Osun Defender History Corner: April 9 In Focus
Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashback and recall some events that marked this day.
April 9, 1865
Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the American Civil War.
April 9, 1939
The African-American opera singer Marian Anderson performs at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after being denied the right to perform at Constitution Hall due to her race.
April 9, 1940
Germany invades Denmark and Norway during World War II.
April 9, 1942
The Battle of Bataan ends during World War II, resulting in the surrender of more than 75,000 Filipino and American troops to the Japanese.
April 9, 1959
NASA introduces the first seven astronauts selected for the Mercury program, known as the “Mercury Seven.”
April 9, 1965
The Houston Astrodome, the world’s first multi-purpose domed stadium, opens to the public.
April 9, 1967
The first Boeing 737 makes its maiden flight.
April 9, 1981
The U.S. Space Shuttle Columbia launches on its maiden voyage, STS-1.
April 9, 1989
The April 9 tragedy occurs in Tbilisi, Georgia, when Soviet troops violently disperse a peaceful pro-independence demonstration, resulting in multiple deaths.
April 9, 1991
Georgia declares independence from the Soviet Union.
April 9, 2003
The fall of Baghdad occurs, marking the end of Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq.
April 9, 2005
Prince Charles marries Camilla Parker Bowles in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall in England.
April 9, 2013
Hugo Chávez, the President of Venezuela, dies after battling cancer.
April 9, 2017
A truck drives into a department store in Stockholm, Sweden, killing five people and injuring several others in a terrorist attack.
April 9, 2018
The International Criminal Court convicts former Congolese rebel leader Bosco Ntaganda of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
April 9, 2019
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is ousted from power by the military after months of protests against his rule.
April 9, 2020
The World Health Organization reports that the global death toll from COVID-19 has surpassed 100,000.
April 9, 2021
The U.S. announces plans to withdraw all remaining troops from Afghanistan by September 11, ending its longest war.
April 9, 2022
The European Space Agency launches the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest and most powerful space telescope ever built.
April 9, 2023
Scientists announce the discovery of a new species of dinosaur in Argentina, named Llukalkan aliocranianus, which lived about 85 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.
Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on April 9. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
