What’s Happening Today?

Herero Day (Namibia). It is a gathering of the Herero people of Namibia to commemorate their deceased chieftains. It is held in Okahandja in central Namibia annually on August 26, the day and place Herero chief Samuel Maharero's body was reburied alongside his ancestors in 1923. Accordingly, the celebrations last three days long.

Heroes Day (Namibia). Seems like August 26 was specifically cut out for Namibia. This day is recognized by the United Nations as Namibia Day. Celebrated annually on 26 August, the day commemorates the Namibian War of Independence which began on 26 August 1966 at Omugulugwombashe.

What Happened Today?

1. In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution took effect. The amendment extended universal suffrage to women in the United States, meaning that women could take part in presidential elections. Before this, women in some states could vote in local and state elections. The Amendment was first introduced in Congress 42 years ago in 1878 by Senator Aaron A. Sargent. In 1919, the Congress approved the amendment and sent it to the states to be ratified.

2. In 1955, the first tennis match was broadcast in colour. The Davis Cup match between Australia and the US from the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, New York, was telecast on NBC.

3. In 1978, the first German went into Space. Sigmund Jähn, a pilot from the East German Air Force joined the crew of Soyuz 31, a Soviet manned space flight to the Salyut 6 space station.

Birthdays

1. 1910 – Mother Teresa, Roman Catholic nun and missionary known for her selfless service to humanity.

2. 1986 – Cassandra Ventura, commonly known as cassie, an American R’n’ B singer

Sources: Wikipedia & checkiday.com

Picture credit: National Catholic Reporter