U.S. formally ends Afghan war on December 28, marking a significant milestone in military history.
Today, December 28, marks the 362nd day of 2025, with only three days remaining in the year. This date has seen significant historical events unfold, shaping the social, political, and cultural landscape around the globe.
In a pivotal moment in modern history, December 28, 2014, marked the formal end of the U.S. war in Afghanistan, concluding a mission that spanned 13 years. This announcement was symbolized by a flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul, which signified the transition of security responsibilities from U.S. combat forces to Afghan security forces. In the course of this conflict, more than 2,200 American lives were lost, illustrating the profound human cost of the endeavor and the complexity of military involvement in foreign nations.
Additionally, this date has witnessed various other notable occurrences throughout history. In 1895, the Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, made cinematic history by presenting the first public showing of films in Paris, revolutionizing entertainment and paving the way for the modern film industry.
In 1908, a devastating earthquake struck Messina and Reggio Calabria in Italy, followed by a tsunami, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 70,000 lives. This catastrophe remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in European history.
Fast forward to 1912, when San Francisco’s Municipal Railway commenced operations, with a ceremonial streetcar ride led by Mayor James Rolph Jr., attracting an audience of approximately 50,000 spectators eager to witness this significant urban development.
Other noteworthy milestones include Congress officially recognizing the Pledge of Allegiance in 1945 and the establishment of the Endangered Species Act by President Richard Nixon in 1973, aimed at protecting threatened flora and fauna.
The year 1981 saw the birth of Elizabeth Jordan Carr in Norfolk, Virginia, recognized as the first American baby conceived through in vitro fertilization, marking a remarkable advancement in reproductive technology.
Further reflecting societal challenges, in 1991, a tragic incident occurred when nine people died in a crowd surge during a celebrity charity basketball game in New York City. More recently, in 2015, a grand jury in Cleveland decided not to indict two police officers involved in the shooting death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, a case that ignited national conversations surrounding race and policing.
On this day in 2019, a truck bomb exploded in Mogadishu, Somalia, at a crowded security checkpoint, killing at least 78 individuals, including numerous students, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the region.
Celebrating their birthdays today are notable figures across various fields, including actor Denzel Washington, TV personality Gayle King, and hockey legend Ray Bourque, among others, reflecting the diverse talents and contributions of individuals born on December 28.
As the year draws to a close, December 28 stands as a date rich with historical significance, connecting past events with contemporary reflections on human resilience, cultural evolution, and the ongoing journey for justice and peace.
