April 25

Stationed in Strasbourg, Rouget de Lisle penned 'Chant de guerre pour l’armée du Rhin' to inspire Revolutionary troops. The rousing melody and fervent lyrics quickly spread among volunteers from Marseille who adopted it during their march on Paris. Renamed 'La Marseillaise', the song was officially declared France’s national anthem in 1795. Its stirring call to arms and themes of liberty resonated throughout Europe during the age of revolution. Today, 'La Marseillaise' remains a powerful symbol of French national identity and republican ideals.

On April 25, 2005, Italy officially returned the final segment of the 1,700-year-old Obelisk of Axum to Ethiopia, more than six decades after its removal by Mussolini's forces. The towering granite monument, originally erected by the ancient Aksumite civilization, had been transported to Rome in 1937 as a trophy of war. International campaigns led by UNESCO and Ethiopian advocates secured its phased repatriation beginning in the late 1990s. The last pieces were carefully reassembled in Axum, restoring the 24-meter-tall stele to its historical setting. A ceremonial welcome in Addis Ababa celebrated Ethiopia's cultural heritage and showcased the power of diplomatic cooperation. The restored obelisk stands as a symbol of national identity and global efforts to protect cultural artifacts.