January 20

Armed Forces Day in Mali is observed every January 20 to commemorate the establishment of the Malian Armed Forces following independence. The day features grand military parades in Bamako, showcasing soldiers, tanks, and aircraft to the public. Government leaders and military commanders lay wreaths at national monuments and salute fallen heroes. Festivities often include music, traditional dances, and family gatherings. Schools and communities join to pay tribute to service members, fostering a sense of national pride and unity.

Army Day in Laos is held annually on January 20 to mark the establishment of the Lao People’s Army in 1949. The capital, Vientiane, hosts military parades featuring troops, ceremonial units, and historic military equipment. The President and senior officials deliver speeches honoring veterans and highlighting the army’s role in national defense and sovereignty. Cultural performances, including traditional Laotian dances and music, accompany the formal events. Communities across Laos honor current service members and remember those who sacrificed for the country’s peace and stability.

Heroes’ Day is observed in Cape Verde on January 20 to commemorate the life of Amílcar Cabral, the revolutionary thinker and leader assassinated in 1973. Nationwide tributes include ceremonies at the Mausoleum of Amílcar Cabral in Praia, where government officials and citizens lay wreaths and pay their respects. Educational programs and media broadcasts highlight Cabral’s role in the struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule. Cultural performances and community gatherings reinforce national identity and celebrate the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom and unity.

Martyrs’ Day is a solemn public holiday observed on January 20 in Azerbaijan to honor civilians killed when Soviet troops entered Baku in 1990. Thousands lost their lives during the violent suppression of the independence movement, known as Black January. Each year, citizens and officials gather at the Alley of Martyrs in Baku for commemorative prayers, laying of flowers, and moments of silence. Media features personal stories of victims and survivors, reinforcing national resilience. The day underscores the importance of sovereignty and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for Azerbaijan’s independence.

Since the ratification of the Twentieth Amendment in 1933, U.S. presidential inaugurations have been held on January 20 at the U.S. Capitol. The Chief Justice administers the oath of office to the president-elect, followed by the vice president’s oath. The event features the inaugural address, performances by choirs and military bands, and the traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue. Inaugural balls and related celebrations continue into the evening. The ceremony symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power and reflects the continuity of American democracy.