Daily Almanac: August 9, 2023

Sunrise/Sunset:

RISE: 6:58 a.m.
SET: 8:45 p.m.

High/Low Temperatures:

HIGH: 80 °F
LOW: 56 °F

Today is…:

• National Airborne Day
• National Rum Day
• True Love Forever Day

What Happened On This Day:

• 1960 Cyprus Attains Freedom From the British. The mediterranean island country first came under British control in the early 20th century as a strategic British outpost. In 1925, it was formally added to the British Empire. the London and Zurich Agreements signed in February 1959 gave independence to Cyprus and set up a system of governance based on ethnicity.
• 1954 First Issue of Sports Illustrated Hits the Newsstands. The sports magazine which is famous for its annual swimsuit issue was not profitable for the first few years of its existence. The boost in spectator sports eventually helped it become successful.
• 1858 The First Transatlantic Telegraph Message is sent. The message sent by Britain’s Queen Victoria to American President James Buchanan, read ‘Europe and America are united by telegraphic communication. Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, goodwill to men.’ The cable, which cut down the time of communication between the two continents was successful only for a few months. Technical difficulties led to the cable being closed in October of 1858.

Births On This Day:

• 1958 Madonna

American singer-songwriter, actress, producer, director

• 1954 James Cameron

Canadian film director, screenwriter, producer

Deaths On This Day:

• 1977 Elvis Presley

American singer, guitarist, actor
• 1959 William Halsey, Jr.

American Admiral