Historic Endorsements and Tragedies: Significant Events of September 15

September 15 marks a day filled with pivotal events in history, from significant political endorsements to cultural moments that shaped society. Notably, in 2020, the respected science publication Scientific American made history by endorsing a presidential candidate for the first time in its 175-year existence, supporting Joe Biden in his campaign against then-incumbent President Donald Trump.

Historical Events and Cultural Milestones

On this day in 1812, Russian forces set fire to Moscow as a desperate measure to thwart the advancing troops of Napoleon Bonaparte. This act of destruction marked a crucial point in the Napoleonic Wars, demonstrating the lengths to which nations will go to protect their sovereignty.

In the realm of entertainment, on September 15, 1954, the iconic scene from The Seven Year Itch was filmed, showcasing Marilyn Monroe as her skirt is lifted by a gust from a subway vent. The moment, celebrated for its cinematic charm, reportedly caused tension between Monroe and her then-husband, Joe DiMaggio, leading to their divorce shortly thereafter.

Another notable event occurred in 1959 when Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet Premier, became the first leader of the Soviet Union to visit the United States, seeking to improve relations during the Cold War.

Tragedy struck on September 15, 1963, when a bombing at a church in Birmingham, Alabama, resulted in the deaths of four African American girls. This horrific incident highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions in the United States during the Civil Rights Movement and led to widespread protests and calls for change.

Environmental activism took a significant step forward in 1971 with the founding of Greenpeace by twelve members of the Don’t Make A Wave committee in Vancouver, British Columbia. This organization has since become a global leader in environmental advocacy.

In 1983, former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin resigned from his position, citing health issues. His departure marked a significant moment in Israeli politics, as Begin had been a pivotal figure in the country’s history.

Violence and Recovery

The tragic events of September 15 continued into the 1990s and beyond. In 1999, a gunman opened fire during a youth service at the Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, killing seven people and injuring others before taking his own life. This incident raised serious concerns about gun violence in America.

In 2009, during the lingering effects of the financial crisis, Ben Bernanke, then Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, announced that the recession which began in December 2007 was likely over, although he cautioned that the economy would remain weak for some time.

In 2011, a listeria outbreak linked to contaminated cantaloupes from a Colorado farm led to approximately two dozen deaths across 20 states, prompting extensive recalls and legal consequences for the farmers involved.

On a more positive note, in 2019, Norman Lear made headlines by becoming the oldest Emmy Award recipient at the age of 97. He received the award for his work on Live in Front of a Studio Audience, showcasing his enduring influence in the entertainment industry.

Lastly, September 15, 2024, witnessed a historic moment in television when the FX series Shogun became the first non-English language series to win the Emmy for Best Drama, setting a new record for the most Emmys awarded in a single season with 18 wins.

As this day continues to reflect a mixture of progress and tragedy, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of history and the impact of individual actions on the broader narrative of society. Each event from September 15 contributes to the tapestry of human experience, shaping the world we live in today.