DAY 1090 RUSSIAN AGGRESSION
February 17 marks World Sustainable Tourism Day and Random Acts of Kindness Day.
In the USA, it's Presidents' Day, in Canada, Heritage Day, and in Europe, it's Cat Day.
The Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saint Theodore the Tyro, the great martyr, and Saint Mariana the great martyr.
World Sustainable Tourism Day
World Sustainable Tourism Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly A/RES/77/269 in 2023. This new event aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable development in tourism, especially in light of global challenges and crises.
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Random Acts of Kindness Day is one of the recent initiatives by international charitable organizations.
This holiday originated in the USA but now holds global significance and is celebrated regardless of citizenship, nationality, or religious beliefs.
It is most recognized in Western countries, where various charitable events and marathons take place on this day, featuring well-known actors, public figures, and politicians.
Presidents' Day in the USA
Every year on the third Monday of February, the United States celebrates Presidents' Day, also known as Washington's Birthday.
This holiday, dedicated to the remarkable leaders of the country, dates back to 1880, when the birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States, born on February 22, 1732, was publicly celebrated for the first time.
Heritage Day in Canada
Heritage Day is celebrated in Canada on the third Monday of February. In some provinces, Heritage Day is recognized as an additional holiday. In Alberta, where the third Sunday of February is reserved for Family Day, Heritage Day is celebrated on the first Monday of August. Yukon celebrates Heritage Day on the Friday before the last Sunday of February, while Saskatchewan observes it on February 17.
Heritage Day was established in 1973 by the Heritage Canada Foundation to preserve and promote natural, architectural, and historical heritage. Each year, the Heritage Canada Foundation selects a new theme for celebrating Heritage Day. For instance, in 2001, the theme was transportation, highlighting notable structures related to rail, steam, and road transport. In 2005, the theme was faith, and the foundation identified famous churches, temples, mosques, and places of worship across the country.
Cat Day in Europe
On February 17, all of Europe dedicates a day to these domestic animals. This day emerged in the history of celebrations thanks to Italian journalist Claudia Angeletti. Since Aquarius is the zodiac sign of freedom and independence, February was chosen as the month to celebrate Cat Day.
Currently, various initiatives are organized to celebrate Cat Day, including photo exhibitions, conferences, debates, and, above all, collections of food and funds to assist homeless furry friends.
Born on this day:
160 years since the birth of Silvio-Strahimir Kranjčević (1865-1908), Croatian writer and critic;
140 years since the birth of Vladimir Alexandrovich Nelli (1895-1980), Ukrainian director and educator;
125 years since the birth of Nikolai Ivanovich Suprunenko (1900-1984), Ukrainian historian.
Also on this day:
1933 - The first issue of the American weekly magazine "Newsweek" was published.
1947 - "Voice of America," founded in 1942 to explain American policy and boost the morale of its allies in Europe, Asia, and Africa, conducted its first radio broadcast in Russian to the Soviet Union;
1955 - The Odessa film studio was transformed into the Odessa studio of feature films;
1962 - A catastrophic flood occurred due to a storm in the lower Elbe basin and throughout the North Sea coast of Germany. In Hamburg alone, 314 people died;
1999 - The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine authorized the prosecution and arrest of Pavel Lazarenko;
2008 - Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. By the end of the year, it was recognized by 69 countries;
2011 - Armed unrest began in Libya.
2015 - The General Prosecutor's Office of Ukraine denied the Georgian government the extradition of former President Mikheil Saakashvili;
2015 - War in eastern Ukraine: fierce street battles in encircled Debaltseve. Part of the city was captured by Russian-terrorist forces;
2015 - The European Union officially recognized the involvement of Russian troops in the conflict for the first time since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Church holiday:
On February 17, the memory of Saint Theodore the Tyro is honored. He was a Roman soldier recruit who was accused of setting fire to a pagan temple during the reign of Emperor Maximin, who hated Christians.
Theodore was captured. The devout young man did not hide his faith, and he was tortured before being sentenced to be burned.
Name days: Mikhail, Nikolai, Pavel, Roman, Fedor, Marianna, Maria, Anna.