July 27 is celebrated in Ukraine as the Day of the Medical Worker, in the world – the Day of Transatlantic Communication, the International Day of Decor, the Day of Honoring the Bagpipe, the Day of Walking on Stilts, the Day of Whistles and Whistlers.
Also on this day: a tragedy occurred at the Sknyliv military airfield in Lviv; representatives of 53 countries signed the Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War in Geneva; an armistice agreement was signed, ending the war between North and South Korea.
Day of the medical worker
From 2023, Ukrainian doctors will celebrate their professional holiday on a new date – July 27. This was done to distance ourselves from the Russian Federation and to honor our medics who continue to save lives during a full-scale war.
Medical workers are the basis of the system of health care and social welfare. Their efforts and dedication in combating diseases and epidemics, providing emergency care, performing complex operations and supporting patients are invaluable. Their role was especially significant during the COVID-19 pandemic, when doctors were at the forefront of the fight against the virus, sacrificing their own health.
However, one of the biggest tests of strength was working in war conditions. Today, doctors face numerous difficulties, working at the limit of human capabilities. They show incredible courage and selflessness, working on the front lines, risking their own lives to provide medical care to wounded soldiers and civilians.
Interesting facts about Ukrainian doctors
The first medical schools in Ukraine appeared as early as the 17th century. In particular, the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, founded in 1632, included a medical faculty where future doctors studied.
During the period of Kievan Rus, the first hospitals, known as “witch doctors’ huts”, existed on the territory of modern Ukraine. They functioned at monasteries and provided medical assistance to the sick and wounded.
One of the most famous Ukrainian doctors, Mykola Semashko, was the founder of the Soviet health care system. It also played a significant role in fighting epidemics such as cholera and malaria.
The outstanding Ukrainian scientist, doctor and public figure Oleksandr Bogomolets made a great contribution to the development of medicine, in particular to the study of problems of aging and longevity. He founded the Institute of Physiology in Kyiv, which now bears his name.
During the Second World War, Ukrainian doctors played a key role in providing medical care at the front and in the rear. They saved the lives of thousands of soldiers and civilians, working in extreme conditions.
Many Ukrainian doctors take an active part in volunteer initiatives. They organize medical missions, collect humanitarian aid and provide free counseling and treatment for war victims.
In addition to the Day of the medical worker, there are other dates dedicated to medical workers: International Doctor’s Day, Women’s Doctor’s Day, World Nurses’ Day, World Family Doctor’s Day.
Transatlantic Communication Day
The Day of Transatlantic Communication is celebrated in the USA. This holiday symbolizes the founding of new businesses in Europe and the American colonies, made possible by technological progress. Previously, messages had to be delivered physically, and storms often prevented ships from crossing the Atlantic in time.
Transatlantic Communication Day commemorates the invention of transatlantic telegraph cables. In 1866, a telegraph cable was successfully laid across the Atlantic Ocean, connecting Europe and North America, marking a turning point in history. The project began in 1854 and was completed on July 27, 1866. It took many ships, trial and error and significant funding to lay the cables.
An initial attempt to build a 1,700-mile line between Newfoundland and Ireland in 1857 failed due to constant cable breaks. However, the success of the project was a significant achievement for many of its participants. Communication has continued to evolve over time, and the Internet now allows for instant messaging, phone calls, and video calls. Communication across the Atlantic became fast and easy, facilitating the development of business and personal relationships. Transatlantic Communication Day is a reminder of the incredible benefits we receive from advances in communications technology.
International Decor Day
International Decor Day, celebrated on the last Saturday of July each year, is dedicated to the Japanese subculture of decor fashion. This style, which is distinguished by the extravagant use of accessories and bright colors, has become a symbol of individual self-expression and creativity. The fashion for decor originated in the late 1990s and early 2000s on the streets of Harajuku in Tokyo. This style was influenced by cartoons from the 80s, and popular characters such as Hello Kitty often appear on clothing and accessories. The style emphasizes childish and playful aesthetics. International Decor Day was founded to celebrate this unique style of fashion and the creativity it inspires.
Bagpipe Honoring Day
Bagpipe Day is celebrated annually on July 27 and is dedicated to this iconic Scottish instrument. The bagpipe has a rich history spanning millennia and has played a significant role in various cultural, ceremonial and military contexts. Although the bagpipe is associated with Scotland, it has a long history that probably began in Mesopotamia. The first historical mention of the Scottish bagpipes dates back to the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. By the 18th century, the bagpipe had become an emblem of Scottish national identity. The military used the bagpipes to communicate and inspire the troops before battles. Bagpipe Day is a celebration not only of the instrument itself, but also of the rich cultural heritage and traditions associated with it.
Interesting facts about bagpipes:
Historically, bagpipes were used to signal movement, attack and retreat during battles.
Bagpipes do not have a volume control mechanism, which makes them naturally loud.
“Scotland the Brave” is one of the most famous bagpipe tunes and is considered the unofficial anthem of Scotland.
The sound of the Great Highland bagpipe can be heard up to 15 km away, making it an ideal instrument for outdoor activities.
A bagpipe is a woodwind instrument. Despite its unique design, the bagpipe is a woodwind instrument, as it uses a closed reed fed from a bag-like air reservoir.
Walking day on stilts
The day of walking on stilts is celebrated on July 27. This holiday is dedicated to the ancient art of walking on stilts, which has a rich history and has been used for practical purposes in various cultures. Walking on stilts dates back to the 6th century BC in ancient Greece, where they were used for locomotion and agricultural purposes. Walking on stilts gained considerable popularity in the 19th century in the French region of Landes. The inhabitants of this marshy region used stilts to navigate the wet terrain and perform daily tasks outdoors. Walking on stilts has also been part of various cultural traditions. Today, stilts are used in various areas of life, including at fairs, festivals, and for work at height.
