December 19: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2021: Gabriel Boric, a former student activist and left-wing politician, was elected as the President of Chile, making history as the youngest president in the country's democratic era. At 35 years old, Boric represents a generational shift in Chilean politics, emerging from the student protest movements of 2011 to become a national political leader. His election signaled a significant political transformation in Chile, moving away from traditional conservative politics towards a more progressive, youth-driven political approach.
• 2014: The Pakistan Armed Forces conducted targeted military operations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, neutralizing 77 militants as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
• 2011: For the fourth consecutive day, fighting continues at Cairo's Tahrir Square, highlighting ongoing political unrest and demonstrations in Egypt during the Arab Spring period.
• 2004: Herbert C. Brown, a renowned British-born American chemist and Nobel Prize laureate, passed away. Brown was a significant scientific figure known for his groundbreaking work in organic chemistry and boron chemistry.
• 2002: Roh Moo-hyun of the Millennium Democratic Party wins a narrow presidential election in South Korea, signaling potential shifts in regional political dynamics.
• 1999: Desmond Llewelyn, the beloved Welsh actor famous for portraying Q, the gadget master in multiple James Bond films from 1963 to 1999, passed away. He was a iconic figure in the spy film franchise, appearing in 17 Bond movies and becoming a fan-favorite character who outfitted James Bond with ingenious technological devices.
• 1995: Queen Elizabeth II intervened in the troubled marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, formally requesting their divorce. This marked a pivotal moment in the royal family's personal and public history, signaling the breakdown of one of the most high-profile marriages of the 20th century.
• 1988: Paulina Gretzky, daughter of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, was born. She would later become a social media personality and occasional actress known for her high-profile presence in sports and entertainment circles.
• 1985: Mary Lund made medical history on December 19, 1985, by becoming the first woman to receive a Jarvik VII artificial heart, marking a significant milestone in cardiovascular medical technology and surgical innovation.
• 1981: On December 19, 1981, a powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Aegean Sea region, potentially causing significant geological disruption and potential damage to coastal areas. This major seismic event would have had substantial implications for local communities and regional geological understanding.

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December 19th marks the 353rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 354th in case of leap years).

There are 12 days remaining until the end of the year.

December 19th is the 19th day of the month of December.

What day of the week is December 19?

On December 19th, 2025 the day of the week is Friday.

Holidays and Observances on December 19

The zodiac sign associated with December 19th is Sagittarius according to the Western Zodiac.

More about December 19 zodiac

What is special about the Sagittarius sign?

• Sagittarius personality traits and attitude
• Sagittarius most and least compatible signs
• Why December born are so special