The date of July 26 offers us a rich mixture of historical events, religious holidays and curiosities of the world.
From the tragic executions of spies during the Cold War to space flights and planetary discoveries, this day marked several moments of international significance. In the field of art, July 26 was marked by the birth of talented authors and actors who left an indelible mark on world culture. As we honor the Saints and reflect on history, Helen Keller’s quote inspires us to live boldly and passionately, making our lives worthy of adventure.
The Saints
July 26 is an important date in the Catholic liturgical calendar as it is dedicated to two highly revered saints: Saint Anne and Saint Joachim. Saint Anna, mother of the Virgin Mary, is considered the patroness of pregnant women, grandparents. San Gioacchino, her husband, is the patron saint of fathers, grandparents and textile workers.
Historical events
- 1953: In New York, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are executed in the electric chair on charges of spying for the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
- 1956: Egypt nationalizes the Suez Canal, which provoked an international crisis with Britain, France and Israel.
- 1971: Apollo 15, the ninth mission of the Apollo space program, is heading to the Moon with astronaut David Scott as mission commander.
- 2005: Space Shuttle Discovery launches on mission STS-114, marking the return of shuttles to space after the 2003 Columbia accident.
Events around the world
- 2003: In Iran, an earthquake of magnitude 6.4 occurred in the province of Kerman, killing about 300 people.
- 2016: Tokyo, Japan marks the hottest day on record with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F).
- 2019: The government of India is canceling the autonomous status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which leads to increased tension in the area.
Curious news
- 1866: Beatrix Potter, English author and illustrator of famous children’s stories, including Peter Rabbit, was born.
- 1943: During World War II, fascist leader Benito Mussolini is arrested after being dismissed from the Grand Council of Fascism.
- 1952: Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul, Trinidadian-British writer and essayist, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Literature, was born.
- 2016: The discovery of the ninth planet in the solar system, originally named “Planet Nine” or “Planet X”, is announced.
Celebrities born on July 26th
- Sandra BullockAmerican actress, Oscar winner.
- Mick Jaggersinger, songwriter and member of the Rolling Stones.
- Kate BeckinsaleBritish actress best known for her roles in Pearl Harbor and Underworld.
- Aldous HuxleyBritish writer and philosopher, author of the famous dystopian novel Brave New World.
Celebrities who died on July 26
- 1993: Mia Martini, famous Italian singer known for songs like “Minuetto” and “Almeno tu nell’universo”
- 2012: Lupe Ontiveros, Mexican-American actress, best known for her roles in Selena and Desperate Housewives.
- 2017: Sam Shepard, American actor and playwright, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Aphorism of the day
“Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller
