05 March - King Henry II birth anniversary

 

King Henry II (1133–1189) was one of England's most significant monarchs, reigning from 1154 until his death. He was the first king of the Plantagenet dynasty, known for his energetic governance and for laying the foundations of the modern English legal system. Here are some key highlights about him:

Early Life and Accession

• Born: March 5, 1133, at Le Mans, France.
• Parents: Geoffrey of Anjou and Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I of England.
• Claim to the Throne: His mother, Matilda, was designated heir to King Henry I, but a civil war, known as The Anarchy, ensued between her and her cousin Stephen of Blois. Henry's accession in 1154 ended this conflict.

Reign Highlights

1. Legal Reforms:

   • Introduced the concept of common law and established royal courts that allowed people to bypass feudal lords' courts.
   • Created the jury system, which evolved into a cornerstone of the modern legal system.

2. Territorial Control:

   • Ruled over the Angevin Empire, which included England, parts of Ireland, and extensive lands in France (Anjou, Normandy, Maine, Brittany, and Aquitaine through his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine).

3. Marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine:

   • In 1152, Henry married Eleanor, one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Europe, two months after her annulment from King Louis VII of France. The marriage brought vast territories under Henry’s control.

4. Conflict with the Church:

   • His reign was marked by a fierce dispute with Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, over the limits of royal authority over the church. This conflict culminated in Becket's murder in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170, allegedly at the king's indirect instigation.

5. Family Struggles:

   • Henry faced numerous rebellions from his sons—Henry the Young King, Richard the Lionheart, Geoffrey, and John—often incited by Eleanor. These conflicts weakened his rule.

Death

• Henry II died on July 6, 1189, at Chinon Castle, France, after being defeated in a rebellion led by his sons Richard and John, supported by King Philip II of France.
• He was succeeded by his son Richard I (Richard the Lionheart).

05 March - Gustav Heinemann elected President of West Germany in 1969

 

On March 5, 1969, Gustav Heinemann was elected President of West Germany (officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany). He won the presidential election and assumed office shortly thereafter. Heinemann's presidency marked a significant period in West German politics, characterized by his commitment to social justice, human rights, and reconciliation. He served as President until 1974, leaving a lasting legacy as a principled leader dedicated to democratic values and the welfare of the German people.

05 March - The Kyrgyzstan National Hat Day

 

The Kyrgyzstan National Hat Day has been observed in Kyrgyzstan since March 5, 2011, thanks to filmmaker Yrysbek Jabirov’s initiative. The ak-kalpak is a Kyrgyzstan cap that distinguishes the Kyrgyz from other local ethnic groups while also advocating inclusivity. The headwear has been regarded as a ‘de facto’ national symbol since 2011. Unlike other traditional Kyrgyz clothing, it is still worn by men of all ages in both the city and the mountains. Since 2017, March 5 has been recognized as National Ak-kalpak Day.

04 March - Martin Van Buren was sworn in as the eighth president of the United States.

 

Martin Van Buren was sworn in as the eighth President of the United States on March 4, 1837. He served as President from 1837 to 1841. Van Buren was a Democrat and the successor to Andrew Jackson, who had served two terms as President. Van Buren faced economic challenges during his presidency, including the Panic of 1837, which was a severe financial crisis. His presidency also saw debates over issues such as slavery and the annexation of Texas. Van Buren was not successful in his bid for re-election in 1840, and he served only one term as President.

04 March - Andrew Jackson was sworn in as the seventh President of the United States

 

Andrew Jackson was sworn in as the seventh President of the United States on March 4, 1829. He served two terms in office, from 1829 to 1837. Jackson, a Democrat, was a prominent military leader before entering politics. His presidency is often associated with the expansion of suffrage and the populist movement, as he championed the interests of the common people.

During his time in office, Jackson faced significant issues, including the Nullification Crisis and the removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, known as the Trail of Tears. Despite controversy surrounding some of his policies, Jackson remains a significant figure in American history.

 

04 March - William Henry Harrison was sworn in as the ninth President of the United States.

 

William Henry Harrison was sworn in as the ninth President of the United States on March 4, 1841. However, his presidency was tragically short-lived. Harrison, a Whig, delivered the longest inaugural address in U.S. history on a cold and wet day. Unfortunately, he subsequently developed pneumonia and died on April 4, 1841, just 32 days into his presidency. William Henry Harrison holds the record for having the shortest tenure of any U.S. president

04 March - James A. Garfield was sworn in as the 20th President of the United States.

 

James A. Garfield was sworn in as the 20th President of the United States on March 4, 1881. Unfortunately, his presidency was short-lived, as he was shot by an assassin on July 2, 1881, and succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 1881. Garfield, a Republican, served as President for only a few months before his untimely death. His presidency is notable for being cut short, and he is often remembered for his intellect and efforts to reform civil service during his brief time in office.

04 March - National Sons Day USA

 Molding our sons into responsible men can either be seen as a perilous journey or an opportunity to grow as a human being. On National Sons Day, every March 4 and September 28, we think about our boys and the legacy we leave behind as parents.  More than that, we take the time to listen to our boys — to hear their dreams or fears and thoughts on changing the world. We all have a role to play. Men and women. Educators. Professionals at all levels.

04 March - Brain Injury Awareness Day USA

 

Brain Injury Awareness Day is observed in the United States on March 4th each year. It is part of Brain Injury Awareness Month, which is recognized throughout March. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), emphasizing prevention, and supporting individuals and families affected by brain injuries.

Organizations, advocates, and healthcare professionals often use this day to organize events, educational programs, and activities to promote understanding and empathy for those dealing with the consequences of brain injuries. It serves as a platform to discuss the impact of TBIs on individuals' lives and the importance of early intervention, support systems, and ongoing research.

 

04 March - World Obesity Day

 

World Obesity Day is observed annually on March 4th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the global issue of obesity, promoting healthier lifestyles, and advocating for policies to address and prevent obesity.

Obesity is a significant public health concern worldwide, with increasing rates in many countries. World Obesity Day provides an opportunity for organizations, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to collaborate in efforts to combat obesity, encourage physical activity, and promote balanced diets.