March 24: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign

Quick Facts for March 24

• Zodiac sign: Aries
• Day of year: 83

About March 24

March 24 serves as a profound moment for global reflection, marked by the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. This observance highlights the vital importance of justice and the dignity of those impacted by historical atrocities, a sentiment echoed by Argentina's Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice.

Beyond the solemnity of human rights, the day has witnessed monumental shifts in power and science. From the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan to the groundbreaking medical discoveries of the 19th century, March 24 has consistently acted as a pivot point for how the world is governed and how we understand our own health.

Holidays & Observances on March 24

• Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice (Argentina)
• International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
• National Tree Planting Day (Uganda)
• World Tuberculosis Day (International)

Fun & National Days on March 24

• National Cheesesteak Day — Celebrate this delicious day by grabbing a warm, cheesy sandwich with your favorite toppings.
• National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day — Treat yourself to the perfect balance of sweet chocolate and chewy fruit.
• National Cocktail Day — Mix up a fancy drink and toast to a wonderful day!
• National Agriculture Day — Show appreciation for the hardworking farmers who provide our food.
• American Diabetes Association Alert Day
• International Day for Achievers

On This Day in History

• 1199 — King Richard I of England suffered a crossbow wound during combat in France, an injury that would eventually lead to his death.
• 1401 — The city of Damascus was sacked during the military campaigns of the Turco-Mongol emperor Timur.
• 1603 — Following the passing of Elizabeth I, James VI of Scotland was officially declared King of England and Ireland.
• 1603 — Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed shōgun by Emperor Go-Yōzei, marking the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo.
• 1721 — Johann Sebastian Bach presented six musical masterpieces to Margrave Christian Ludwig, now celebrated as the Brandenburg Concertos.
• 1794 — Tadeusz Kościuszko declared a national uprising in Kraków, taking command of the Polish military forces against Prussia and Russia.
• 1829 — British Parliament sanctioned the Roman Catholic Relief Act, granting Catholics the right to serve within Parliament.
• 1854 — The institution of slavery was officially abolished in Venezuela under the leadership of President José Gregorio Monagas.
• 1921 — The first international sporting event for women, the Women's Olympiad, commenced in the city of Monte Carlo.
• 1944 — In a daring escape famously depicted in cinema, 76 Allied prisoners began their breakout from the German camp Stalag Luft III.
• 1989 — The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred in Alaska's Prince William Sound, releasing 240,000 barrels of crude oil.
• 2008 — Bhutan transitioned into a democracy, holding the nation's very first general election.

Famous Birthdays on March 24

• 1607 — Michiel de Ruyter, A legendary Dutch admiral who played a crucial role in naval history.
• 1693 — John Harrison, The English maker who revolutionized navigation by inventing the marine chronometer.
• 1834 — William Morris, A highly influential English artist, poet, and designer of the Arts and Crafts movement.
• 1874 — Harry Houdini, The iconic Hungarian-American magician famous for his incredible escape artistry.
• 1901 — Ub Iwerks, The talented animator and producer who helped create the legendary Mickey Mouse.
• 1911 — Joseph Barbera, A pioneer of animation who co-founded the famous Hanna-Barbera studio.
• 1951 — Tommy Hilfiger, The renowned fashion designer behind the global Tommy Hilfiger brand.
• 1956 — Steve Ballmer, A prominent American businessman known for his long career at Microsoft.