November 21 is celebrated in Ukraine as the Day of Dignity and Freedom and the Day of Airborne Assault Troops, and in the world – World Television Day, International No Smoking Day and International Philosophy Day.
Day of Dignity and Freedom in Ukraine
It is a national holiday that commemorates the beginning of two important revolutions in the history of Ukraine: the Orange Revolution (2004) and the Revolution of Dignity (2013-2014). This holiday was initiated by the Decree of the President of Ukraine in 2014 and annually reminds Ukrainians of their rights, freedoms and aspirations for democratic values.
On November 21, the Orange Revolution began – citizens came to Independence Square after mass falsification of the presidential election results, protesting against the government’s decision to suspend preparations for signing the Association Agreement with the European Union. These events turned into a large-scale protest for the European choice and against corruption.
The Day of Dignity and Freedom honors the heroism of people who fought for independence, freedom and democracy, and also remembers the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred – those who gave their lives during the Revolution of Dignity.
Interesting facts
In November 2013, Ukraine stood on the threshold of signing the Association Agreement with the EU, which later became the point of no return for many democratic changes in the country.
Ukrainian Maidan became an example of a peaceful protest that managed to unite millions of people from different regions and social strata.
Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv became a symbolic center of the struggle for freedom not only for Ukrainians, but also for the international community that supported these events.
The Revolution of Dignity was supported by many countries of the world. In Europe, it is often called “Euromaidan”.
The slogans that sounded during these revolutions are still relevant: “Ukraine is Europe!”, “Freedom cannot be stopped!”, “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!”.
Day of Airborne Assault Troops of Ukraine
This is a professional holiday of servicemen who belong to this elite unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This holiday was officially established in 2017, along with the change of name from “Highly Mobile Airborne Troops” to “Airborne Assault Troops”.
In 2017, a decision was made to switch to modern NATO standards. As part of this process, the military units were reformed, and the airborne troops received a new name – the airborne assault troops (DSHV).
Previously, Airborne Forces Day was celebrated on August 2, but this date had Soviet roots. In 2017, the celebration was moved to November 21 to mark a new page in the history of Ukrainian paratroopers, making this day symbolic.
Simultaneously with the reform, the symbols of the airborne assault troops were also changed. Now their color is burgundy, and the motto: “Always the first!”.
The Day of Airborne Assault Troops coincides with the feast of Archangel Michael, who is considered the heavenly patron of all soldiers.
Assault troops are the elite of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They are known for their training, mobility and ability to perform tasks in the most difficult conditions. The troops actively participate in the protection of the territorial integrity of Ukraine, especially during the Russian-Ukrainian war.
One of the significant events is the participation of paratroopers in key combat operations in Donbas since 2014. In particular, the heroic defense of the Donetsk airport, where Ukrainian soldiers were called “cyborgs”, became a symbol of courage and indomitability.
Interesting facts
The burgundy beret, which replaced the blue one, symbolizes courage, bravery and belonging to elite units. It replaced the blue one, which was a Soviet legacy.
Motto “Always the first!” emphasizes the role of these troops in the first lines of defense and attack. The emblem includes a parachute and wings, symbolizing mobility and readiness to act anywhere.
Paratroopers undergo rigorous physical, psychological and combat training. They often work in difficult conditions and with the involvement of special equipment.
Annually, the DSHV participates in international exercises, which contributes to the improvement of combat skills and cooperation with allies.
World Television Day
This day was established by the resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 17, 1996. This holiday is a reminder of the enormous influence of television on society and its role as a key source of information, culture and entertainment.
World Television Day was established after the first World Television Forum was held in 1996, which discussed the role of television in shaping public opinion, disseminating information and ensuring global dialogue. November 21 marks the holding of this forum, which brought together leading representatives of the media, governments and international organizations.
Television remains one of the most powerful mass media in the world.
Interesting facts
The first television appeared in the 1920s. One of the first public broadcasts was held in Great Britain in 1926.
In the 1950s and 1960s, television became available to a wide audience, becoming an everyday attribute of modern life.
Today, television is integrated with digital platforms, offering on-demand content, streaming and interactive programming.
International No Smoking Day
Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the world celebrates International No Smoking Day. This event is designed to draw attention to the global problem of smoking, encourage people to quit the bad habit and spread information about its health consequences.
This day was first celebrated in 1977 at the initiative of the American Cancer Society. The main goal was to help people think about the harm of smoking and create favorable conditions for giving up this habit.
Over time, the initiative was joined by other countries, health care organizations and international structures such as the WHO, which actively promote a healthy lifestyle.
Interesting facts
The first industrial cigarettes appeared in the 19th century, but they quickly gained popularity thanks to mass advertising. Cuba and Russia are among the countries with the highest per capita consumption of cigarettes, as well as the highest percentage of smokers in Asian countries, especially China, where more than 300 million people smoke.
According to the WHO, about 8 million people die from smoking-related diseases in the world every year.
About 1.2 million deaths are related to passive smoking.
Smoking causes more than 20% of all deaths in the world. Smoking is the cause of about 30% of all cancer cases. It increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks and chronic lung diseases.
