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22 fun facts for September, 20

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
September 20th is a day full of varied events, including the anniversary of Billie Jean King's victory in the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match, the founding of NATO, and the birthdays of Jim Croce and Upton Sinclair. It's also a day for celebration, with National Punch Day in the United States, National Fried Rice Day, and Respect for the Aged Day in Japan.
22 Fun facts
  1. On September 20, 1973, Billie Jean King won the famous "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match against Bobby Riggs, which was watched by millions on global television. This event significantly impacted equality in sports and helped to change public attitudes about female athletes.
  2. On this day in 1977, the iconic television show "The Love Boat" premiered on ABC. The show, which featured guest stars each week and was set on a fictional cruise ship, entertained audiences for nine seasons and helped popularize the cruise industry.
  3. In 2004, golfer Annika Sörenstam became the first woman to win a combined eight major championships on the LPGA and European Tour, surpassing Betsy King's record. Her victory at the Mizuno Classic in Japan continued to highlight her dominance in women's golf.
  4. September 20 is National Punch Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the traditionally fruit-based, festive beverage that can be served either alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Why not make a homemade punch to share with friends and family?
  5. The Guinness World Record for the longest DJ set was set on September 20, 2014, when DJ Norbert Selmaj, known as "Norberto Loco," performed for 200 hours non-stop in a club in Dublin, Ireland. He broke the previous record of 183 hours.
  6. September 20 marks the anniversary of the founding of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949. Originally formed with 12 member countries, NATO now consists of 30 members committed to mutual defense and international security cooperation.
  7. On this day in 1870, the Papal States ceased to exist after Italian unification, and Rome became the capital of the newly unified Italy. This crucial event in Italian history marked the end of the Pope's temporal power and the beginning of the modern Italian state.
  8. In 1982, the first International Day of Peace was celebrated on September 20. Initially, the United Nations proclaimed this day to be the third Tuesday of September, but later changed it to September 21, starting in 2001.
  9. September 20, 1998, marked the series premiere of the popular TV show "Will & Grace." The show's groundbreaking focus on LGBTQ+ characters and themes played a key role in changing public opinion about LGBTQ+ issues and contributed to progress in LGBTQ+ rights.
  10. On this day in 1954, the popular book "The Fellowship of the Ring," the first volume in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, was published. The series would go on to inspire countless fantasy works and multiple successful film adaptations.
  11. In 2003, football player Brett Favre set a new NFL record on September 20 when he started his 200th consecutive game. Favre, the legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback, went on to start 297 consecutive games over 20 seasons, solidifying his place in football history.
  12. On September 20, 1979, the French National Assembly abolished the death penalty, making France the 35th country to do so. This marked a historic moment in the worldwide campaign against capital punishment, which continues to gain momentum.
  13. In 1933, singer-songwriter Jim Croce was born on September 20. Known for hits such as "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" and "Time in a Bottle," Croce's music continues to entertain and inspire fans long after his untimely death at the age of 30.
  14. Celebrated American novelist and short story writer Upton Sinclair was born on September 20, 1878. Best known for his novel "The Jungle," Sinclair's influential works often exposed social injustices and led to important reforms.
  15. In 1954, Monaco adopted its current flag on September 20. The design consists of two equal horizontal bands of red on top and white on the bottom. The flag has a simple yet elegant design that symbolizes Monaco's national unity.
  16. On September 20, 1984, the popular TV series "The Cosby Show" premiered in the United States. The groundbreaking sitcom, which centered on an African-American upper-middle-class family, helped to challenge racial stereotypes and was one of the most successful shows of the 1980s.
  17. In 2005, Hurricane Rita reached Category 5 status in the Gulf of Mexico on September 20, becoming the second Category 5 hurricane of that record-breaking hurricane season. Although Rita's impact was less intense than initially predicted, it is still remembered as a powerful and destructive storm.
  18. On September 20, 1881, American inventor and entrepreneur Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the 21st president of the United States, following the assassination of President James A. Garfield. Arthur's administration saw many important reforms and advancements in various fields, including civil service and immigration.
  19. In 1990, on this day, both East and West Germany ratified the Treaty on the Final Settlement With Respect to Germany, also known as the Two Plus Four Agreement. Later that year, on October 3, Germany was officially reunified, bringing an end to 45 years of division.
  20. September 20 is National Fried Rice Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the popular Asian dish that has gained popularity worldwide. Grab your wok and cook up a delicious version of this versatile recipe to share with your friends and family.
  21. In Japan, September 20 is celebrated as Respect for the Aged Day. This public holiday honors the elderly population, and various events and activities are organized to demonstrate gratitude and respect for their valuable contributions to society.
  22. In 2014, the first World Shotokan Karate Championships were held on September 20 in Tokyo, Japan. Competitors from around the globe gathered to demonstrate their expertise in this particular style of karate, showcasing the art's continued popularity and influence in the world of martial arts.

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