Oct. 4 was originally chosen for World Animal Day because it is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, a nature lover and patron saint of animals and the environment. World Animal Day has now gone beyond being the celebration of a Christian saint and is today observed by animal lovers of all faiths, nationalities and backgrounds.
Today is the first day of World Space Week (Oct. 4-10). Instituted by the United Nations, this day aims to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition. This week was specifically chosen in order to recall the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, on Oct. 4, 1957, and the entry into force of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space on Oct. 10, 1967.
Today is the Independence Day of Lesotho. On this day in 1966, Lesotho, formerly Basutoland, gained its independence from Britain.
Today is the anniversary of the liberation of Corsica. The island of Corsica became the first French territory in Europe freed from Nazi control. A French uprising started on the island on Sept. 19, and on this day in 1943, French troops entered the city of Bastia, the culmination of the uprising.
Today is Independence Day in Belgium. On this day in 1830, the Belgian Revolution led to the establishment of an independent, Catholic and neutral Belgium. The area we call Belgium today was a part of the First French Republic from 1794 to 1815. In 1815, by the dissolution of the First French Empire, the Low Countries were united as the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Today is the anniversary of the first run of the Orient Express in 1883. The Orient Express is the legendary train tour that started from Paris, traveled through Munich, Vienna, Romania, Bulgaria, Varna and finally came to İstanbul. The route of the train changed several times in its history. The Orient Express was the materialized expression of the Western yearning for Eastern authenticity that peaked at the end of the 19th century. It became a key player in several adventure and detective books and movies, including Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.”
Gregorian Calendar: 04 October 2009 C.E.
Hijri Calendar: 15 Shawwal 1430 A.H.
Hebrew Calendar: 16 Tishrei 5769
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