An Important Day in History
Two of the most important events in ancient and modern history happened on this date—September 28 — although neither are celebrated worldwide today or even thought about much.
The first was the birth of Confucius, one of the most important people in ancient China, born on this date in 551 BC. He became the accepted Chinese leader in philosophy and his many wise phrases about life, principles and morals, are still quoted to this day. One of his most well-known phrases states: “A man should practice what he preaches, but a man should also preach what he practices.” As a teacher and moral leader, his legacy stands above reproach. His birth is, however, only still celebrated in Taiwan.
The second event of great importance happened on this date in the year 1066 when William the Conqueror landed in England near the town of Hastings on the south coast. His invasion of Britain and eventual victory at the Battle of Hastings in October, was a testament to his incredible organizational and leadership skills and it would change the course of history in England.
I should add that there have been many other famous births, deaths and events on this day throughout history, some a little closer to our own time and memory. For instance, famous variety show host, Ed Sullivan, was born on this date in 1902, and shared his birth date with cartoonist Al Capp of Li’l Abner fame, who was born in 1909. Two famous actors were also born on September 28: Peter Finch in 1916 and Marcello Mastroianni in 1924. And sex goddess and actress, Brigitte Bardot, was also born on this date in 1934 in Paris, France.
Deaths that occurred on September 28 range from comedian Harpo Marx who died at age 75 in 1964; Jazz great Miles Davis who died of pneumonia in 1991 at age 65; and Egypt’s President Nasser who died of a heart attack at age 52 in 1970. On this date in 1978, Pope John Paul I was found dead after only serving 33 days as the Vatican head. He also was only 65.
Jumping back to 1867, an important Canadian event took place on this date when Toronto became the capital of Ontario that year. And on this date in 1914, German forces moved into Antwerp, Belgium, while in 1922 Mussolini marched on Rome.
In 1968, the year I came to Canada, the Beatles song Hey Jude went to Number One on September 28th and stayed there for nine weeks. I remember it being played that year wherever you went, and it still sounds good today!
Religious history and observances of this date are a little sparse, but I did find a few of interest. In the Roman Catholic faith, a memorial to St. Wenceslas, a martyr and patron of Bohemia, is celebrated on September 28th. Most of us associate this man with the Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas and the Feast of St. Stephen. In Christian Mexico the Feast of San Miguel is also celebrated on this date.
It would seem, therefore, that since ancient times, this date in history has been more than a little notable, with the two most notable still being the birth of Confucious and the invasion of William Conqueror, one of which changed the course of history and the other that gave the world moral and wise quotes to live by.