Washington, United States. Several notable events have occurred on February 20 across war, space exploration, sports, culture, and major incidents. The following is a selection of those events, listed by year.
World War II developments
In 1942, Edward O’Hare became America’s first World War II flying ace. That same year, Japanese forces invaded Portuguese Timor, and Portugal protested to Japan.
Spaceflight milestone
In 1962, John Glenn became the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth, making a five-hour space voyage aboard the Mercury capsule Friendship VII.
Sports record
In 1994, Norway’s Johann Olav Koss won a speed skating gold medal after setting his third world record.
Political protest in Albania
In 2000, Albanian protesters toppled a statue of late dictator Enver Hoxha.
Rail disaster in Egypt
In 2002, 361 people were killed when a fire engulfed a packed passenger train heading from Cairo to Luxor, in what was described as Egypt’s worst-ever rail disaster.
Entertainment and culture
In 2003, pop singers Justin Timberlake and Kylie Minogue performed together at the Brit Awards. In 2005, U.S. author Hunter S. Thompson, known for works including “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” died by suicide at his home in Colorado; he was 67. In 2011, the world’s most expensive handbag went on display in Doha.
Which of these February 20 events do you find most significant?
