On This Day, Sept. 20: Hurricane Maria makes landfall in Puerto Rico
3 minute readPublished: Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 7:00 am
On This Day: A Look Back at Significant Historical Events
Today, September 20th, marks the anniversary of several pivotal moments throughout history. From cultural milestones to political shifts and natural disasters, this date has seen its share of significant events.
In 1946, the first Cannes Film Festival commenced, a delayed launch due to the Second World War. The festival quickly became a prominent international event, celebrating cinema.
The Cold War era saw a proposal for collaboration in space exploration. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy suggested a joint venture between the United States and Russia to reach the moon.
The world of maritime travel was marked by the launch of the Cunard liner, the QE-2, in 1966. The ship became a symbol of trans-Atlantic travel.
The sporting world witnessed a landmark event in 1973. Billie Jean King triumphed over Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match, a contest that resonated far beyond the court.
Political unrest and terrorism were highlighted in 1984. Muslim militants bombed the U.S. Embassy annex in Beirut, Lebanon, resulting in numerous fatalities.
The Whitewater investigation, which spanned six years, concluded in 2000. The investigation into President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton ended without any indictments.
A significant change in military policy occurred in 2011. The "don't ask, don't tell" ban on openly gay U.S. service members was officially repealed, ending a policy that had led to the discharge of thousands.
In 2012, a Cleveland jury found Amish individuals guilty of hate crimes.
A devastating natural disaster struck in 2017. Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm, causing widespread devastation and loss of life.
Finally, in 2020, the television show *Schitt's Creek* achieved a record-breaking number of Emmy Awards, marking a significant achievement in television history.
BNN's Perspective:
September 20th has been a day of both triumph and tragedy. The events of this date highlight the complexities of human history, from artistic achievements and scientific endeavors to political conflicts and natural disasters. It serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience, cooperation, and the enduring impact of significant events.
Keywords: Cannes Film Festival, John F. Kennedy, QE-2, Billie Jean King, Bobby Riggs, Beirut bombing, Whitewater investigation, don't ask don't tell, Hurricane Maria, Schitt's Creek, Emmy Awards, history, September 20th, United States, Puerto Rico, television, politics, sports, natural disaster, terrorism