On August 4, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the Air Force of the Armed Forces. In the world – Champagne Birthday, Speleologist Day, Assistance Dog Day, Sisters Day, International Day of Forgiveness.
Day of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Since 2007, the first Sunday of August has become an official holiday for all who serve in the Air Force of Ukraine. This holiday was established by a presidential decree, which simultaneously canceled the Air Defense Forces Day.
The history of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine begins in 1917, when the first aviation units were formed on the territory of Ukraine. As early as 1930, higher educational institutions were opened in such cities as Kharkiv, Poltava, Chuguyiv, Kyiv, Chernihiv and Luhansk, which began to train pilots and other specialists in the field of air defense.
Today, the Air Force of Ukraine is equipped with modern aircraft, helicopters and anti-aircraft missile systems. The Air Force also includes radio engineering troops, engineering units, reconnaissance units and special-purpose units for air defense.
The Air Force of Ukraine includes fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, transport aviation and anti-aircraft missile units. This allows for a wide range of tasks from air defense to strategic strikes.
The Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces actively participates in international exercises and joint operations with NATO countries. This increases the level of interaction with allies and facilitates the exchange of experience.
Ukrainian pilots demonstrate incredible skill and courage during combat missions. They have repeatedly participated in peacekeeping missions, as well as in hostilities in the East of Ukraine.
The symbol of the Air Force is a blue-yellow flag with the image of an eagle, which symbolizes the high professionalism and courage of the Ukrainian military. Celebrations and parades are held every year in honor of this holiday.
Champagne birthday
Champagne’s birthday is associated with the name of Dom Pérignon, a French monk who is often called the “father” of this sparkling drink. At the end of the 17th century, he perfected the champagne production process, although he was not its inventor. He is credited with inventing the methods that made it possible to stabilize the fermentation process and obtain a stable foam. Monk Pérignon, when he invented champagne, said: “I taste the taste of the stars!”
The monk Dom Pierre Pérignon, who worked at the Abbey of Hautvilliers in the heart of Champagne, acted as the housekeeper. In his free time from his main job, he conducted experiments on the production of various wines, mixing wines from grapes collected from different areas. Thanks to this, he created a cuvee (from the French “cuvee” — champagne from mixed wines) with a rich bouquet of flavors. After almost 50 years of numerous researches and experiments, his efforts were crowned with success. Although maybe this is a legend. The only confirmation of Dom Pérignon’s activity is considered to be a treatise on the state of viticulture and winemaking in Champagne at the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th century, written by brother Pierre around 1724.
By the way, the English do not agree that the credit for the invention of champagne belongs to the French, believing that they did the most to spread this drink around the world. It is said that Churchill was brought champagne by his butler every day at 11 a.m. when he woke up.
Be that as it may, since then champagne has become not only a part of coronation celebrations, but also the most common drink in the world.
After the First World War, France passed a law that established that only those sparkling wines produced directly in the province of Champagne with strict adherence to certain rules can be called champagne. There are still those who disagree with this decision, but apparently it is not so important.
Interesting Facts:
Sparkling wines were known before Dom Pérignon, but they were often considered defective. Thanks to the efforts of Dom Pérignon, it was possible to create a more controlled process that became the basis for modern champagne production.
Despite the fact that champagne is associated with France, sparkling wine production technologies were developed in parallel in England. The English were among the first to produce sparkling wines with the help of additional fermentation in bottles.
The main method of champagne production involves double fermentation, first in large barrels or vats and then in bottles. This process allows you to get foam characteristic of champagne.
For the production of champagne, three main grape varieties are used: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. All three varieties grow in the Champagne wine region of France, which gives the drink its unique characteristics.
Champagne can only be called that if it is produced in the Champagne region of France. This term is protected by international trademark and geographical name laws.
Champagne has always been associated with luxury, celebrations and special events. In history, it was often on the tables of royal courts and during important social events.
There are special rules for serving champagne. It is served chilled to a temperature of about 7-9°C, and the glasses are two-thirds full to leave room for the aroma of the sparkling wine.
There are several varieties of champagne depending on the sugar content, such as brut (the driest), extra dry, dry, semi dry and sweet.
Unlike many other wines, Champagne does not always improve with age. Most champagnes are designed to be consumed within a few years of production, although some exceptional brands can last for decades.
