Name: French troops repel Prussian invasion at Battle of Valmy
Start: 1792-09-20
Location: Valmy, France

Holidays on September 20, 2024:

National Bakery Day

National Bakery Day, 9/20/2024: Discover the art of baking, special deals, and mouthwatering treats on this sweet day honoring bakers and pastry chefs. more >>

National String Cheese Day

National String Cheese Day, 9/20/2024: Indulge in gooey goodness, share love for this tasty treat, and bring people together! more >>

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 9/20/2024: Honoring the sacrifices of American prisoners of war and those still missing in action, a solemn tribute to their courage and resilience. more >>

Raspberry Day

Join us on Raspberry Day, September 20, 2024, as we indulge in sweet treats, refreshing drinks, and share favorite recipes and traditions. more >>

National Fried Rice Day

National Fried Rice Day, September 20, 2024. Discover the versatility and flavor of fried rice, share recipes, and indulge in a delicious plate of this tasty treat. more >>

National Concussion Awareness Day

National Concussion Awareness Day (9/20/2024) sheds light on concussion risks, symptoms, and prevention, promoting a culture of safety and responsible behavior for athletes and individuals of all ages. more >>

National Tradesmen Day

National Tradesmen Day, 9/20/2024: Honor the skilled tradespeople who keep our communities running smoothly with dedication, expertise, and vital contributions. more >>

World Paella Day

World Paella Day, September 20, 2024: Join the festive celebration honoring Spain's iconic dish, paella, with its rich flavors, aromas, and cultural heritage. more >>

International Grenache Day

International Grenache Day on 9/20/2024: Discover the unique flavors and characteristics of Grenache wines, explore new varieties, and make unforgettable memories with fellow wine enthusiasts. more >>

Birthdays on September 20:

George R. R. Martin

77 Years Old

Creator of the epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, which was adapted into the hit TV show Game of Thrones, known for his intricate world-building and complex characters.

Sophia Loren

91 Years Old

Academy Award-winning actress renowned for her striking beauty and powerful performances in iconic films like "Two Women" and "Marriage Italian Style".

Jon Bernthal

49 Years Old

Noted for his intense, rugged performances in TV series like The Walking Dead and Punisher, bringing complex, brooding characters to life.

Red Auerbach

Died in 2006, aged 89

Legendary basketball coach who won 9 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, known for his innovative tactics and iconic cigar-smoking sideline presence.

Guy Lafleur

Died in 2022, aged 70

A legendary hockey player who won five Stanley Cup championships and was known for his speed, scoring ability, and charismatic personality. He is considered one of the greatest pla...

Jay Ward

Died in 1989, aged 69

Creator of beloved animated TV shows like Rocky and Bullwinkle, Dudley Do-Right, and George of the Jungle, bringing humor and satire to Saturday morning cartoons.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

37 Years Old

A dominant UFC lightweight champion with a perfect 29-0 record, known for his grappling skills and intense rivalries with Conor McGregor.

The-Dream

48 Years Old

A Grammy-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and producer behind hits like "Umbrella" and "Single Ladies," known for his innovative, genre-bending sound and collaborations with top art...

Andrew Davies

89 Years Old

A renowned adapter of literary classics into acclaimed television dramas, bringing beloved novels to life for new audiences. Best known for his work on Pride and Prejudice and Brid...

Phillip Phillips

35 Years Old

Winner of American Idol season 11, known for soulful, acoustic-driven pop-rock music and hit singles like "Home" and "Raging Fire".

Kristen Johnston

58 Years Old

This American actress is best known for her comedic roles, particularly as Sally Solomon in the popular 1990s-2000s TV show "3rd Rock from the Sun", earning her two Emmy Awards.

Gary Cole

69 Years Old

Veteran actor with a distinctive voice, known for his versatility in playing a wide range of characters in TV and film, from comedy to drama. He's had notable roles in popular seri...

Events from History on September 20:

25 years ago

President Bush declares War on Terror after 9/11 attacks (United States Capitol, 116th Street SE, Washington, D.C., 20016, USA) 2001

In the aftermath of the devastating 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush stood before a joint session of Congress and the American people, his voice echoing with determination as he declared a "War on Terror". This marked a pivotal moment in modern history, as the United States embarked on a global campaign against terrorism, vowing to bring those responsible to justice and protect the American people from further harm.

