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End of World War II: 80th anniversary -

The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II will be marked on September 2, 2025, commemorating Japan's formal surrender.

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First public film screening: 130th anniversary -

December 28, 1895, is generally regarded as the birth of cinema, when the Lumière brothers first showcased their Cinématograph in Paris, screening 10 short films to a paying audience.

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Civil Rights Voting Act: 60th anniversary -

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed by US President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965, prohibits racial discrimination in voting, securing voting rights for minorities, especially in the South.

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Birth of Jane Austen: 250th anniversary -

Jane Austen, born December 16, 1775, remains a celebrated British novelist whose works like 'Pride and Prejudice' (1813) shaped English literature and culture.

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Founding of Microsoft: 50th anniversary -

Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft became a leader in personal computers, software, cloud computing, and more.

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Death of Winston Churchill: 60th anniversary -

The 60th anniversary of Winston Churchill's death on January 24, 2025, honors the legendary British Prime Minister's leadership during World War II and his lasting impact on global politics.

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Start of the American Revolutionary War: 250th anniversary -

The American Revolutionary War began in 1775, marking the start of the thirteen colonies' struggle for independence from British rule.

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Birth of Elvis Presley: 90th anniversary -

Elvis Presley, who would have turned 90 on January 8, 2025, remains the King of Rock, shaping music and culture with his groundbreaking sound and style.

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Charlie Hebdo shootings: 10th anniversary -

The 10th anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo shootings on January 7, 2015, marks the tragic attack in Paris that killed 12 people, including cartoonists, sparking global debates on freedom of expression and security.

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Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott: 70th anniversary -

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery. This sparked a 13-month boycott, leading to the Supreme Court's 1956 ruling against bus segregation.

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Apollo-Soyuz Space Mission: 50th anniversary -

The Apollo-Soyuz Space Mission in 1975 marked the first international human spaceflight, showcasing US-Soviet cooperation.

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Malcolm X's assassination: 60th anniversary -

Malcolm X, assassinated on February 21, 1965, left a profound legacy as a transformative civil rights leader, inspiring global movements for Black empowerment and justice.

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Great Hanshin earthquake: 30th anniversary -

On January 17, 1995, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Kobe, Japan, killing over 6,400 people and leaving 300,000 homeless, causing US$143 billion in damages.

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Decembrist Revolt in Russia: 200th anniversary -

The Decembrist Revolt on December 26, 1825, was an early revolutionary movement against Tsarist rule, demanding constitutional reform and greater political freedoms.

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Enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama: 85th anniversary -

On February 22, 1940, Tenzin Gyatso, aged five, was enthroned as the 14th Dalai Lama in Lhasa's Potala Palace, becoming Tibet's spiritual leader.

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Fall of Saigon: 50th anniversary -

The fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, marked the end of the Vietnam War, leading to Vietnam's reunification under communist rule on July 2, 1976.

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Brasília becomes the capital of Brazil: 65th anniversary -

On April 21, 1960, President Juscelino Kubitschek inaugurated Brasília as Brazil's capital, showcasing architect Oscar Niemeyer's iconic designs, later UNESCO-listed in 1987.

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Disneyland's opening in California: 60th anniversary -

Disneyland's opening on July 17, 1955, marks the 60th anniversary of the theme park's revolutionary influence, setting a new standard for theme parks worldwide.

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Birth of Bob Marley: 80th anniversary -

Bob Marley would have turned 80 on February 6, 2025. His enduring legacy in reggae music and global cultural influence continues to inspire generations.

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Start of Nuremberg trials: 80th anniversary -

The Nuremberg trials began on November 20, 1945, and ended on October 1, 1946, prosecuting key Nazi leaders for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes against peace.

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Premiere of Charlie Chaplin's 'The Gold Rush': 100th anniversary -

The silent comedy film 'The Gold Rush,' by Charlie Chaplin, premiered in Los Angeles on June 26, 1925, highlighting the Klondike Gold Rush.

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Death of Pope John Paul II: 20th anniversary -

Pope John Paul II, a Polish leader of the Catholic Church for 26 years (1978–2005), passed away on April 2, 2005, leaving a lasting legacy. 

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Charta of the United Nations: 80th anniversary -

The Charter of the United Nations, establishing the UN's principles and framework, came into force on October 24, 1945, promoting global peace and cooperation.

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Angela Merkel becomes German Chancellor: 20th anniversary -

Angela Merkel became Germany's first female chancellor on November 22, 2005, serving in office for 16 years until 2021.

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Maiden voyage of the Queen Elizabeth: 85th anniversary -

The Queen Elizabeth, the world's largest passenger ship in 1940, began her maiden voyage from Scotland but served as a wartime troop carrier until 1946.

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Bolivia's constitution: 200th anniversary -

This milestone marks Bolivia’s foundation as a sovereign nation, celebrating its independence from Spanish colonial rule on August 6, 1825.

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Death of Peter the Great: 300th anniversary -

The 300th anniversary of Peter the Great's death on February 8, 1725, marks the passing of the transformative Russian Tsar. His reign modernized Russia, expanding its military, economy, and cultural influence across Europe.

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The 2010 Haiti earthquake: 15th anniversary -

On January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, claiming over 300,000 lives and affecting nearly a third of the population.

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Death of Francisco Franco: 50th anniversary -

Franco's death on November 20, 1975, marks the end of his nearly 40-year dictatorship. Franco, aged 82, died from heart failure after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a controversial legacy as Spain transitioned to democracy.

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Signature of the Schengen Agreement: 40th anniversary -

The 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement in 2025 celebrates the landmark treaty signed on June 14, 1985, enabling border-free travel across participating European countries.

Sources: (Picture Alliance) (Council on Foreign Relations) (Britannica)

See also: What is the UN Security Council?

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