Smokers live an average of 10 years less than those who have never smoked.
Every 5 seconds, one person in the world dies due to smoking.
70% of smokers in the world express a desire to quit smoking, but need additional support.
There are about 1.3 billion smokers in the world, most of whom live in low- and middle-income countries.
About 80% of smokers live in developing countries.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemical compounds, of which about 70 are carcinogens.
Among the main toxins are nicotine, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene and cyanide.
The tobacco industry generates more than $800 billion in revenue each year.
Treating smoking-related illnesses and lost productivity due to deaths costs countries about $1.4 trillion a year.
Nicotine is highly addictive, similar to heroin or cocaine. Studies show that 2/3 of people who try one cigarette later become regular smokers.
About 90% of adult smokers start smoking before the age of 18.
E-cigarettes are becoming more popular among teenagers, although they are also addictive and contain toxic substances.
Around 200 million women smoke in the world. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of complications, premature birth and low birth weight.
Guinness World Records Day
It is a day when the achievements of mankind, nature and technology recorded in the famous book are celebrated. This holiday was started as a way to celebrate people’s fascination with records and achievements, as well as popularize the book itself.
In 1951, the director of the Guinness brewery, Sir Hugh Beaver, expressed the idea of creating a directory in which all kinds of world records would be recorded. This happened after a dispute about the fastest bird in Europe.
The first edition of the Guinness Book of Records was published on August 27, 1955 in Great Britain. The book instantly became a bestseller.
To date, the book has been translated into more than 40 languages, and its circulation exceeds 100 million copies in more than 100 countries.
From a traditional print format, the book has evolved into a global multimedia platform with television shows, YouTube videos and interactive events.
Interesting facts
It is one of the best-selling books in the world after the Bible and the Koran.
The book has records for every taste, from the longest fingernails to the largest gingerbread house.
Some records stand for decades, such as the record for the tallest man (Robert Wadlow, 2.72 m) from 1940.
Anyone can apply for a record, but the verification process is closely monitored.
Every year, millions of people apply to have their record recorded.
The most interesting Guinness book records
The tallest building in the world: Burj Khalifa in Dubai (828 m).
The fastest runner: Usain Bolt, who ran 100 m in 9.58 seconds.
The longest wedding: A couple from Thailand held a wedding ceremony lasting 96 hours.
The largest cake: Weighed more than 25 thousand kilograms and was created in the USA.
The oldest person: French woman Jeanne Calman, who lived for 122 years.
International Day of Philosophy
Every year in the third week of November, the world celebrates the International Day of Philosophy, declared by UNESCO in 2002. This day is designed to emphasize the importance of philosophy in the life of a person and society, to encourage critical thinking, discussion of important issues and to promote mutual understanding between cultures.
The International Day of Philosophy was launched by UNESCO to recall the importance of philosophical reflection for human development and interaction between cultures.
Philosophy is not only an academic discipline, but also a way of thinking that helps:
- It is better to understand yourself and the world.
- To seek answers to the fundamental questions of existence, morality, knowledge and truth.
- Analyze complex societal issues such as justice, equality and human rights.
- To develop tolerance, empathy and understanding of different points of view.
Interesting facts
The word “philosophy” comes from the Greek “philosophia”, which means “love of wisdom”.
There are numerous directions in philosophy — from ancient Stoics to modern existentialists.
Philosophy influences science, politics, art, and even technology. For example, ethical issues in artificial intelligence are considered by philosophers.
Every culture has its own philosophical traditions, from Chinese Confucianism to Indian Vedanta.
Historical events on this day
1620 year: After a three-month voyage on the ship “Mayflower”, families of English Puritan immigrants landed in North America, in the Cape Cod area.
1783 year: A manned hot air balloon, created by brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, rose above Paris for the first time.
1806 year: Napoleon announced a “continental blockade” of England.
1877 year: Thomas Edison invented the phonograph.
1906 year: The first issue of the Belarusian newspaper “Nasha Niva” was published in Vilnius.
1916 year: The twin ship “Titanic” – “Britannica” sank after hitting a German mine. Only 30 people died thanks to the lessons learned from the Titanic disaster.
1918 year: Polish authorities were installed in Lviv. The ZUNR government moved first to Ternopil, and then to Stanislav (now Ivano-Frankivsk).
1919 year: The “Treaty between the Allied Powers and Poland on Eastern Galicia” was concluded, which provided for the transfer of Galicia to Poland for 25 years with mandatory autonomous status.
1920 year: The UNR army crossed the Zbruch River into the territory of Poland and was interned in camps.
1941 year: A tax on bachelors was introduced in the USSR. The Eleventh German Army began the siege of Sevastopol.
1942 year: The Sixth German Army under the command of Friedrich Paulus was surrounded near Stalingrad.
1947 year: The Pan-American Ukrainian Conference was founded in New York. Subsequently, the World Congress of Free Ukrainians was created, which united Ukrainian organizations of the diaspora.
1962 year: US President John F. Kennedy lifted the blockade of Cuba.
1998 year: The first launch of a Chinese unmanned space rocket took place.
2012 year: The US Congress officially repealed the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, which restricted trade with countries that violate human rights.
