Santo Domingo.- The anniversaries of July 11 are marked by important historical events and international celebrations that left a mark on world history. Below are the main anniversaries of July 11:
National Anniversaries
1877: Horacio Vásquez is born, a Dominican military officer and politician, three-time president of the country (1902, 1903, and 1924-1930). He was a key figure in national politics during the first decades of the 20th century.
1960: The death of the Mirabal sisters is officially reported, an initially false version by the Trujillo regime as part of the cover-up campaign following the assassination committed on November 25 of that year. Although it is not the day of their death, this date appears in some official records altered by the dictatorship.
1978: The most tense and emblematic vote count in Dominican electoral history takes place, following the elections of May 16. Finally, the PRD with Antonio Guzmán is recognized as the winner, marking the end of 12 years of PRSC government under Joaquín Balaguer.
2006: President Leonel Fernández inaugurates the Santo Domingo Metro, officially starting the construction of the mass transit system, one of the country’s largest urban infrastructure projects.
International Anniversaries
1893: Japan celebrates Ocean Day (Umi no Hi) for the first time, in honor of the country’s relationship with the sea, which became a national holiday in 1996.
1914: The city of Ciudad del Carmen is founded in the state of Campeche, Mexico, an important oil center for the country.
1921: Mongolia declares its independence from China and establishes a communist government under the leadership of Damdin Sükhbaatar.
1940: In the context of World War II, the United Kingdom launches the Battle of Britain, the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces.
1979: NASA’s Skylab space station re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere and partially disintegrates over Western Australia.
Births
1274: Robert I of Scotland (Robert the Bruce), King of Scots, national hero and leader in the First War of Scottish Independence.
1767: John Quincy Adams, sixth president of the United States (1825-1829), known for his diplomatic approach and opposition to slavery.
1916: Gough Whitlam, former Australian Prime Minister (1972–1975), a key reformer in the country’s social policy.
1934: Giorgio Armani, renowned Italian fashion designer, founder of the Armani brand, influential in global fashion.
1950: Bruce McGill, American actor known for his roles in films such as Animal House and The Insider.
Deaths
1937: George Gershwin, American composer of classical and jazz music, dies at 38. Author of iconic works such as Rhapsody in Blue and Porgy and Bess.
2008: Michael DeBakey, a pioneer of cardiovascular surgery, passes away at 99.
2010: Harvey Pekar, writer and creator of the autobiographical comic American Splendor.
