniversary

 

Milton Snavely Hershey was a visionary American chocolatier, philanthropist, and founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company. His journey to success was marked by several business failures before he eventually revolutionized the chocolate industry.

Early Life:

Milton was born on September 13, 1857, to Henry and Fannie Hershey in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. His family was of Swiss and German descent. His early years were marked by instability, as his father was a dreamer who often moved the family around. Milton had limited formal education and dropped out of school after the fourth grade to become an apprentice to a local printer. However, his passion lay elsewhere, and he eventually secured an apprenticeship with a confectioner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Early Business Ventures:

Hershey's early career was filled with challenges and failures. He tried starting a candy business in Philadelphia in 1876, but it folded after six years. Similar ventures in Chicago and New York City also failed. Undeterred, Hershey returned to Lancaster and started the Lancaster Caramel Company, using fresh milk to make his caramel candies. This innovation proved to be a huge success, and by the late 1880s, his business was thriving.

The Birth of the Hershey Chocolate Company:

In the 1890s, Hershey became fascinated by the potential of chocolate. At the time, chocolate was a luxury product in the United States, and he saw an opportunity to make it affordable for the masses. In 1893, after visiting the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Hershey purchased chocolate-making equipment. He eventually sold his Lancaster Caramel Company for $1 million in 1900 and fully dedicated himself to chocolate-making.

In 1905, Hershey built a massive, modern chocolate factory in Derry Township, where he grew up. This area would soon be known as Hershey, Pennsylvania, a town he envisioned as a model community for his workers. He developed a unique formula for milk chocolate, making it affordable and accessible to the average American consumer. His signature product, the Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar, became a national sensation.

Philanthropy and Legacy:

Hershey's vision extended beyond business. In 1909, he and his wife, Catherine "Kitty" Hershey, established the Hershey Industrial School (now the Milton Hershey School) for orphaned boys. The school provided education, housing, and care for disadvantaged children, and Hershey transferred the bulk of his wealth to the school’s trust fund. He had no children of his own, and his immense fortune was directed toward the betterment of the community and the welfare of orphans.

Milton Hershey’s philanthropic spirit continued throughout his life, including his funding of the construction of Hershey Park, the Hershey Theatre, and the Hershey Hotel, creating an entire community around the chocolate empire.

Death and Legacy:

Milton Hershey passed away on October 13, 1945, at the age of 88. His contributions to American industry and philanthropy remain significant. The town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, still thrives as a testament to his vision, and the Hershey Company continues to be one of the largest and most recognizable chocolate manufacturers in the world. His school, the Milton Hershey School, is one of the wealthiest and most well-endowed private schools in the United States.

Hershey’s legacy is not just about chocolate but also about his innovative business practices, his dedication to workers, and his deep commitment to philanthropy.

13 September - Deputy Prime Minister of India Vallabhbhai Patel ordered the Army to move into Hyderabad in 1948

 

On 13 September 1948, India's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel ordered the Indian Army to launch "Operation Polo", aimed at integrating the princely state of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. Hyderabad, under its Nizam, had not acceded to India after independence in 1947 and had sought to remain independent. Tensions escalated as the Nizam, backed by his militia known as the Razakars, resisted integration.

The operation, involving around 36,000 Indian troops, was brief, lasting only five days from 13 to 18 September. The Hyderabad State forces and the Razakars were quickly overwhelmed, and by 17 September 1948, the Nizam announced his surrender. This led to the successful incorporation of Hyderabad into the Indian Union, marking a significant step in the consolidation of post-independence India.

This decisive military action was one of Vallabhbhai Patel's key moves to unify the newly independent nation.

13 September - Shane Warne birth anniversary

 

Shane Warne, born on September 13, 1969, in Ferntree Gully, Victoria, Australia, was one of the most legendary and influential figures in the history of cricket. He was a highly skilled leg-spin bowler and is often regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

Key points about Shane Warne:

1. Cricket Career: Shane Warne made his debut for the Australian national cricket team in 1992 and quickly rose to prominence with his exceptional spin bowling. His ability to deliver a wide range of leg-spin variations, including the famous "Ball of the Century" that bamboozled England's Mike Gatting in 1993, made him a cricketing sensation.

2. Record-Breaking Career: Warne's international cricket career was filled with remarkable achievements. He retired as the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 708 wickets, a record that stood for many years until it was surpassed. He was known for his ability to take crucial wickets in critical situations.

3. Ashes Dominance: Shane Warne played a pivotal role in Australia's dominance in Test cricket, especially during the Ashes series against England. His performances in the Ashes series are legendary and contributed to Australia's success.

4. Spin Wizardry: Warne's bowling artistry, characterized by his prodigious turn and control of the cricket ball, made him a favorite among cricket fans worldwide. He was a master of deception and could extract extraordinary spin from any pitch.

5. Controversies: Despite his cricketing prowess, Warne was not without controversies. He faced several off-field issues, including bans for doping and involvement in gambling-related incidents.

6. Off the Field: Beyond cricket, Shane Warne was known for his larger-than-life personality, charisma, and appearances on television shows. He had a significant impact on popular culture and was a beloved figure in Australia.

7. Legacy: Shane Warne's legacy in the world of cricket is indelible. He inspired a generation of spin bowlers and left an enduring mark on the sport. His contributions to cricket continue to be celebrated, and his name is synonymous with excellence in spin bowling.

Sadly, Shane Warne passed away on March 4, 2022, at the age of 52. His untimely death was met with an outpouring of tributes from cricket enthusiasts and fellow cricketers, highlighting the profound impact he had on the game and the hearts of cricket fans around the world.

13 September - Uncle Sam Day

 

Uncle Sam Day, celebrated on September 13th in the United States, pays homage to the iconic figure of Uncle Sam. This enduring symbol represents the American government and the collective identity of the American people.

The origins of Uncle Sam can be traced back to the early 19th century, with his character evolving over time. He is typically depicted as a tall, bearded man sporting red, white, and blue attire, complete with a top hat adorned with stars and stripes. His iconic image is often accompanied by the famous phrase "I Want You," which has been used in recruitment posters during wartime, emphasizing patriotism and civic duty.

Uncle Sam's historical roots can be linked to Samuel Wilson, a meatpacker from Troy, New York, who supplied beef to the American military during the War of 1812. Barrels of Wilson's meat were labeled "U.S." for United States, and soldiers humorously began calling the food "Uncle Sam's." This playful moniker gradually evolved into a powerful symbol representing the United States government.

Uncle Sam's image has left an indelible mark on American culture, appearing in various forms of art, literature, and popular culture. During times of conflict, he has played a pivotal role in recruitment campaigns and propaganda, rallying citizens to support the nation's war efforts.

 

13 September - Venda was granted a form of self-governance in 1979

 

Venda was granted a form of self-governance on 13 September  1979, when it was declared an independent republic by the apartheid government of South Africa. This was not recognized internationally and was part of the apartheid policy of creating separate homelands for different ethnic groups. Venda's "independence" was thus a step in the apartheid regime's strategy to disenfranchise black South Africans.

This status was abolished on 27 April 1994, when South Africa held its first democratic elections, marking the end of apartheid and the reintegration of all bantustans into a united South Africa. Therefore, while 13 September 1979, is a notable date in the history of Venda, it is not celebrated as an independence day in the conventional sense. Instead, South Africa celebrates 27 April as Freedom Day, commemorating the first post-apartheid elections.