On This Day in History — 9 October
Here are some notable historical events that took place on this day throughout history, including major events, famous birthdays and significant anniversaries.
1888 — Washington Monument opens
The Washington Monument in the US capital opened to the public, around 40 years after construction began. The landmark commemorates George Washington, the first US president.
UPI
1962 — Uganda gains independence
Uganda became independent from British rule on 9 October 1962. Milton Obote became the country's first prime minister.
What Happened on October 9
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1963 — Vajont Dam disaster in Italy
A massive landslide plunged into the reservoir behind Vajont Dam, creating a huge wave that swept over the dam and devastated communities below. Around 2,000 people died in one of Italy's worst engineering-related disasters.
1967 — Che Guevara is executed
Argentine-born revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara was executed by the Bolivian military, one day after being captured. He had become a prominent figure in the Cuban Revolution and an enduring, controversial symbol of revolutionary politics.
1985 — Strawberry Fields memorial dedicated
A memorial to John Lennon was dedicated in New York's Central Park. Known as Strawberry Fields, it honours the former Beatle and musician, who was murdered in December 1980.
2009 — Barack Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize
US President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his stated efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between nations. The announcement came less than nine months after he took office.
2012 — Malala Yousafzai is shot
Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai was shot by a Taliban gunman while travelling home from school. She survived and went on to become a leading international advocate for girls' education, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.
Famous birthdays — 9 October
John Lennon (1940–1980)
English musician, songwriter and founding member of The Beatles, whose work helped shape popular music.
David Cameron (born 1966)
British politician who served as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016.
PJ Harvey (born 1969)
English singer-songwriter and musician known for her distinctive sound and acclaimed albums.
Guillermo del Toro (born 1964)
Mexican filmmaker celebrated for imaginative fantasy and horror films, including Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water.
Notable deaths — 9 October
Oskar Schindler (1974): German industrialist credited with helping save around 1,200 Jewish people during the Holocaust.
Jacques Brel (1978): Belgian singer-songwriter and actor renowned for his influential chansons.
Jacques Derrida (2004): French philosopher associated with the development of deconstruction.
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