September 28: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1928, Alexander Fleming accidentally changed the course of human medicine when he noticed a life-saving mold growing in his lab.
Quick Facts for September 28
- Zodiac sign: Libra
- Day of year: 271
About September 28
September 28 serves as a powerful reminder of how small moments can reshape our world. While many celebrate the peaceful ideals of Freedom from Hunger Day or the intellectual spirit of Teachers' Day in Taiwan, history shows us a more dramatic side of human progress. In 1928, the accidental discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming revolutionized how we fight infection, marking a turning point in global health that continues to save millions of lives today.
Beyond the laboratory, the date has long been a stage for the shifting tides of power and conquest. From the arrival of William the Conqueror in England in 1066 to the sudden, tragic impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022, the calendar reflects the constant tension between human achievement and the unpredictable forces of nature. Whether we are honoring the wisdom of Confucius or reflecting on international rights to information, this day bridges the ancient and the modern.
Holidays & Observances on September 28
- Czech Statehood Day (Czech Republic)
- Freedom from Hunger Day
- International Day for Universal Access to Information
- National Day of Awareness and Unity against Child Pornography (Philippines)
- Teachers' Day (Taiwan and Chinese-Filipino schools in the Philippines), ceremonies dedicated to Confucius are also observed.
- World Rabies Day (International)
Fun & National Days on September 28
- National Strawberry Cream Pie Day — Indulge in a slice of sweet, creamy, strawberry-filled heaven today!
- National Drink Beer Day — Raise a cold glass to celebrate this perfectly refreshing tradition.
- National Good Neighbor Day — Take a moment to smile or share a kind word with those living nearby.
- Read a Child a Book You Like Day — Share the magic of your favorite story with a young listener today.
- British Home Child Day
- Family Day
- Fish Tank Floorshow Night
- Gold Lining Day
- International Right to Know Day
On This Day in History
- 1066 — The course of English history changed forever when William the Conqueror landed on its shores, initiating the Norman conquest.
- 1238 — King James I of Aragon successfully seized Valencia from Moorish rule and officially declared himself its sovereign king.
- 1542 — The Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo reached the shores of what is now San Diego, marking the first European arrival in California.
- 1781 — American and French military forces, supported by a naval fleet, launched the decisive siege of Yorktown during the Revolutionary War.
- 1787 — The newly formulated United States Constitution was sent to various state legislatures for their formal approval and ratification.
- 1821 — A draft of the Declaration of Independence for the Mexican Empire was completed, setting the stage for its official publication.
- 1889 — The length of a single metre was officially established by the General Conference on Weights and Measures.
- 1924 — A specialized team from the United States Army successfully completed the very first aerial circumnavigation of the globe.
- 1928 — Alexander Fleming observed a bacteria-killing mold in his laboratory, leading to the monumental discovery of penicillin.
- 2008 — The Falcon 1 rocket became the inaugural private liquid-fuel vehicle to successfully deliver a payload into orbit.
Famous Birthdays on September 28
- -551 — Confucius, The legendary Chinese philosopher and political educator whose teachings shaped Eastern thought.
- 1901 — Ed Sullivan, The influential American television host who helped define variety show culture.
- 1905 — Max Schmeling, The legendary German heavyweight boxer who achieved global fame in the ring.
- 1924 — Marcello Mastroianni, The celebrated Italian actor known for his iconic roles in classic cinema.
- 1929 — Lata Mangeshkar, The iconic Indian playback singer who became one of the most celebrated voices in music history.
- 1934 — Brigitte Bardot, The famous French actress and dedicated advocate for animal rights.