As the year draws to a close, today marks the 363rd day of 2024, leaving just a handful of days before the new year begins. This date, December 28, has been witness to numerous pivotal events that have shaped history in various realms from cinema and natural disasters to significant political legislation and moments of poignant reflection.
One of the most heart-wrenching incidents remembered today took place in 2015 when a grand jury in Cleveland decided not to bring charges against two white police officers in the fatal shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, a Black youth. The controversy stemmed from Rice being shot while holding a toy pellet gun, a case that sparked widespread debate over police actions and racial injustice in the United States.
Rewinding to 1895, this day marked a milestone in entertainment history when the Lumiere brothers, Auguste and Louis, orchestrated the first public screening of their films in Paris. These motion pictures laid the groundwork for the global film industry, bringing a new form of entertainment that has evolved into a significant cultural and economic force.
Over a century earlier, on December 28, 1908, a disastrous earthquake followed by a tsunami ravaged the Italian cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria. This tragic event claimed the lives of at least 70,000 people, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in European history.
In the realm of public transportation history, December 28, 1912, commemorates the launch of San Francisco’s Municipal Railway. The inauguration was celebrated with Mayor James Rolph Jr. at the helm of Streetcar No. 1, an event attended by an enthusiastic crowd of 50,000 spectators.
Fast forward to mid-20th century, in 1945, another significant political development occurred when Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance, embedding a formal expression of patriotism in the country’s daily life.
International politics also saw a pivotal change in 1972 when North Korea’s premier, Kim Il Sung, was pronounced the president under a new constitution, strengthening his grip on power.
In environmental and conservation achievements, December 28, 1973, remains notable for the enactment of the Endangered Species Act, signed into law by President Richard Nixon. This critical piece of legislation has played a vital role in protecting threatened and endangered plant and animal species across the United States.
Further, December 28 has also witnessed remarkable medical advancements as seen in 1981 with the birth of Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American baby conceived through in vitro fertilization. Her birth marked a breakthrough in reproductive technology.
Moreover, this date in 1991 bore witness to a tragic incident in New York when nine individuals perished in a stampede while attempting to enter a celebrity charity basketball game at City College, highlighting issues of event safety and crowd management.
Ending the combat operations, December 28, 2014, signified the formal conclusion of the U.S. war in Afghanistan. After 13 years, a understated flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul marked the handover of combat responsibilities to the Afghan security forces.
Celebrating birthdays today are several notable figures including actor Denzel Washington and TV personality Gayle King, both turning 70, among other celebrities from various fields.
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