Today in History, 8 September: literacy day, Star Trek and North Macedonia’s vote
On 8 September, International Literacy Day was first observed, Star Trek premiered and North Macedonia held its independence referendum.
Events associated with 8 September include the first observance of International Literacy Day, the television premiere of Star Trek and North Macedonia's independence referendum.
1966: International Literacy Day begins
UNESCO proclaimed 8 September as International Literacy Day following a 1965 conference of education ministers in Tehran. The first observance took place in 1967.
The day focuses attention on literacy as part of education, participation and social development. It remains an annual United Nations observance.
1966: Star Trek premieres on television
The original Star Trek television series premiered in the United States on 8 September 1966 with the episode “The Man Trap”.
The programme's initial run lasted three seasons, but it later developed into a global film and television franchise.
1974: Ford pardons Nixon
United States president Gerald Ford announced a full pardon for former president Richard Nixon on 8 September 1974.
Nixon had resigned a month earlier during the Watergate scandal. Ford's decision covered federal offences Nixon might have committed while president and became one of the most contested acts of Ford's presidency.
1991: North Macedonia votes for independence
Voters in the then Socialist Republic of Macedonia backed sovereignty in a referendum held on 8 September 1991 as Yugoslavia was breaking apart.
The country, now known as North Macedonia, observes 8 September as Independence Day.
Together, the day's record spans education, popular culture and major political change.