Overview

August 19 is the 231st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar and the 232nd in leap years. After August 19 there are 134 days remaining until the end of a common year. The date falls toward the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and is commonly associated with the astrological sign Leo.

Calendar position and characteristics

Because calendars are conventions that align civic, religious and astronomical cycles, August 19 may carry different seasonal or cultural connotations depending on location. In countries that use the Gregorian calendar the date is fixed; in contexts that follow other calendars the corresponding day can vary. It sits roughly three weeks before the autumnal transition in the temperate zone.

Notable historical events

Several well-known events across history occurred on August 19. A selection of widely reported examples includes:

  • AD 14 — The Roman emperor Augustus died, an event that marked a major transition in early imperial Rome.
  • 1883 — The birth of fashion designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who later became influential in 20th-century style.
  • 1871 — The birth of Orville Wright, later co-inventor of the first successful powered airplane; the date is commemorated in the United States as National Aviation Day.
  • 1942 — The Dieppe Raid, an Allied amphibious assault on the French coast during World War II, took place on this date.
  • 1991 — The attempted coup in the Soviet Union, often called the August Coup, began on August 19 and had major political consequences for the USSR.

Observances and cultural notes

August 19 is observed for several international and national causes. The United Nations and many humanitarian organizations mark World Humanitarian Day on August 19 to honor aid workers and raise awareness about humanitarian crises. In the United States the date is also linked to National Aviation Day in recognition of Orville Wright’s birthday. Local, religious or civic commemorations also occur on this date in various countries.

Births and deaths (selected)

  • Notable births: Orville Wright (1871), Coco Chanel (1883).
  • Notable deaths: Augustus (AD 14), among others recorded in historical annals.

As with any calendar date, August 19 has accumulated a range of political, cultural and personal associations over centuries. It is used as a reference point in history, commemoration and popular culture, and continues to serve as the anniversary for events and observances around the world.