1065: Westminster Abbey Consecrated
On December 28, 1065, Westminster Abbey in London was consecrated. The iconic church became the site of numerous royal coronations, weddings, and burials, symbolizing Britain’s rich history.
“Great institutions endure not because of their stone walls but because of the faith and purpose they inspire.”
~ Edward the Confessor
Source: Royal Chronicles, 1065
1612: Galileo Observes Neptune
On December 28, 1612, Galileo Galilei observed Neptune, although he mistook it for a fixed star. His discovery marked the first recorded observation of the distant planet.
“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.”
~ Galileo Galilei
Source: Galileo’s writings, Sidereus Nuncius, 1612
1832: John C. Calhoun Resigns as U.S. Vice President
On December 28, 1832, John C. Calhoun became the first U.S. vice president to resign, stepping down over differences with President Andrew Jackson regarding states’ rights and nullification.
“The Union, next to our liberty, most dear.”
~ John C. Calhoun
Source: Calhoun’s farewell address, 1832
1895: First Public Screening of Motion Pictures
On December 28, 1895, Auguste and Louis Lumière held the first public screening of motion pictures in Paris, marking the birth of modern cinema.
“The cinema is an invention without a future—yet it captures eternity in every frame.”
~ Louis Lumière
Source: Lumière’s reflections, 1895
1908: Earthquake in Messina, Italy
On December 28, 1908, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Messina, Italy, killing approximately 100,000 people and becoming one of Europe’s deadliest disasters.
“In the face of devastation, hope is the most powerful foundation for rebuilding.”
~ King Victor Emmanuel III
Source: King’s speech, 1909
1943: Eisenhower Named Supreme Allied Commander
On December 28, 1943, Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, leading the successful D-Day invasion and helping to end World War II.
“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”
~ Dwight D. Eisenhower
Source: Eisenhower’s memoirs, Crusade in Europe, 1948
1948: Murder of Mahatma Gandhi’s Assassin Planned
On December 28, 1948, it was revealed that Nathuram Godse had conspired with others to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi earlier that year. The event exposed deep divisions in post-independence India.
“An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
Source: Gandhi’s speeches, 1931
1958: Great Chinese Famine Begins
On December 28, 1958, Mao Zedong’s Great Leap Forward led to widespread famine, ultimately causing the deaths of an estimated 30 million people due to poor agricultural policies and food shortages.
“When ideology blinds reason, the people pay the price.”
~ Liu Shaoqi
Source: Liu’s criticisms of Mao’s policies, 1962
1973: Endangered Species Act Signed into Law
On December 28, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act, one of the strongest environmental protection laws in the world.
“Nothing is more priceless and more worthy of preservation than the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed.”
~ Richard Nixon
Source: Nixon’s signing speech, 1973
2014: AirAsia Flight 8501 Crashes
On December 28, 2014, AirAsia Flight 8501 crashed into the Java Sea, killing all 162 people on board. Investigations pointed to a mechanical failure and poor weather conditions as contributing factors.
“In the wake of tragedy, we find unity in shared grief and strength in shared hope.”
~ Tony Fernandes
Source: Fernandes’ public statement, 2014
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