September 24: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 2023, NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission completed a historic journey by successfully returning asteroid samples from Bennu to Earth.
Quick Facts for September 24
- Zodiac sign: Libra
- Day of year: 267
About September 24
September 24 is a day defined by shifts in power and the pursuit of progress. In 1973, Guinea-Bissau achieved a monumental milestone by declaring its independence from Portuguese rule. Meanwhile, in 1993, the nation of Cambodia underwent a profound political transformation as the monarchy was officially restored with Norodom Sihanouk taking the throne.
The date also marks significant leaps in human ingenuity. In 1948, the Honda Motor Company was established, forever changing the global landscape of transportation. From the high-tech triumphs of space exploration to the foundational establishment of major industries, September 24 serves as a reminder of how much the world can evolve in a single day.
Holidays & Observances on September 24
- Armed Forces Day (Peru)
- Constitution Day (Cambodia)
- Heritage Day (South Africa)
- Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Guinea-Bissau from Portugal in 1973.
- Mahidol Day (Thailand)
- New Caledonia Day (New Caledonia)
- Republic Day (Trinidad and Tobago)
Fun & National Days on September 24
- National Punctuation Day — Celebrate by making sure every comma and period in your texts is perfectly placed!
- National Horchata Day — Treat yourself to a refreshing, creamy glass of this delicious spiced rice drink.
- National Cherries Jubilee Day — Indulge in a decadent dessert featuring sweet cherries and elegant flavors.
- Kiss Day — Show some extra affection to your loved ones throughout the day.
- Festival of Latest Novelties
- Gallbladder Good Health Day
- Lash Stylists' Day
- National Bluebird of Happiness Day
- Remember Me Thursday
- Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving
On This Day in History
- 1789 — The United States Congress established the federal judiciary system and created the position of Attorney General via the Judiciary Act.
- 1852 — The Giffard dirigible achieved a milestone by completing the first 17-mile powered flight with passengers from Paris to Trappes.
- 1869 — A financial crisis known as Black Friday occurred when gold prices crashed following President Grant's decision to sell Treasury gold.
- 1906 — President Theodore Roosevelt officially designated Devils Tower in Wyoming as the very first United States National Monument.
- 1929 — Pilot Jimmy Doolittle proved the viability of instrument flying by successfully completing a flight without the use of windows.
- 1932 — Mahatma Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar reached an agreement known as the Poona Pact to reserve legislative seats for marginalized groups.
- 1948 — The Honda Motor Company was founded, beginning its journey to become a global leader in the automotive industry.
- 1960 — The USS Enterprise, distinguished as the world's premier nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was launched into service.
- 1973 — Guinea-Bissau gained its sovereignty after officially declaring independence from Portuguese colonial rule.
- 1975 — An expeditionary team successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest via the Southwest Face, a first for any climbing route.
- 1996 — A significant step for global peace occurred as 71 nations signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty at the United Nations.
- 2014 — India achieved a historic feat in space by becoming the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit on its initial attempt.
Famous Birthdays on September 24
- 1501 — Gerolamo Cardano, A brilliant Italian physician and mathematician who made significant contributions to astrology and science.
- 1534 — Guru Ram Das, The revered fourth leader of the Sikh faith, who played a vital role in Sikh history.
- 1880 — Sarah Knauss, The longest-lived verified American individual, who reached an extraordinary age.
- 1896 — F. Scott Fitzgerald, An iconic American novelist whose works defined the Jazz Age through beautiful and tragic storytelling.
- 1898 — Howard Florey, An influential Australian pharmacologist and pathologist who was honored with a Nobel Prize.
- 1936 — Jim Henson, The legendary American puppeteer and creator who brought the beloved Muppets to life.