September 15 has been a notable date throughout history, marked by significant events that span various fields, including politics, entertainment, environmental activism, and more. One particular highlight is that in 2020, for the first time in its 175-year history, the respected science publication Scientific American made a presidential endorsement, backing Joe Biden for the presidency.
Historical Milestones on September 15
In 1812, as part of their resistance against Napoleon’s invading forces, Russians set fire to Moscow. This act was a desperate attempt to thwart the French army’s advance. By 1954, the entertainment world saw a different kind of explosive moment. During the filming of The Seven Year Itch, Marilyn Monroe famously posed over a subway vent, her skirt billowing in the air. This scene, while iconic, reportedly angered her husband, Joe DiMaggio, who deemed it overly exhibitionist. Their marriage ended shortly thereafter.
In the realm of international relations, September 15 also marks the year 1959, when Nikita Khrushchev became the first Soviet leader to visit the United States. His visit aimed to improve relations with Washington amid the ongoing Cold War tensions.
The date also bears the weight of tragedy. In 1963, a bombing at a church in Birmingham, Alabama, claimed the lives of four Black girls and led to further violence in the city, highlighting the ongoing civil rights struggle in the United States.
Environmental history took a step forward in 1971 with the founding of Greenpeace by a group of activists in Vancouver, British Columbia. This organization has since played a crucial role in environmental awareness and activism.
Notable Events from Recent Years
On September 15, 1983, Menachem Begin resigned as Prime Minister of Israel, stepping down during a period of political turmoil. Following this, in 1993, Katherine Ann Power, a fugitive for over two decades, surrendered after being implicated in the death of a police officer during a robbery.
The year 1999 witnessed a tragic event in Fort Worth, Texas, where a man opened fire during a church service, killing seven individuals and injuring others before taking his own life.
Looking at more recent financial developments, in 2009, then U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke declared that the recession which began in December 2007 was “very likely over,” although he cautioned that economic recovery would take time.
September 15 is also marked by significant health-related incidents. In 2011, a widespread outbreak of listeria food poisoning was traced back to contaminated cantaloupes sold by a Colorado company. The outbreak resulted in the deaths of approximately two dozen individuals across 20 states, leading to legal consequences for the farmers involved.
In the entertainment industry, Norman Lear made history in 2019 as the oldest person to win an Emmy award at the age of 97. He received the award for Outstanding Variety Special for “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” during the 71st Primetime Creative Arts Emmys.
The evolving landscape of space exploration was highlighted in 2021 when SpaceX launched Inspiration4, the first all-private orbital spaceflight, showcasing the growing involvement of private entities in space travel.
As the years progress, September 15 continues to be a date of reflection and remembrance, capturing a broad spectrum of human experiences and achievements.