Day of whistles and whistlers
Whistle Day is celebrated on July 27 and is dedicated to one of the oldest and simplest instruments – the whistle. Whistling, like a sound signal, has accompanied humanity since ancient times. It was used to communicate, warn of danger, express emotions and create music. Whistling is a whole science. Depending on the shape of the lips, the position of the tongue and the strength of the exhaled air, you can get various sound effects. Whistling has different meanings in different cultures. Whistles have been used in different cultures to create music. Celebrating Whistle Day is a great opportunity to remember the rich history and diversity of cultural traditions associated with whistling and try your hand at this art.
Historical events and interesting facts
971 year: Prince Svyatoslav concluded a peace treaty with the Byzantine emperor Tsimishius. This was an important event, as it strengthened the position of Kievan Rus and established peaceful relations with the Byzantine Empire.
1147 year: Klymentii Smolyatych was elected Metropolitan of the Russian (Ukrainian) Church. His election was an important step in the development of the Ukrainian church and its independence.
1586 year: English navigator Walter Raleigh first brought tobacco to the Kingdom of England from the American colony in Virginia. This was the beginning of the spread of tobacco in Europe.
1606 year: The first permanent French colony in Canada was founded in Port Royal. This laid the foundations for the further development of the French presence in North America.
1672 year: Hetman Petro Doroshenko won a victory over the army of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth near Chetvertynivka. This victory had a significant impact on the political situation in the region.
1694 year: The Bank of England was established by an act of Parliament, which became an important stage in the development of the financial system of Great Britain.
1890 year: Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh shot himself. This was a great shock to the art world, because van Gogh is considered one of the most outstanding artists in history.
1900 year: American deli Louis Lessing sold the first hamburger in his hometown of New Haven. This was the beginning of the popularization of fast food in the world.
1921 year: Frederick Grant Bunting gave a speech on the discovery of insulin. This discovery revolutionized the treatment of diabetes.
1936 year: The Institute of the History of Ukraine was established, which contributed to the study and preservation of the country’s historical heritage.
1974 year: US President Richard Nixon was charged with obstruction of justice for refusing to turn over tapes related to the Watergate scandal. It became one of the loudest political scandals in US history.
1991 year: The Union of Officers of Ukraine was created in Kyiv, which became an important association for the country’s military.
2002 year: Sknyliv tragedy. During the air show at the Sknyliv airport in Lviv, the Su-27 plane crashed, as a result of which 77 people died, including 28 children, and more than 400 were injured. It was the deadliest airshow disaster in history.
2006 year: At 4:00 p.m., the National Round Table was convened at the Secretariat of the President of Ukraine at the initiative of the President of Ukraine. This became an important event in the political life of the country.
2006 year: Intel introduced the first processor of the Core 2 line, which was a significant step forward in the development of computer technology.
2012 year: The XXX Summer Olympic Games opened in London, which became an important event in the sports world.
On July 27, 2002, a Su-27 fighter jet crashed into spectators at the Sknyliv military airfield in Lviv during an air show. 77 people died, including 28 children. The tragedy occurred while performing aerobatics at low altitude. The plane hit a tree, struck a wing on concrete and, sliding on the ground, collided with an Il-76 plane, after which it fell, causing an explosion and fire. It became the biggest disaster at the air show in terms of the number of victims.
On July 27, 1929, representatives of 53 countries signed the Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War in Geneva. This document became an important step in protecting the rights of prisoners of war and entered into force on June 19, 1931. The convention prohibited repression and collective punishment for prisoners of war, established rules for the organization of their work, the appointment of representatives and control by the patron states. It regulated the treatment of prisoners of war during World War II.
The convention was signed, but not ratified by nine countries. The Soviet Union did not sign it, officially explaining it by joining the Hague Conference, which contained all the important provisions of Geneva. However, this gave Nazi Germany a reason to brutally treat Soviet prisoners of war, of which more than three million people died. The Geneva Convention of July 27, 1929 became the predecessor of the 1949 Convention. In 1993, the UN included it in the norms of customary international law, which made it mandatory for all countries involved in military conflicts.
Interesting facts about prisoners of war:
- British captain Rob Campbell during the First World War was released from captivity by the Germans to see his dying mother, but returned to the camp because he made a promise to the Kaiser.
- Hitler was so impressed by the resistance of the Greeks that he ordered the release of all Greek prisoners of war for their bravery.
- Twenty-three American prisoners of war died during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
- POWs were treated so well in Canada that many did not want to return to Germany after their release, and over 5,000 German POWs immigrated to the United States.
- British soldier Horace Greasley escaped and returned to a POW camp many times, it is said, because of his love for the camp commander’s daughter.
- The last prisoner of war of World War II was Hungarian soldier András Toma, who was captured by the Red Army in 1944 and found in a Russian psychiatric hospital in 2000. The scandal was avoided only because Hungary sought to integrate into the European Union and did not want to mention its alliance with Hitler.
Napoleon was right when he said: “Soldiers are numbers with the help of which political tasks are solved.”
On July 27, 1953, an armistice agreement was signed, ending the war between North and South Korea. General William Harrison signed the agreement on behalf of the UN troops, and General Nam Il signed it on behalf of the North Korean side. The South Korean representative, General Choe Deok-sin, refused to sign the document because the South Korean government demanded the continuation of the war. The agreement restored the demarcation line along the 38th parallel and created a demilitarized zone 241 km long and 4 km wide.
In 2013, North Korea offered South Korea to sign a peace treaty, but there is still no peace agreement. According to Henry Kiss