Emperor Napoleon believed: “When you win, you deserve champagne, when you lose, you need it.”
Actress Marlene Dietrich said: “Champagne! It makes you feel like every day is Sunday!”.
The Marquise de Pompadour was convinced: “Champagne is the only drink that makes a woman beautiful after she drinks it.”
Writer Ernest Hemingway advised: “I don’t know of a better way to spend money than on champagne.”
Speleologist’s day
This holiday is dedicated to explorers of caves and underground spaces who study and explore the secrets hidden in the depths of the Earth. The holiday is a recognition of their hard work, courage and dedication to science.
Interesting Facts:
The term “speleology” comes from the Greek words “spelaion” (cave) and “logos” (science). This scientific discipline deals with the study of natural cavities in the earth’s crust, their origin, structure, as well as the ecosystems that exist in caves.
Speleologists explore caves for a variety of purposes, including scientific research, archeological findings, and the study of underground water bodies and ecosystems. Their research helps to understand geological processes, climate change and the history of the Earth.
There are thousands of caves in the world, each of which has its own unique characteristics. The deepest cave in the world is Krubera-Voronya in Abkhazia, its depth reaches more than 2,200 meters. The longest cave is Mammoth Cave in the USA, the length of which exceeds 650 kilometers.
Today’s speleologists use advanced technologies such as laser scanning, drones and 3D mapping to explore and document caves. These technologies make it possible to create detailed maps and models of underground spaces.
Speleologists often organize expeditions to remote and hard-to-reach caves. Such expeditions can last from several days to several months and require high physical fitness, special equipment and teamwork.
One of the directions of speleology, biospeleology, studies organisms living in caves. These unique ecosystems may contain species found nowhere else on the planet. Research by biospeleologists helps to understand the adaptations of organisms to extreme living conditions.
Caves often contain important archaeological finds, including prehistoric drawings, ancient artifacts, and human remains. They provide unique information about the lives of our ancestors.
Assistance dog day
This is a special holiday celebrated to honor the four-legged heroes who help people with disabilities lead a full life. Assistance Dog Day was launched to raise public awareness of the importance and meaning of these animals in the lives of people with disabilities.
Interesting Facts:
Assistance dogs can perform many different tasks. They help people with vision, hearing, mobility, epilepsy, autism and other conditions. Each dog undergoes special training in order to perform its duties as effectively as possible.
It is believed that the first assistance dogs were dogs that helped the blind. The oldest known example dates back to 79 AD, when a fresco depicting a blind man accompanied by a dog was discovered.
Training an assistance dog can last from 18 to 24 months. It includes basic command training, socialization, as well as specialized skills, depending on the needs of the future owner. Dogs must pass rigorous tests to ensure they are ready for work.
Although any breed can become an assistant, Labradors, golden retrievers and German shepherds are most often chosen for this work. These breeds are known for their friendliness, high intelligence and ability to learn.
In addition to performing physical tasks, service dogs also provide emotional support to their owners. They help reduce levels of anxiety, depression and stress, contributing to an overall improvement in quality of life.
Many countries have laws that protect the rights of people with assistance dogs. For example, in the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that people with assistance dogs have the right to access public places, housing and transportation.
Historical events of this day:
- In 1789, feudal privileges were abolished in France.
- In 1858, the first transatlantic cable was opened in England.
- In 1916, during the First World War, British troops occupied Turkish Iraq.
- In 1960, Niger declared its independence from France.
- In 1914, the Combat Command of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen was created – the organizational and coordination center of the USS Legion;
- In 1914, the Union for the Liberation of Ukraine (SVU) was created in Lviv, headed by Dmytro Dontsov;
- In 1922, during the funeral of telephone inventor Alexander Bell in North America, 13 million devices were turned off for a minute;
- In 1926, the first traffic lights in London were installed on Piccadilly Square;
- In 1934, the first blast furnace was launched at Kryvorizhstal;
- In 1962, the leader of the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela, was sent to prison, where he spent 28 years;
- In 1984, a new constitution was introduced in South Africa, which allowed participation in the elections of the colored and Indian population, but left apartheid in force.
- In 1995, Operation “Storm” began in Croatia against Serbian separatists, which lasted until August 7;
- In 2007, the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed in Minnesota, USA, killing 13 people and injuring more than 100.
