On September 12, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the Radio-Electronic Warfare Specialist of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the world celebrates the International Day of the United Nations Organization for South-South Cooperation, World Dolphin Day.
September 12, 490 BC. a Greek warrior named Pheidippides ran a distance of about 40.2 km from Marathon to Athens without stopping.
On September 12, 1943, the operation “Oak” began – the code name of the operation to free the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini from captivity.
Day of the radio electronic warfare specialist of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
This is a professional holiday that honors specialists engaged in an important field of military activity – radio electronic warfare (ERW). This branch plays a critical role in modern military operations, ensuring the protection of the information space and the neutralization of the enemy’s electronic systems.
Interesting facts
Electronic warfare involves the detection, suppression, or deception of enemy electronic systems such as radar, communications, guidance, and control systems. This can be critical to achieving military superiority on the battlefield.
In today’s environment, electronic warfare is becoming increasingly important as warfare becomes more and more dependent on technology. EW specialists protect military forces from threats in the form of drones, missile systems and high-tech weapons.
This day was established to honor the contribution of the military who are on the front lines of the information front. They not only provide protection for their units, but also actively influence the success of military operations, minimizing threats from the enemy.
The arsenal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has modern radio-electronic warfare systems that allow suppressing enemy radar systems, protecting their communication channels, and disrupting the enemy’s electronic systems.
Given the active use of unmanned aerial vehicles in warfare, EW specialists play a key role in protecting units from drone attacks. They can block control signals or affect UAV navigation systems.
United Nations International Day for South-South Cooperation
This holiday was approved by the UN in order to emphasize the importance of cooperation between the countries of the Global South in the field of economic, social and environmental development. The countries of the Global South, which includes the states of Latin America, Africa and Asia, have great potential for mutual development through the exchange of knowledge, technology and innovation.
Interesting facts
This holiday was founded in honor of the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action in 1978, which defined the basis of technical cooperation between developing countries. The plan became the basis for a global partnership in the fields of science, technology and economy between the states of the Global South.
The main goal of South-South cooperation is to increase the economic stability of countries through the exchange of technologies, the joint development of innovations and the exchange of experience in the field of sustainable development. It helps countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN.
South-South cooperation includes not only interaction between developing countries, but also support from international organizations such as the United Nations. This cooperation is aimed at solving global challenges such as climate change, fighting poverty and achieving social equality.
Among the key areas of South-South cooperation are energy, agriculture, health care and education. Countries share their experience in these areas to overcome economic barriers and ensure sustainable development.
Thanks to this cooperation, developing countries have made significant progress in developing alternative energy sources, improving the quality of education, and expanding access to health services. For example, Brazil actively shares its experience in the field of agriculture with African countries.
World Dolphin Day
This holiday is dedicated to one of the smartest and most charming marine mammals on the planet – dolphins. They are a symbol of freedom, intelligence and friendliness, and play an important role in maintaining marine ecosystems.
Interesting facts
Dolphins are one of the smartest animals. They are able to solve complex tasks, show empathy and even use tools. Their brains are larger than human, and they have the ability to self-recognize – they recognize themselves in the mirror.
Dolphins actively communicate with each other through a complex sound system that includes “clicks”, whistles and other sounds. Some species even have “names” for each member of the group.
Dolphins live in groups called herds, which can number tens or even hundreds of individuals. They help each other during hunting and protect from predators.
Dolphins perform an important ecological function by controlling fish populations and maintaining a healthy balance in marine ecosystems.
Despite their popularity, dolphins are threatened by ocean pollution, overfishing, some forms of fishing that can be dangerous for them, and climate change.
Historical events on this day
1934 – Formation of the political union of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia
On this day in 1934, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia signed an agreement to create a political union known as the Baltic Entente. This alliance was formed to ensure mutual security and support among the three countries against the background of the growing threat from the great totalitarian powers – Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Although the Baltic Entente did not have a lasting influence due to the subsequent Soviet occupation, it left its mark in history as a symbol of the unity of the three Baltic nations.
1940 – Opening of Lascaux cave
On September 12, 1940, near the village of Montignac in France, four local teenagers made a stunning discovery – they found the Lascaux cave, which became famous for its prehistoric drawings created about 15-17 thousand years ago. These wall paintings, depicting animals and hunting scenes, are one of the largest collections of early Paleolithic art. The discovery of Lascaux became an important milestone in the understanding of human art and culture in the prehistoric era.
1944 – The first American troops entered the territory of Germany
During the Second World War, on September 12, 1944, the first American troops crossed the border of Germany, which became a symbol of the beginning of a new stage of the war. It was an important step in advancing the Allies to victory over Nazi Germany, and hastened the end of the conflict in Europe.
1958 – Creation of the first microcircuit
On this day in 1958, Texas Instruments created the world’s first microcircuit. This event was revolutionary for the electronic industry and technology in general, because microcircuits became the key elements of modern computers, smartphones and other electronic devices. Since then, the development of microelectronics has become the basis of technological progress.
1990 – Signing of the agreement on the final settlement with regard to Germany
On September 12, 1990, an important treaty on the final settlement regarding Germany was signed between the four victorious powers of the Second World War (USSR, USA, Great Britain and France) and Germany. This treaty paved the way for the reunification of Germany after almost 45 years of division into FRG and GDR. The signing of this document marked the end of the Cold War and a significant event in the history of Europe.
1991 – Dismantling of the monument in honor of the October Revolution in Kyiv
On this day in 1991, after the independence of Ukraine, the monument in honor of the October Revolution on Independence Square was dismantled in Kyiv. This event became a symbol of Ukraine’s transition from the Soviet past to a new page in its history as an independent state.
2008 – Queen’s first concert in Ukraine
On September 12, 2008, the first concert of the legendary British band Queen in Ukraine took place in Kharkiv. This concert gathered about 350,000 spectators and became a landmark event for Ukrainian music lovers. Performing their hits together with the new vocalist Paul Rogers, Queen gave Ukrainian fans unforgettable emotions, strengthening their status as one of the most influential musical groups in the world.
A Greek warrior named Pheidippides ran a distance of about 40.2 km from Marathon to Athens without stopping
September 12, 490 BC A Greek warrior named Pheidippides, according to a well-known legend, ran non-stop for a distance of about 40.2 km from the Marathon area to Athens in order to convey to his fellow citizens the good news about the victory over the Persians. Running up to the city, he shouted loudly: “We have won!” and immediately fell dead from exhaustion. This story became legendary, etched in the memory of humanity as a symbol of courage, self-sacrifice and triumph.
However, according to the more detailed account of the historian Herodotus, the events were somewhat more complicated. Before bearing the news of victory, Pheidippides set off on an even more important mission: to run to Sparta for help. Running early in the morning, he covered a fantastic distance of 238 km in less than a day. However, the Spartans refused immediate assistance, and Pheidippides was forced to return to his army to report the failure. After his return, he took part in a brutal six-hour battle against an enemy that outnumbered the Greek army ten times.
Despite being wounded and completely exhausted, after the victory, Pheidippides again set off on his way to Athens, where women and children anxiously awaited news of the fate of their homeland. This time several runners brought the news to the city, but Pheidippides mustered all his strength to be the first. And although his name became a legend, fame came to him only posthumously.
Many centuries later, at the suggestion of the French philologist Michel Breal, in memory of this brave warrior, the distance from Marathon to Athens (40 km) was included in the program of the first modern Olympic Games, which took place in 1896 in the capital of Greece. Later, during the London Olympics, the distance of the marathon was slightly increased to 42 km and 195 m, so that the finish line was located near the royal palace.
It is interesting that the question of the possibility of covering about 250 kilometers in one and a half days was tested in practice. Today, there is the Spartathlon, an international 246-kilometer race that recreates Pheidippides’ route to Sparta.
Rob de Castella, the world champion marathon runner from Australia, offered an interesting endurance test that shows just how hard marathon running is. He said, “If you feel bad at 10 miles, you’re in trouble. If you feel bad at 20 miles, that’s normal. If you don’t feel bad at 26 miles, that’s not normal.”
Operation “Oak” began on September 12, 1943
On September 12, 1943, operation “Oak” began – the code name of the operation to free the deposed Italian dictator Benito Mussolini from captivity. After his removal from power, Mussolini was under arrest in the mountain resort of Gran Sasso, and Adolf Hitler ordered his release, seeing in Mussolini an opportunity to restore Fascist power in Italy and strengthen his position in southern Europe.
The operation was well prepared and carried out by elite German military units. For its implementation, ten heavy gliders were used, which carried 72 paratroopers of the first company of the training parachute battalion under the command of Oberleutnant Georg Freiherr von Berlepsch. A small group of SS men led by the legendary Sturmbannführer SS Otto Skorzeny, Italian General Fernando Soleti and 16 other SS men participated with them. The gliders landed near the hotel where Mussolini was being held. However, two of them crashed, but even these forces were enough for a successful assault.
One of the key figures in the operation was the Italian General Soleti, who was tasked with persuading Mussolini’s bodyguards and the Carabinieri to surrender without a fight. Thanks to his intervention, 200 of Mussolini’s bodyguards laid down their arms without firing a single shot. The operation was carefully planned and even included a propaganda aspect – along with the paratroopers there was a cameraman sent by Joseph Goebbels to shoot a film about the heroic liberation of the Duce.
However, after his release, Mussolini almost died due to the unexpected intervention of Skorzeny himself. According to the original plan, Mussolini was to be taken out in a small two-seater plane that could land and take off from the inaccessible mountainous terrain. However, Skorzeny unexpectedly insisted on flying with Mussolini, despite the pilot’s objections. Despite the difficulties and risks, Captain Gerlach, General Student’s personal pilot, was able to successfully deliver both passengers to an airfield located 30 km south of Rome. From there they were transported to Vienna, and then to Hitler’s headquarters.
Operation “Oak” had not only heroic fame, but also critical reviews. German General Kurt von Tippelskirch called it adventurous and noted that it “cost the lives of 31 paratroopers and pilots, and 16 people were seriously wounded, although not a single shot was fired.” However, the operation became one of the most famous and successful in military history, for which Skorzeny was promoted to SS Sturmbannführer and awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.
This event went down in history as a brilliant example of the decisive actions of special forces, although it had sad consequences for many participants.
