What happened on March 16 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
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The My Lai massacre
The My Lai massacre was one of the most infamous atrocities of the Vietnam War, where U.S. soldiers killed hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians, sparking global outrage.
- U.S. troops from Charlie Company entered the village of My Lai, believing it to be a Viet Cong stronghold, and massacred between 347 and 500 unarmed men, women, and children.
- The military initially concealed the incident, but investigative journalist Seymour Hersh exposed the massacre in 1969, leading to public outrage.
- Only one soldier, Lt. William Calley, was convicted; he served just three years under house arrest, fueling debates about justice in wartime atrocities.
Former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro is kidnapped
Aldo Moro, a leading Italian politician, was kidnapped by the Red Brigades, a far-left terrorist group, in a case that shook Italy’s political landscape.
- Moro was kidnapped on March 16, 1978, when the Red Brigades ambushed his convoy, killing five of his bodyguards.
- The kidnappers demanded the release of imprisoned members, but the Italian government refused to negotiate, despite calls from Pope Paul VI and other leaders.
- After 55 days in captivity, Moro was found dead in the trunk of a car in Rome on May 9, 1978, marking a turning point in Italy’s fight against domestic terrorism.
Crimea votes in a controversial referendum
In a widely disputed referendum, Crimea voted to join Russia, triggering a geopolitical crisis and long-term tensions between Russia and the West.
- Following Ukraine’s Euromaidan revolution, Russian forces occupied Crimea, and a hastily organized referendum saw over 95% vote in favor of joining Russia.
- Ukraine, the European Union, and the U.S. rejected the referendum as illegitimate, arguing it was conducted under military occupation.
- The annexation led to Western sanctions against Russia and fueled the ongoing war in Ukraine, marking a significant shift in post-Cold War geopolitics.
Jerry Lewis is born
Jerry Lewis, a legendary comedian, actor, and filmmaker, became one of Hollywood’s most influential figures, known for his slapstick humor and humanitarian work.
- Rising to fame in the 1940s with Dean Martin, Lewis later became a solo star, directing and starring in classics like The Nutty Professor.
- He pioneered live television techniques and raised billions for muscular dystrophy research through his annual telethons.
- Lewis influenced generations of comedians and was honored with numerous awards, including an honorary Oscar in 2009 for his humanitarian efforts.