What Happened This Year 2001

People Who Died in 2001

Robert Leckie

American soldier and author of war stories
Born
December 18th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 81 years old

Served as a United States Marine during World War II, participating in major battles in the Pacific theater. Wrote extensively about military experiences and history, with notable works including 'Helmet for My Pillow' and 'The Old Breed'. His writings provide firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by soldiers in combat. Contributed to the popular understanding of Marine Corps history and culture through detailed depictions of wartime experiences.

Continue Reading

Salem al-Hazmi

Terrorist and hijacker of Flight 77
Born
February 2nd, 1981 44 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 20 years old

Born in Saudi Arabia in 1981, engaged in the September 11 attacks. Hijacked American Airlines Flight 77, which was crashed into the Pentagon. Coordinated with other hijackers as part of a larger group involved in planned attacks on U.S. soil. Operated under the directive of terrorist organizations with goals to incite fear and promote their ideology.

Continue Reading

Davorin Popović

Bosnian singer-songwriter and composer
Born
September 23rd, 1946 78 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 55 years old

A prominent figure in the music scene, this artist gained recognition for a career that spanned several decades, primarily in the pop and rock genres. Active from the 1960s until the early 2000s, this singer-songwriter became well-known for engaging performances and emotionally charged lyrics. Releasing multiple albums, the artist's works contributed significantly to the regional music landscape, particularly in the former Yugoslavia. The artist also participated in Eurovision Song Contest, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina with a strong vocal delivery.

Continue Reading

Abdulaziz al-Omari

Terrorist and Hijacker of Flight 11
Born
May 28th, 1979 45 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 22 years old

Born in Saudi Arabia, a hijacker involved in the September 11 attacks that targeted American Airlines Flight 11. The aircraft was hijacked on September 11, 2001, and crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The actions resulted in one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. soil and changed global security policies significantly.

Continue Reading

Gordon Freeth

Australian politician and foreign minister
Born
August 6th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 87 years old

Held the position of the 24th Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs. Served in the Australian House of Representatives from 1949 to 1969, representing the Liberal Party. Engaged in significant discussions around foreign policy during the post-war period. Known for his involvement in international affairs and contributions to the shaping of Australia's diplomatic relations.

Continue Reading

Joseph Greenberg

American linguist and typologist
Born
May 28th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 86 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of linguistics. Developed a classification system for languages based on their structural features. Published influential works on language universals and typology, establishing the Greenbergian typology framework utilized in linguistic studies. Conducted extensive research on the African languages and proposed hypotheses on their relationships, influencing future research in historical linguistics. Held academic positions at prestigious institutions, shaping the study of language through teaching and mentorship.

Continue Reading

Ralph Burns

American songwriter and bandleader
Born
June 29th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent figure in American music, contributions spanned several genres including jazz and musical theater. Burns served as an arranger and conductor for major Broadway productions, significantly influencing the sound of the era. His work on the musical 'Sweet Charity' earned critical acclaim and showcased his innovative arrangements. Additionally, Burns composed for television and film, further establishing a versatile career. His talent as a pianist complemented his work as a bandleader, guiding orchestras during live performances.

Continue Reading

Hans Warren

Dutch poet and author of 'The Thousand and One Nights'
Born
October 20th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1921, this poet and author produced a significant body of literary work that includes poetry, essays, and novels. A prominent figure in Dutch literature, explored themes of sexuality, identity, and the human experience. Published over thirty books and received various literary awards. Contributed to the Dutch literary scene through both creation and criticism.

Continue Reading

Bill Borthwick

Australian politician and legislator
Born
November 20th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 77 years old

An Australian politician served in the New South Wales Legislative Council from 1970 to 1981. Borthwick represented the Liberal Party and focused on local governance and community issues during his tenure. His political career included advocating for various legislative reforms and contributing to party strategies within the council. Borthwick's work influenced policy directions and party dynamics in the region. After leaving office, continued involvement in community and political affairs remained evident.

Continue Reading