507 years ago

Ferdinand Magellan sets sail on globe-circling expedition (SanlÃºcar de Barrameda, Spain) 1519

Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, stood at the helm of a grand adventure as he set sail from SanlÃºcar de Barrameda, Spain, with a fleet of five ships and a diverse crew of about 270 men. The ambitious voyage aimed to reach the Spice Islands of Maluku, Indonesia, by navigating west across the Atlantic, a feat that would ultimately lead to the first circumnavigation of the globe. As Magellan's expedition embarked on the treacherous journey, they faced mutinies, scurvy, and treacherous waters, but their bravery and determination paved the way for a groundbreaking achievement that would change the course of history.

9 years ago

Hurricane Maria Devastates Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico, USA) 2017

Hurricane Maria, a powerful Category 4 storm, slammed into Puerto Rico, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm's 155mph winds and torrential rains ripped through the island, crippling its infrastructure and leaving millions without power or access to basic necessities. The aftermath was nothing short of catastrophic, with entire towns submerged underwater, families torn apart, and a staggering 2,975 lives lost. The economic toll was equally devastating, with damages totaling a whopping $90 billion. As the world watched in horror, Puerto Rico was plunged into a humanitarian crisis, its people forced to endure unimaginable hardship and suffering.

156 years ago

Bersaglieri Corps Completes Italy's Unification (Rome, Italy) 1870

The dawn of a new era unfolded as the Bersaglieri corps, a unique unit of marksmen, marched victoriously through Rome's Porta Pia, consummating the long-sought unification of Italy! Led by the ambitious King Victor Emmanuel II, the troops overpowered the Papal States, shattering the temporal power of the Pope. As the last vestiges of resistance crumbled, the Italian Peninsula was finally united under a single, secular government. This milestone marked the culmination of a decades-long struggle, sparked by the likes of Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi, who dared to envision a unified, independent Italy.

163 years ago

Confederate Victory at Bloody Chickamauga (Chickamauga, Georgia, USA) 1863

Brutal, bloody, and exhausting, the Battle of Chickamauga raged on for two days, culminating in a crushing defeat for the Union Army. Confederate General Braxton Bragg's troops clashed with Union forces led by General William Rosecrans in northwestern Georgia, resulting in over 34,000 casualties. Despite being outnumbered, the Confederacy emerged victorious, but at a steep cost, earning Chickamauga the grim nickname "River of Death."

234 years ago

French troops repel Prussian invasion at Battle of Valmy (Valmy, France) 1792

French cannons boomed across the dewy fields of Valmy, echoing through the hills as the fate of the French Revolution hung in the balance. Prussian forces, led by the Duke of Brunswick, had marched into France, determined to restore the monarchy and crush the upstart revolution. But the French, fueled by patriotism and desperation, refused to budge. Under the command of Generals Dumouriez and Kellermann, the French army stood firm, trading artillery fire with the Prussians in a day-long standoff. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Prussians retreated, their invasion foiled. The victory at Valmy marked a turning point in the Revolution, galvanizing French morale and convincing European powers that the Revolution was not to be underestimated.

Notable Deaths on September 20:

1947Fiorello H. La Guardia Fearless leader of the Big Apple

2016Curtis Hanson Visionary filmmaker and writer

1973Jim Croce Singer-songwriter of heartfelt ballads

2005Simon Wiesenthal Human rights advocate and Holocaust survivor

2010Leonard Skinner Transforming educator and soldier who touched lives through service and teaching

1793Fletcher Christian Infamous mutineer on the HMS Bounty

1994Jule Styne Creator of popular American musical compositions

1863Jacob Grimm German scholar who unraveled the mysteries of language and mythology

1996Paul Weston Maestro of instrumental music and arrangement

2014Polly Bergen Timeless actress and singer who brought joy to audiences through her performances

2015Jack Larson Beloved actor and performer

1984Steve Goodman Folk troubadour with acoustic strings

1971James Westerfield Silver screen charmer of the American dream

1971Giorgos Seferis Prolific poet of the Mediterranean

1908Pablo de Sarasate Spanish virtuoso violinist and composer

2011Oscar Handlin Acclaimed historian and author who shed light on the past

2004Townsend Hoopes Historian and veteran of American military conflicts

2002Sergei Bodrov Jr. Prolific filmmaker and actor from Russia

2000Gherman Titov Cosmonaut and pioneer in Russian space exploration

1987Michael Stewart Playwright of dramatic Broadway debuts

National Pepperoni Pizza Day