Significant Events on September 15: From Historical Fires to First Endorsement

September 15 marks the anniversary of several pivotal moments in history, spanning politics, culture, and social justice. Notably, in 2020, the long-respected publication Scientific American made history by endorsing a presidential candidate for the first time in its 175-year existence, supporting Joe Biden in the U.S. elections.

Historic Events and Cultural Milestones

In 1812, Russian forces set fire to Moscow as a strategic move to hinder Napoleon Bonaparte and his invading French troops. This act of defiance underscored the dramatic military conflict that marked the era.

Fast-forwarding to 1954, a legendary moment in cinema occurred when Marilyn Monroe filmed the iconic scene in which her skirt is blown upwards by a gust from a subway vent during the making of The Seven Year Itch. This scene famously caused tension in her marriage to Joe DiMaggio, who deemed it too provocative, leading to their divorce shortly thereafter.

In 1959, Nikita Khrushchev made history as the first Soviet leader to visit the United States, signaling a potential thaw in Cold War relations. His visit aimed to foster better ties with Washington, a significant diplomatic effort at the time.

Tragedy struck on September 15, 1963, when four Black girls were killed in a bombing at a church in Birmingham, Alabama. This horrific event catalyzed civil rights activism, highlighting the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.

The founding of Greenpeace on this day in 1971 by 12 members from the Don’t Make A Wave Committee in Vancouver, British Columbia marked the beginning of an influential environmental movement. The organization has since played a crucial role in raising awareness about ecological issues worldwide.

In political developments, the resignation of Menachem Begin as prime minister of Israel in 1983 marked a significant moment in Israeli politics. His leadership had been characterized by complex geopolitical challenges.

Tragic Events and Public Health Concerns

On September 15, 1999, a tragic shooting occurred at the Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, where a gunman killed seven individuals and injured several others during a youth service before taking his own life. This event shocked the community and reignited discussions about gun violence in the United States.

In 2011, a serious public health crisis emerged when a widespread outbreak of listeria food poisoning was linked to contaminated cantaloupes sold by a Colorado company. The outbreak resulted in approximately two dozen deaths across 20 states, prompting significant recalls and legal consequences for the farmers involved.

The entertainment industry celebrated Norman Lear in 2019, when he became the oldest Emmy winner at the age of 97. He received the award for Outstanding Variety Special for his work on Live in Front of a Studio Audience, showcasing his enduring influence in television.

Finally, in 2021, SpaceX successfully launched Inspiration4, marking the first all-private orbital spaceflight. This mission included four civilians, representing a significant milestone in commercial space travel.

As September 15 continues to be a date of historical significance, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of our past and the ongoing evolution of society.