August 26th marks the official start of the Namibian War of Independence in 1966, the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote in the U.S. in 1920, and the annual commemoration of Women’s Equality Day in the United States. Other notable events include Gen. Charles de Gaulle’s victory march through liberated Paris in 1944, the eruption of the “Preppy Murder” case in 1986, and NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protest in 2016.
Key Historical Events on August 26
- 1920:.The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote, was officially certified. This pivotal event is now commemorated as Women’s Equality Day.
- 1944:.French Gen. Charles de Gaulle led a victory march through Paris, celebrating the Allied liberation of the city from Nazi occupation.
- 1966:.The armed struggle against South African rule began in Namibia with fighting at Omugulugwombashe, an event now observed as Heroes’ Day.
- 1968:.Violent clashes between anti-war demonstrators and police occurred at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
- 1978:.Sigmund Jähn became the first German to travel to space aboard the Soviet Soyuz 31.
- 1986:.The sensational “Preppy Murder” case began with the death of Jennifer Levin in Central Park.
- 2016:.NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked a national conversation by remaining seated during the national anthem at a preseason game.
