On This Day – October 21st

Are you ready to creep further into fall? We’re deep into October now, and for anyone with birthdays yet to come this month, we’re heading closer to Scorpio season. October 21st is one of the last Libra days of the year for the Western Zodiac, and today’s also a great day to learn more about some of the fascinating historical events that have unfolded all around us. Let’s dive in.

On this day

1The Battle of Trafalgar took place.

In 1805, the Battle of Trafalgar took place in which British Admiral Horatio Nelson was shot and killed. However, before dying, he helped defeat the combined French and Spanish fleet.

2Florence Nightingale went to the Crimean War.

In 1854, Florence Nightingale and her staff of around 38 nurses were sent to the Crimean War. She continued nursing and became a symbol of humanity and kindness.

3The Guggenheim opened.

In 1959, the Guggenheim Museum opened in New York. The museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, remains one of the most famous galleries and public exhibit spaces in the world to this day. Take a look if you’re in the area, you won’t forget it!

4The Aberfan disaster.

On 21 October 1966, a coal waste tip above the village of Aberfan in South Wales collapsed and slid onto Pantglas Junior School and nearby houses. 144 people were killed, 116 of them children. An inquiry blamed the National Coal Board; it was not a natural disaster.

5Protesters marched on the Pentagon

In 1967, tens of thousands of people marched on the Pentagon, besieging the military headquarters for two days. They did so in protest against the Vietnam War, which would rage on until 1975.

Special Days Falling on October 21st

For certain countries and cultures around the world, October 21st is a day to be honored and cherished. Here are some of the reasons October 21st is so special to so many.

Armed Forces Day in Honduras

Every October 21st, the people of Honduras gather to celebrate and honor their armed forces. The nation’s military forces were originally established in 1825 and have since played a key role in the politics of the country. And even though the political roles of the armed forces in Honduras have changed over time, they still remain very important to the people and the nation.

Celebration of Mind

21 October is the birthday of the puzzle writer Martin Gardner, famous for his mathematical games column in Scientific American. Each year the Gathering 4 Gardner foundation marks it with Celebration of Mind events, where people share puzzles, magic tricks and games.

President Ndadaye’s Day

In Burundi, October 21st is President Ndadaye’s Day! President Melchior Ndadaye was the first president to be elected in a completely democratic process in Burundi. He was a member of the Hutu people and became a symbol of true democracy, unity, and strength. However, tragically, he was assassinated on this day in 1993. So, every year since then, the people of Burundi have marked the occasion in his honor and his memory.

This month in history

Kennedy revealed the Cuban missiles. On 22 October 1962, President John F. Kennedy told Americans on television that the Soviet Union had placed nuclear missiles in Cuba. He announced a naval ‘quarantine’ of the island, and the world spent the next six days close to nuclear war.

Famous Birthdays on October 21st

• Domenico Zampieri, Italian painter, born 1581
• Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet, born 1772
• Alfred Nobel, Swedish chemist and inventor, born 1833
• Judge Judith Sheindlin, American judge and TV personality, born 1942
• Carrie Fisher, American actor, born 1956

If you were born on October 21st…

…you’re a Libra! You’re loyal, kind, and very fair. Fairness is everything to you – and you’re a major believer in balance (which makes you great in a crisis, let’s face it).

So, treat us fairly and head over to our Libra facts page to learn more!