Day of anti-aircraft missile forces of Ukraine
On July 3, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Anti-Aircraft Missile Troops of the Air Force. This holiday was started in 2011 by order of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Anti-aircraft fighters protect the airspace over Ukrainian cities and strategically important objects, repelling enemy air and missile attacks.
Interesting fact: During the war in Ukraine, anti-aircraft guns shot down more than 30 Russian planes and helicopters, protecting the civilian population and important infrastructure facilities.
World day without plastic bags
This day is dedicated to drawing attention to the problem of pollution of the planet with plastic waste. On average, one Ukrainian uses about 500 plastic bags per year, while EU residents use only 90.
Interesting fact: Plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, polluting soil and water. Alternative materials such as biodegradable bags can reduce this pollution.
Day of disobedience
Civil disobedience is a peaceful protest or a deliberate refusal to obey unjust laws. The term was first used by the writer Henry Thoreau in his 1849 essay. The Day of Disobedience aims to draw attention to social issues and stimulate changes in legislation.
Interesting fact: Henry Thoreau refused to pay taxes to support the war with Mexico, for which he spent a night in jail. This act inspired many to fight for their rights.
Other events on July 3:
- 1528: Pope Clement VII officially approved the order of Capuchin monks, whose purpose was to fight the Protestant Reformation.
Interesting fact: The name “Capuchins” comes from the long hoods worn by the monks of this order.
- 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg ended, becoming the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War.
Interesting fact: This battle killed over 50,000 soldiers on both sides, making it one of the largest battles in US history.
- 1885: Ukrainian emigrants in the USA founded the first mutual aid society “Brotherhood of St. Nicholas”.
Interesting fact: This society provided assistance to newly arrived emigrants, facilitating their adaptation in a new country.
- 1886: Karl Benz from Mannheim made the world’s first outing in a car of his own design, reaching a speed of 16 km/h.
Interesting fact: This first car was equipped with a single-cylinder four-stroke engine and had three wheels.
- 1917: In Kyiv, there was a speech by the people of Polubotkiv with the aim of declaring the independence of Ukraine.
Interesting fact: The speech of the people of Polubotkiv became one of the first mass protests for the independence of Ukraine.
- 1928: The first TVs went on sale.
Interesting fact: The first televisions had a screen only 3 inches (about 7.6 cm) in diameter and displayed black and white images.
- 1962: France recognized the independence of Algeria after a referendum in which 91% of the votes were in favor.
Interesting fact: Algerian independence was the result of an eight-year war of independence against French colonial rule.
- 1966: France conducted a nuclear weapons test at Mururoa Atoll in French Polynesia.
Interesting fact: This test caused international protests due to the environmental effects on the Pacific Ocean.
- 1973: The Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe began its work in Helsinki.
Interesting fact: This meeting became the forerunner of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which today has 57 member states.
