History is a fascinating entity, and one that achieves far more that narrating the things that have happened in the past. It also serves as the single most important factor in determining our future, offering an insight into previous events and how even the most destructive of trends have continued throughout the ages.
It is therefore sensible to look back at specific dates in history and consider the events that have taken place on this day in previous years. Not only is this an interesting exercise, but it is also one that has huge educational merit.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at three of the key events that have taken place on November 24th since the beginning of time: –
- The U.S. Admits that Troops in Vietnam Were Exposed to the Toxic Agent Orange, 1973
America’s foreign policy has been the source of debate for generations, while the nation’s penchant for war has been evident during the last century. This is despite the cost of war and its capacity for draining Federal reserves, which weakens the dollar and sends the currency markets into crisis as a result.
On this day in 1973, the US government admitted that its troops were exposed to the toxic Agent Orange during the Vietnam conflict. This was a major news release at the time, and one raised that awareness surrounding the now perennial threat of chemical weapon attack. It also seems topical in the geopolitical climate of the day, particularly given how the nature of global terrorism has changed in recent times.
- The World’s First Air-launched Cruise Missile was Tested, 1981
Just eight years later, the U.S. made the headlines again with a feat of engineering when it launched the world’s first cruise missile test. Produced in 1980, the AGM-86 ALCM was constructed by Boeing (in conjunction with the United States Airforce), and developed in a bid to increase the effectiveness and durability of the B-52H Stratofortressbomber.
It was first tested in 1981, and was found to be a viable way of disrupting enemy forces and compromising opposing defences. Replicas of the missile are now accessible and on show at the National Air Space Museum, near the capital and political hub of Washington D.C.
- Richie Richardson Makes His Test Debut for West Indies Against India, 1983
On a lighter note, this day in 1983 saw the emergence of a cricket legend in the form of West Indian batsman and captain Richie Richardson. A gentle and kind man, he led the West Indian team during a hugely successful period in the mid 1980’s, showing superb initiative and devastating brilliance with the bat.
Similar to the great Viv Richards who went before him (in playing style if not character), Richardson finished with a healthy test betting average of 44.39, plundering 16 tons and an impressive 39 half centuries in the process. He almost signed off with a century in his final game too, finishing on 93 during a test against England at The Oval in Surrey.
