With the end of a year comes the remembering of the memorable events which had transpired during it. Upon looking back on 2013, one will be able to see how eventful and historic this year was. Below is a list of some of the most memorable events of this past year.
Jan. 21: President Obama’s second inauguration takes place.
Jan. 21: The ban on women serving in combat roles is removed by Pentagon Chief Leon Panetta.
Feb. 11: For the first time in 600 years, a papal resignation occurred. Pope Benedict XVI announced that, due to his health, he would be resigning. More than 100 cardinals traveled to the Vatican to elect a new pope in March. Less than 24 hours after their deliberations began, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s Chimney. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis on March 13, 2013.
Feb. 15: In Russia, a giant meteor streaks across the morning sky, sparking end of the world rumors.
March 1: Scandal breaks out in Europe when traces of horse meat were found in beef burgers manufactured by firms in Ireland and Britain.
April 15: Two pressure cooker bombs explode near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. Brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev were later identified as the bombers. On April 17, Tamerlan died after exchanging fire with a police officer while Dzhokhar escaped and hid in a small boat. He was found by police the morning of April 18.
April 23: In France, same-sex marriage is legalized.
Beginning of June: Edward Snowden leaks that the National Security Agency has using secret surveillance systems both on the internet and on the telephone.
July 13: George Zimmerman is acquitted of charges of second degree murder and manslaughter for the shooting of Trayvon Martin.
July 22: Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcome their first child, Prince George Alexander Louis. The little prince is third in line to inherit the throne.
Oct. 1: The U.S. Government shutdown begins. One million workers were put on unpaid leave as a result of the shutdown. National parks were closed and medical research was stalled until the shutdown ended on October 16.
Oct. 21: New Jersey legalizes same-sex marriage.
Nov. 7: The first landfall of Typhoon Haiyan was made. It will go down in history as the second-deadliest Philippine typhoon killing over 3,000 people and causing more than 1,000 people to go missing.
Nov. 15: Five year old Miles Scott’s dream comes true as he is able to become Batman. Scott had been battling leukemia since he was 18 months old and had just recently finished up treatment. He is now in remission.
Dec. 12: Former South African President Nelson Mandela dies at age 95. Mandela will be remembered as a man who fought hard against the racial oppression in South Africa.
Dec. 13: Beyonce releases her new album at midnight with no warning at all. It went on to sell over 617,000 copies in the first three days.
