September 28 is a day that has seen many important events in history. It’s also the birthday of some very famous and talented people. This article will look at five big events that happened on this day and five well-known people who were born on it. We’ll see how September 28 has been important for exploration, war, politics, health, music, and entertainment.
Historical Events on September 28
1. Cabrillo Sails Into San Diego (1542)
On September 28, 1542, something very important happened in California. A Spanish explorer named Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo sailed into what we now call San Diego Bay. This was a big deal because:
- Cabrillo was the first European to see this bay.
- He named it San Miguel.
- He claimed the land for Spain.
Here’s why this was important:
- It was the start of Spanish exploration in California.
- It led to more Europeans coming to this part of America.
- It changed the lives of the Native Americans who lived there.
Cabrillo’s discovery helped Spain learn more about California. This led to Spain starting colonies there many years later. Today, San Diego is a big city, but it all started with Cabrillo’s trip on September 28, 1542.
2. Siege of Yorktown (1781)
On September 28, 1781, a very important battle in the American Revolutionary War began. It was called the Siege of Yorktown. Here’s what happened:
- 9,000 American soldiers and 7,000 French soldiers surrounded the town of Yorktown.
- The British army was inside Yorktown.
- This battle lasted for about three weeks.
This battle was really important because:
- It was the last big battle of the Revolutionary War.
- The Americans and French won the battle.
- It made the British decide to end the war.
The Siege of Yorktown helped America win its independence from Britain. It showed that working together with friends (like the French) can help win big fights. This battle changed the history of America forever.
3. Theodore Roosevelt Jr.’s Medal of Honor (1944)
On September 28, 1944, something special happened. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. got a very important award called the Medal of Honor. But sadly, he wasn’t there to get it because he had died a few months earlier. Here’s what happened:
- Roosevelt was a soldier in World War II.
- He helped lead soldiers on D-Day, a very important day in the war.
- He was brave and helped his men even though he was old and sick.
This award was important because:
- The Medal of Honor is the highest award a soldier can get.
- Roosevelt was the oldest soldier to land on the beach on D-Day.
- He was also the only general to land with the first wave of soldiers.
Theodore Roosevelt Jr.’s bravery showed that you’re never too old to be brave and help others. His story inspires many people even today.
4. Betty Ford’s Mastectomy (1974)
On September 28, 1974, Betty Ford had an operation called a mastectomy. This was a big deal because:
- Betty Ford was the First Lady of the United States.
- She had breast cancer.
- She decided to tell everyone about her illness and operation.
This event was important because:
- At that time, people didn’t talk much about breast cancer.
- Betty Ford helped more women learn about breast cancer.
- She showed that it was okay to talk about health problems.
Because of Betty Ford, more women started checking for breast cancer. She helped save many lives by being brave and honest about her own health.
5. Black Sabbath’s “Never Say Die” Album (1978)
On September 28, 1978, a famous rock band called Black Sabbath released a new album. It was called “Never Say Die”. This was important because:
- It was the band’s eighth album.
- It was the last album with the band’s original singer, Ozzy Osbourne.
- The band was having a lot of problems at this time.
This album matters because:
- It showed how the band was changing.
- It wasn’t as popular as their earlier albums.
- It marked the end of an important time for the band.
After this album, Ozzy Osbourne left Black Sabbath. The band kept making music, but many fans think their best days were with Ozzy. This album reminds us that even famous bands have ups and downs.
Famous Birthdays on September 28
1. Augustus FitzRoy (1735-1811)
Augustus FitzRoy was born on September 28, 1735. He was an important politician in Britain.
Biography Table:
Fact | Information |
---|---|
Born | September 28, 1735, in Derbyshire, England |
Died | March 14, 1811 (age 75) |
Known for | Being Prime Minister of Great Britain |
Time as Prime Minister | 1768-1770 |
Other jobs | Secretary of State, First Lord of the Treasury |
FitzRoy became Prime Minister when he was only 33 years old. He had a hard time as Prime Minister because there were many problems in the country. He tried to make peace with the American colonies, but it didn’t work. Even though he wasn’t Prime Minister for long, he kept working in the government for many years.
2. Georges Clémenceau (1841-1929)
Georges Clémenceau was born on September 28, 1841. He was a very important leader in France.
Biography Table:
Fact | Information |
---|---|
Born | September 28, 1841, in Mouilleron-en-Pareds, France |
Died | November 24, 1929 (age 88) |
Known for | Being Prime Minister of France twice |
Times as Prime Minister | 1906-1909 and 1917-1920 |
Nickname | “The Tiger” |
Clémenceau was Prime Minister of France during World War I. He helped France win the war and was known for never giving up. He also helped a man named Dreyfus who was treated unfairly. Clémenceau was tough and brave, which is why people called him “The Tiger”. He is remembered as one of France’s greatest leaders.
3. Pietro Badoglio (1871-1956)
Pietro Badoglio was born on September 28, 1871. He was both a soldier and a political leader in Italy.
Biography Table:
Fact | Information |
---|---|
Born | September 28, 1871, in Grazzano Monferrato, Italy |
Died | October 31, 1956 (age 85) |
Known for | Being Prime Minister of Italy and a general |
Time as Prime Minister | 1943-1944 |
Military career | 1892-1943 |
Badoglio was a general in the Italian army for many years. He became Prime Minister during World War II. He helped remove Mussolini from power and then made peace with the Allies. Some people think he was a hero, but others say he did bad things during the war. His life shows how complicated war and politics can be.
4. Ed Sullivan (1901-1974)
Ed Sullivan was born on September 28, 1901. He was very famous for his TV show in America.
Biography Table:
Fact | Information |
---|---|
Born | September 28, 1901, in New York City, USA |
Died | October 13, 1974 (age 73) |
Known for | Hosting “The Ed Sullivan Show” |
Show ran for | 1948-1971 |
Famous guests | The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Jackson 5 |
Sullivan started as a newspaper writer, but he became really famous because of his TV show. “The Ed Sullivan Show” was on TV every Sunday night for 23 years. He helped make many singers and comedians famous by having them on his show. The show was so popular that when The Beatles first played on it, almost half the people in America watched!
5. Tom Harmon (1919-1990)
Tom Harmon was born on September 28, 1919. He was a great football player and later a sports announcer.
Biography Table:
Fact | Information |
---|---|
Born | September 28, 1919, in Rensselaer, Indiana, USA |
Died | March 15, 1990 (age 70) |
Known for | Being a great college football player |
Played for | University of Michigan |
Famous award | Heisman Trophy in 1940 |
Harmon was one of the best college football players ever. He could run, pass, and kick the ball really well. He won the Heisman Trophy, which is given to the best college football player each year. After college, he played pro football for a short time. Then he became a sports announcer on TV and radio. He helped people understand and enjoy football games for many years.
Takeaway
September 28 has been an important day in history for many reasons. We’ve seen how it marks big moments in exploration, war, politics, health, and entertainment. From Cabrillo discovering San Diego Bay to Black Sabbath releasing their last album with Ozzy Osbourne, this day has seen events that changed the world in big and small ways.
It’s also the birthday of some very talented people. Leaders like FitzRoy and Clémenceau, soldiers like Badoglio, entertainers like Sullivan, and athletes like Harmon were all born on this day. Their work and lives have touched many people and helped shape our world.
By looking at these events and people, we can see how one single day can be connected to so many different parts of history and culture. It reminds us that every day has the potential to be important and that people born on any day can go on to do great things.
References:
- National Park Service – Cabrillo National Monument
- U.S. Army Center of Military History
- The Theodore Roosevelt Association
- Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
- Encyclopædia Britannica
- The National WWII Museum
- The Paley Center for Media
- College Football Hall of Fame