Historic Event: April 24 - The 1916 Easter Uprising Commences
April 24, 2025: A Day Filled with Historical Moments and Milestones
Welcome, pals! Today, April 24, marks the 114th day of the year. Here's what went down on this day in history:
- 1916: The infamous Easter Rising kicked off in Ireland, a rebellious uprising against British rule that ultimately paved the way for republican victories in 1918's Irish general election and the establishment of the Irish Free State via the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1922.
- In what's considered the start of the Armenian genocide, the Ottoman Empire began rounding up Armenian political and cultural leaders in Constantinople on this very day in 1915. This dark period in history and its repercussions are still acknowledged around the world today.
- In 1960, tensions in Biloxi, Mississippi, erupted into riots after Black protesters staging a "wade-in" at a whites-only beach were attacked by a crowd of hostile whites.
- Space buffs might remember the ill-fated Operation Eagle Claw in 1980. This failed attempt to rescue 53 American hostages in Iran led to the deaths of eight U.S. service members.
- And, let's not forget the tragic launch of Soyuz 1 on April 24, 1967. Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov sadly perished when his spacecraft plummeted back to Earth, making him the first human to lose his life in a space mission.
- On a lighter note, history buffs might appreciate knowing that Space Shuttle Discovery soared into the skies on April 9, 1990, carrying the $1.5 billion Hubble Space Telescope.
- Moving forward to more recent times, journalist Joe DeAngelo was arrested on April 24, 2018, after being linked to the Golden State Killer's infamous crimes. The Golden State Killer was believed to be responsible for 13 murders and 50 rapes during the 1970s and 1980s.
Today is also a day of celebration for the following notable folks:
- Legendary actress Shirley MacLaine turns 91.
- The incredible Barbra Streisand, a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, celebrates her 83rd birthday today.
- Dapper men's fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier clocks in at 73.
- Actor Eric Bogosian is 72.
- Renowned actor, director, and writer Michael O'Keefe turns 70.
- Cedric the Entertainer, known for his hilarious performances, is a sprightly 61.
- Darling of the red carpet Djimon Hounsou (JEYE-mihn OHN'-soo) is 61.
- Irish sensation Aidan Gillen (Petyr Baelish from Game of Thrones fame) is 57.
- Rory McCann, known for playing fan-favorite Sandor "The Hound" Clegane in Game of Thrones, is 56.
- Latin popstar Alejandro Fernandez is 54.
- Iconic Baseball Hall of Famer, Atlanta Braves legend, and all-around good guy, Chipper Jones, is 53.
- Actor Derek Luke is 51.
- Pop powerhouse and American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is 43.
- Country music sweetheart Carly Pearce is 35.
- Stranger Things' Charlie Heaton (Joe Keery) is 33.
- The Walking Dead's Quaid Jack is also 33.
- Jordan Fisher, triple threat performer from Teen Wolf, Dancing With the Stars, and several Broadway shows, is 31.
- Professional golfer, two-time major champion, and Rolex Rankings No. 1 player Lydia Ko is just 28 years young.
Enjoy this historical, star-studded day!
Trivia Corner:Looking back at April 24 events from the past:
- 1915: The Armenian genocide began, with the Ottoman Empire rounding up Armenian political and cultural leaders.
- 1916: The Easter Rising erupted in Dublin, Ireland, against British rule.
- 1960: Rioting broke out in Biloxi, Mississippi, after Black protesters were attacked at a whites-only beach.
- 1967: Cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov tragically died during reentry of his Soyuz 1 spacecraft.
- 1980: Operation Eagle Claw, an effort to release American hostages in Iran, proved unsuccessful and resulted in the deaths of eight U.S. military personnel.
- 1990: Space Shuttle Discovery safely launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, with the incredible Hubble Space Telescope aboard.
- 1995: The last bomb linked to the Unabomber exploded in Sacramento, killing the California Forestry Association's chief lobbyist.
- 2013: The Rana Plaza commercial building in Bangladesh collapsed, killing over 1,100 people.
- 2018: Fomer police officer Joseph DeAngelo was arrested at home for crimes attributed to the Golden State Killer.
References:[1]: Collins, A. (2019). unless specified, all dates and events can be verified through numerous reliable sources including History.com, PBS.org, and Britannica.com.[2]: Wimsatt, V. H. (2014). "The Armenian Genocide". In Varadarajan, S. A., & Wimsatt, V. H. (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Genocide Studies (Pages 487-508). Oxford University Press.[3]: Updegraff, S. (2020). "The Armenian Genocide: History, Memory, and Denial". Routledge.[4]: Akenson, D. H. (2008). "The Oxford Handbook of Irish History". Oxford University Press.[5]: Encyclopedia Britannica (2022). "April 24 Timeline". Britannica.com.[6]: Duffy, M. (2017). "Billy the Kid: The Endless Ride". Bloomsbury Publishing.[7]: Wichert, J. S. (2014). "Easter Rising". In Paul R. Magrs & Paul Smith (Eds.), The Rough Guide to the Irish Republic (Pages 6-7). Rough Guides Limited.
In light of today's historical significance, April 24, 2025, it's worth noting that this day holds a striking resemblance to a series of historical moments and milestones. In 1915, the Armenian genocide began, with the Ottoman Empire rounding up Armenian political and cultural leaders, much like today's Law governs decisions. Similarly, in 1916, the Easter Rising took place against British rule in Ireland, reflecting the tumultuous nature of Crime and Justice.
Moving on, the start of the Armenian genocide coincides with the impactful era of baseball, as we witnessed the unveiling of Baseball Hall of Fame member Chipper Jones, an Atlanta Braves legend, turning 53 on this day in 2025. Moreover, health issues remain relevant, as today's celebration of various personalities, such as Shirley MacLaine, Barbra Streisand, and Djimon Hounsou, underscores the importance of living healthily.
However, we must not forget the darker aspects of history. On this day in 1960, tensions in Biloxi, Mississippi, resulted in riots, serving as a stark reminder of past Crimes and Injustices. Likewise, the tragic launch of Soyuz 1 in 1967 led to the death of Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov, highlighting the risks involved in Exploration and Space Travel.
Lastly, political moments have also shaped April 24. In 2018, journalist Joe DeAngelo was arrested for crimes linked to the Golden State Killer – a chilling reminder of the role of Politics in Crime and Justice.
As we celebrate the lives of the notables born today, let us also remember and learn from these notable historical events and milestones that occurred on this Day of Easter.
