What is celebrated on November 18, and what significant events took place on this day?

On Monday, November 18, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the Armed Forces Sergeant. This professional holiday was established in 2019 to honor the sergeants and chief sergeants who play a crucial role in Ukraine's defense capabilities.

This day also marks the European Day for the Protection of Children from Violence and Sexual Exploitation. This day was established by the Council of Europe in 2015 to draw attention to the issue of violence against children and the importance of their protection.

Additionally, November 18 is celebrated as International Oyster Day. This holiday is dedicated to the exquisite delicacy of oysters, which have a rich history of consumption and are considered a symbol of luxury and sophistication.

Moreover, November 18 marks the Global Week of Awareness on Drugs. Held annually, this initiative aims to raise awareness about issues related to drug use and includes a series of measures focused on prevention and informing the public about the risks and consequences of drug consumption.

Believers honor the memory of Saints Platon and Roman.

Memorable events:

• 1918 - The independence of the Latvian Republic was proclaimed; Karlis Ulmanis was elected as the first head of government;
• 1928 - The animated film "Steamboat Willie" produced by Walt Disney was released. This day is considered the birthday of Mickey Mouse, the company’s symbol.
• 1935 - The Warsaw trial against a group of OUN members began. Both foreign and local press published the speeches of the defendants, who managed to sway many sympathizers to their side (it ended on January 13, 1936);
• 1935 - The Freedom Monument was unveiled in Riga;
• 1990 - Mstyslav Skripnik arrived from the USA in Kyiv, where his enthronement as the patriarch of the UAPC took place at St. Sophia Cathedral;
• 2005 - The U.S. Senate lifted the restrictive Jackson-Vanik amendment for Ukraine;
• 2007 - A methane explosion at the rented enterprise "Mine named after Zasyadko" (Donetsk) resulted in the deaths of 100 miners (one more later died in the hospital).