July 21: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1969, humanity reached a new frontier as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to walk upon the surface of the Moon.
Quick Facts for July 21
- Zodiac sign: Cancer
- Day of year: 202
About July 21
July 21 is a day defined by monumental shifts in human history, ranging from the heights of space exploration to the foundations of modern nations. While we celebrate the celestial achievement of the Apollo 11 mission, the day also marks Belgian National Day, honoring the coronation of Leopold I as the country's first king in 1831. It is a date where the terrestrial and the cosmic seem to meet.
The day's significance stretches across various cultures, from observing Racial Harmony Day in Singapore to celebrating the liberation of Guam during the Second World War. Whether it is the political milestones of the 20th century or the groundbreaking speed records set on land, July 21 serves as a reminder of our constant drive to explore, govern, and unite.
Holidays & Observances on July 21
- Liberation Day in 1944 (Guam)
- Belgian National Day (Belgium)
- Racial Harmony Day (Singapore)
- Summer Kazanskaya (Russia)
Fun & National Days on July 21
- National Junk Food Day — Indulge in your favorite sugary or salty snacks without any guilt today!
- Invite an Alien to Live with You Day — Clear out a spare room for a hypothetical visitor from another galaxy.
- National Lamington Day — Celebrate this delicious coconut-covered sponge cake treat to its fullest.
- National Tug-Of-War Tournament Day — Gather your strongest friends for a friendly test of pulling power.
- Black Women's Equal Pay Day
- Legal Drinking Age Day
- National Be Someone Day
- Take a Monkey to Lunch Day
On This Day in History
- -356 — One of the ancient Seven Wonders, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, was lost to a devastating act of arson.
- 365 — A massive earthquake struck Crete, triggering a lethal tsunami that devastated the coasts of Egypt and Libya.
- 1798 — Napoleon Bonaparte's forces secured a significant victory against Ottoman and Mamluk armies during the Battle of the Pyramids.
- 1831 — The Belgian monarchy was established with the official inauguration of Leopold I as the nation's first king.
- 1861 — The American Civil War saw its first major combat at the Battle of Bull Run, resulting in a Confederate win.
- 1873 — Jesse James and his gang completed the first successful train heist in the history of the American Old West.
- 1904 — French driver Louis Rigolly became the first human to break the 100 mph speed barrier on land.
- 1925 — In the famous Scopes Trial, teacher John T. Scopes was found guilty of instructing students about evolution.
- 1960 — Sirimavo Bandaranaike made history by being sworn in as the world's first democratically elected female head of state.
- 1969 — Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin successfully completed the first human footsteps on the lunar surface.
- 1983 — Scientists recorded the lowest inhabited temperature ever at Antarctica's Vostok Station, hitting a staggering -89.2 °C.
- 2011 — The era of the Space Shuttle officially concluded with the final landing of Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center.
Famous Birthdays on July 21
- 1816 — Paul Reuter, The German-English journalist who established the world-renowned news agency, Reuters.
- 1899 — Ernest Hemingway, The legendary Nobel Prize-winning American novelist known for his distinct and influential writing style.
- 1920 — Isaac Stern, A highly acclaimed Russian-American violinist and conductor of international renown.
- 1924 — Don Knotts, A famous American actor and comedian known for his iconic comedic performances.
- 1951 — Robin Williams, The beloved American comedian and actor who captivated audiences with his immense talent.
- 2000 — Erling Haaland, The prolific Norwegian football star making waves in the modern era of the sport.