On this day, September 20 - Know what happened today in history

On 20 September, history witnessed significant moments that shaped our world. From policy shifts to cultural milestones, this date stands as a reminder of progress and perseverance. L

Sheetal Kumari

September 20, 2024 / 06:01 IST

Today in history, September 20

On 20 September, history witnessed significant moments that shaped our world. From policy shifts to cultural milestones, this date stands as a reminder of progress and perseverance. Let's explore some of the most notable events, births, and deaths that occurred on this day.

Historical Events
2011: U.S. Ends "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy The U.S. officially ended the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy. Instituted in 1994 under President Bill Clinton, the policy allowed LGBTQ+ personnel to serve in the military. However, they could not openly disclose their sexual orientation without facing consequences. This marked a significant victory for equality and LGBTQ+ rights in the military.

2001: George W. Bush Declares the War on Terror Following the tragic 9/11 attacks, U.S. President George W. Bush declared a global "War on Terror." This was announced in an emotional speech to Congress. The declaration paved the way for military campaigns in Afghanistan and beyond, aiming to combat terrorism worldwide.

1984: ‘The Cosby Show’ Premieres The iconic sitcom The Cosby Show debuted on NBC, portraying the Huxtable family, an African-American family in Brooklyn. Starring Bill Cosby as the father, the show ran for eight years and became a major cultural touchstone.

1973: Billie Jean King Wins ‘Battle of the Sexes’ In Houston, Texas, tennis legend Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the famous "Battle of the Sexes." Riggs, at age 55, claimed he could beat any female tennis player. King's victory earned her $100,000 and became one of the most-watched tennis matches ever.