Facts

1807 George Canning, one of the ardent supporters of Greek independence, becomes foreign minister in England. In his honor there is Kaningos Square.

1838 The anniversary of March 25, 1821 is officially celebrated for the first time, by decree of King Otto.

1884 The inauguration of the largest hospital in the Balkans, the “Evangelism of the Virgin” (known today as “Evangelism”), is held in Athens, in the presence of King George I, Queen Olga, the assembly of the Parliament, the Authorities of Athens and a large number of people. The first patient will be admitted on April 13.

1896 On the day of the 75th anniversary of the start of the Revolution of ’21, the first modern Olympic Games begin in Athens.

1932 The government of Andreas Michalakopoulos is unveiling the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, in the square in front of the old Palace of the current Parliament.

1957 The Treaty establishing the European Community (EEC), now the European Union, is signed in Rome.

Births

1771 Germanos of Old Patras, known as Georgios Kozis, the metropolitan who raised the banner of the Greek Revolution. (D. 30/5/1826)

1942 Aretha Franklin, American singer. (Thu. 16/8/2018)

1971 Evelina Papoulia, Greek actress.

Deaths

1917 Spyros Samaris or Samaras or Samaras, a Corfu musician, who set the “Olympic Hymn” to Kostis Palamas’ poetry. (Born 17/11/1861)

1918 Claude Debussy, French composer, who opened new paths in music, on which many later composers walked (Webern, Messian, Boulez, etc.). Musicologists include him in the musical impressionism movement, although he himself rejected this approach. (Born 22/8/1862)

2012 Antonio Tabucci, Italian writer. (Born 9/23/1943)