Today is Commonwealth Day, the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations held on the second Monday of March. The Commonwealth of Nations is an international association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire from which it developed. They are connected through their use of the English language and historical-cultural ties.
The event traces its origins to Empire Day, an event initially conceived to celebrate the British Empire. It was originally observed on Queen Victoria’s birthdate, May 24th, or the last weekday before it. In the latter half of the 20th century, the celebration’s focus shifted towards emphasising the modern Commonwealth of Nations, with the event being renamed Commonwealth Day in 1958, and its date moved to the second Monday in March in 1977.
At its height in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the British Empire became the largest empire in history and, for a century, was the foremost global power. By 1913, the British Empire held sway over 412 million people, 23 percent of the world population at the time, and by 1920, it covered 35.5 million km2 (13.7 million sq mi), 24 per cent of the Earth’s total land area. As a result, its constitutional, legal, linguistic, and cultural legacy is widespread.
Amazing Cats
Today is the birthday, in 1940, of Dean Torrence, who with Jan and Dean had the 1963 US No.1 & UK No.26, single ‘Surf City’, co written by The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson). Jan and Dean were pioneers of the California Sound and vocal surf music styles. Other hits include, Subsequent top 10 hits included ‘Drag City’ , ‘Dead Man’s Curve’ and ‘The Little Old Lady from Pasadena.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYxPgFUjDpA
