Out of all of the days in December, we think the 9th tends to get overlooked a lot. It may not seem like a big day to you, but believe us, that is far from being the case. December 9th has meant and continues to mean a great deal to people all over the world. Here’s why.
On this day
1General Belisarius landed in Rome
In 536, Byzantine General Belisarius entered Rome while the Ostrogothic garrison peacefully left the city. In doing so, they returned the old capital to its empire.
2The Battle of Marj Ardabil.
On 9 December 730, a Khazar army defeated an Umayyad force near Ardabil in what is now Iran, killing the Arab general al-Jarrah ibn Abdallah and most of his men.
3The world got a glimpse of going online for the first time
On this day back in 1968, Douglas Engelbart showed a captive audience in San Francisco the incredible NLS, or oN-Line System. This was a genuine showcase where people got to see working computer mice, video conferencing, word processing, and linking for the very first time. While the home computer wouldn’t be a big deal until at least the 1980s, it all started here – and, of course, by the 1990s, the internet brought a twist on this system to the public.
4The US landed in Somalia
On this day back in 1992, Mogadishu in Somalia was descended on by US marines and associated forces – with the aim to help restore peace to the nation, as it was torn apart by war. The operation was fully authorized by the UN, with Resolution 794 having passed through the Security Council on December 3rd.
5New York's first daily newspaper was founded.
On 9 December 1793, Noah Webster, later famous for his dictionary, founded the American Minerva, New York City’s first daily newspaper.
Special Days Falling on December 9th
Although we tend to want to focus on celebrating in December, it’s also important to remember important historical events, and current events that are still affecting people around the world today. Here are some of the most important events to consider today.
International Day of Commemoration of Genocide Victims
Every 9 December, the United Nations remembers the victims of genocide. The date is the anniversary of the 1948 Genocide Convention, which made genocide a crime under international law.
International Anti-Corruption Day
Marked on a global scale, Anti-Corruption Day seeks to help raise awareness of corruption in both politics and in the corporate world. While many people might not be able to do much individually to stop corruption at large, today’s a great occasion to learn more about when and how we can speak out about seemingly shady practices behind the scenes. The UN supports this day to help people understand what they can do to help make society a less corrupt place.
International Day of Veterinary Medicine
Again, for people all over the world, December 9th is also International Day of Veterinary Medicine. The day recognizes the important work done by organizations and vets all over the world in their strive to protect animals, and their welfare.
This month in history
King George V gave the first royal Christmas broadcast. On 25 December 1932, George V spoke to the Empire on BBC radio from Sandringham, in a speech written by Rudyard Kipling. The Christmas message has been a tradition ever since.
Famous Birthdays on December 9th
- John Milton, English poet and puritan, born 1608
- Kirk Douglas, American actor, born 1916
- Judi Dench, English actor, born 1934
- John Malkovich, American actor, born 1953
- Donny Osmond, American singer and actor, born 1957
If you were born on December 9th…
…you’re a Sagittarius! You’re strong, smart, and very funny. In fact, you tend to be the funniest one in the room, and, luckily, you like letting it show!
Learn more about yourself from our Sagittarius facts page!
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