August 24: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On August 24, 1932, aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart made history by completing the first non-stop flight across the United States by a woman.
Quick Facts for August 24
- Zodiac sign: Virgo
- Day of year: 236
About August 24
August 24 is a day of profound transformation and national identity. For Ukraine, it marks a monumental milestone as the nation celebrates its Independence Day, commemorating its 1991 separation from the Soviet Union. This sense of liberty is echoed in other corners of the globe, such as Liberia, which honors its own sovereignty through Flag Day.
The day also carries a sense of cosmic and technological change. It is the anniversary of when the scientific community redefined our solar system by reclassifying Pluto as a dwarf planet. From the high-flying achievements of Amelia Earhart to the digital revolution brought by the launch of Windows 95, this date serves as a bridge between human ambition and the shifting definitions of our world.
Holidays & Observances on August 24
- Flag Day (Liberia)
- Independence Day or Den' Nezalezhnosti, celebrates the independence of Ukraine from the Soviet Union in 1991.
- International Strange Music Day
- National Waffle Day (United States)
- Nostalgia Night (Uruguay)
- Willka Raymi (Cusco, Peru)
Fun & National Days on August 24
- National Peach Pie Day — Indulge in a slice of fruity, sun-ripened peach pie for a delicious summer treat.
- Can Opener Day — Ensure your kitchen tools are sharp and ready for any canned food adventures today.
- National Knife Day — Showcase your best cutlery and celebrate the essential tools of every kitchen.
- Pluto Demoted Day — Embrace the tiny but mighty spirit of our favorite former ninth planet.
- International Day Against Intolerance, Discrimination and Violence Based on Musical Preferences, Lifestyle and Dress Code
- Shooting Star Day
- Vesuvius Day
- Weather Complaint Day
On This Day in History
- 394 — The latest known use of Egyptian hieroglyphs was recorded in the Graffito of Esmet-Akhom.
- 1200 — King John of England entered into a marriage with Isabella of Angoulême at a cathedral in France.
- 1516 — The Ottoman Empire, led by Selim I, secured a major victory against the Mamluk Sultanate at Marj Dabiq.
- 1690 — Job Charnock of the East India Company arrived in Calcutta, an event once thought to be its founding.
- 1814 — British forces entered Washington, D.C., setting fire to the Capitol and the Presidential Mansion.
- 1821 — The signing of the Treaty of Córdoba officially ended the Mexican War of Independence against Spain.
- 1909 — Construction of the Panama Canal reached a major milestone as workers began pouring concrete.
- 1932 — Aviator Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the United States without stopping.
- 1967 — Protesters led by Abbie Hoffman caused a temporary halt at the New York Stock Exchange by throwing cash.
- 1991 — Ukraine formally declared its independence from the Soviet Union, changing the map of Eastern Europe.
- 1995 — Microsoft changed the computing landscape with the public release of Windows 95 in North America.
- 2006 — The International Astronomical Union changed Pluto's status, officially classifying it as a dwarf planet.
Famous Birthdays on August 24
- 1759 — William Wilberforce, A British politician and dedicated philanthropist who fought tirelessly for the abolition of slavery.
- 1890 — Duke Kahanamoku, An American icon celebrated as a legendary swimmer, actor, and a pioneer of surfing.
- 1899 — Jorge Luis Borges, An influential Argentine writer known for his mastery of short stories, poetry, and essays.
- 1957 — Stephen Fry, A beloved English actor and writer known for his wit and vast television career.
- 1960 — Cal Ripken Jr., A legendary American baseball player famous for his incredible record of consecutive games played.
- 1977 — John Green, A prominent American author and digital creator recognized for his influential young adult novels.