What Happened This Year 2004

Historical Events from This Year 2004

Cultural Traditions

Crown Prince Frederik Marries Mary Donaldson

May 14th, 2004 20 years ago

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark married Mary Donaldson at Copenhagen Cathedral. Surrounded by royal family members and dignitaries, the couple exchanged vows in a ceremony filled with tradition. The event celebrated both Danish heritage and personal love, captivating the nation and drawing international attention. The royal wedding was a significant moment for the Danish monarchy.

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Sports & Recreation

Arsenal F.C. Achieves Unbeaten League Campaign

May 15th, 2004 20 years ago

Arsenal F.C. concluded the Premier League season unbeaten, matching the historic record set by Preston North End F.C. in 1888-89. The Gunners' unbeaten run was a remarkable achievement under manager Arsène Wenger, creating a legendary status for the team. They secured their last match against Leicester City, finishing the season with an astonishing 26 wins and 12 draws, which crafted a unique legacy as 'The Invincibles'. The season highlighted their dominance in English football during this period.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

First Legal Same-Sex Marriages in the U.S.

May 17th, 2004 20 years ago

Same-sex marriages officially begin in Massachusetts, marking a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ rights. Celebrations ignite as couples gather to exchange vows, supported by family and friends. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's 2003 ruling paved the way, allowing implementation starting on this day. This groundbreaking moment sets a tone for future legal battles across the nation.

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Politics & Government

Ayad Allawi appointed as Iraq's interim prime minister

May 28th, 2004 20 years ago

The Iraqi Governing Council appointed Ayad Allawi as Iraq's interim prime minister, marking a significant step towards political stability in post-Saddam Iraq. This choice aimed to bring an experienced politician to lead the transitional government, focusing on rebuilding the nation and preparing for upcoming elections. Allawi, who had spent years in exile opposing Saddam Hussein's regime, was seen as a unifying figure amidst the complex political landscape.

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Military & Warfare

Dedication of the National World War II Memorial

May 29th, 2004 20 years ago

The National World War II Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., to honor the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II. The ceremony featured numerous veterans, honoring their sacrifices and contributions. Notable figures, including President George W. Bush, participated in the event, emphasizing the importance of remembrance. The memorial serves as a gathering place for future generations to reflect on the values of courage and sacrifice displayed during the war.

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Crime & Law

Terry Nichols Receives Consecutive Life Sentences

June 1st, 2004 20 years ago

Terry Nichols was sentenced to 161 consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing, which targeted the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995. This devastating act of domestic terrorism killed 168 people and injured over 600 others, marking it as one of the deadliest attacks on American soil. Nichols, alongside Timothy McVeigh, was convicted for the bombing's planning and execution. The sentencing aimed to ensure Nichols would spend the rest of his life in prison, serving justice for the victims and their families.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Noël Mamère marries same-sex couple in France

June 5th, 2004 20 years ago

Noël Mamère, the Mayor of Bègles, presided over the first same-sex marriage in France, uniting two men in a civil ceremony. This groundbreaking event took place in Bègles, a suburb of Bordeaux, highlighting the local government's progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights. The ceremony was a symbolic act amidst a national debate over same-sex marriage, showcasing both support and opposition within the community. The event drew national attention and was part of a larger movement for marriage equality in France.

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Space Exploration

Rare Astronomical Event: Venus Transit

June 8th, 2004 20 years ago

The first Venus transit in over a century captivated astronomers worldwide. This astronomical phenomenon occurred when Venus passed directly between the Earth and the Sun, appearing as a small black dot moving across the solar disk. This transit lasted several hours, with the most notable visibility across parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, providing a unique opportunity for scientific observation and public engagement in astronomy. The last similar event had been observed in 1882, making this a highly anticipated occasion for both professionals and enthusiasts.

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Space Exploration

Cassini's Close Encounter with Phoebe

June 11th, 2004 20 years ago

Cassini–Huygens, a NASA spacecraft, made its closest flyby of Phoebe, one of Saturn's moons, capturing detailed images and data. This flyby provided insights into Phoebe's surface composition and helped to understand its irregular shape and dark coloration. The encounter occurred on June 11, 2004, revealing the moon's unique characteristics and contributing to scientists' knowledge of the Saturnian system.

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