February 28: What Happened on This Day in History
February 28th marks the 59th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 306 days (307 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on February 28th in history, famous birthdays on February 28th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 28.
What happened on February 28?
Here's what happened on February 28th in history:
- 2020: The United States and Taliban signed a historic peace deal aimed at ending the 18-year conflict in Afghanistan. Under the agreement, US and NATO allies committed to withdrawing troops within 14 months, contingent upon the Taliban's adherence to the negotiated terms. This landmark diplomatic effort sought to bring stability to the war-torn region and conclude America's longest military engagement.
- 2014: On February 28, 2014, unmarked Russian soldiers, often referred to as 'little green men,' began occupying key infrastructure in Crimea. In the early hours, a group of 50–119 armed men in military uniform without identification seized control of Simferopol International Airport and the local TV tower. Later in the day, Sevastopol International Airport was occupied in a similar manner. These actions marked the beginning of Russia's military intervention in Crimea. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2011: On February 28, 2011, Frank Buckles, the last surviving American World War I veteran, passed away at the age of 110. His death marked the end of an era for U.S. veterans of the Great War. source: cbsnews.com
- 2010: On February 28, 2010, Spanish authorities announced the capture of several members of the Basque separatist group ETA. This operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the organization, which has been involved in violent campaigns for independence. source: reuters.com
- 2004: In February 2004, Israel's construction of a separation barrier in the West Bank faced significant international criticism. Human Rights Watch reported that the barrier violated international human rights and humanitarian law, impeding Palestinian access to essential services and resources. The International Court of Justice began hearings on the legal consequences of the barrier, with Israel expressing its intention to defy any external involvement in the matter. source: aljazeera.com
- 1998: The Likoshane massacre occurred on February 28, 1998, when Serbian forces killed several ethnic Albanians. This event was pivotal in escalating the conflict into the Kosovo War, drawing international attention. source: bbc.com
- 1996: The Siege of Sarajevo, which lasted from 1992 to 1996, officially ended on February 28, 1996. This marked a significant moment in the Bosnian War, as the city had endured years of conflict and hardship. The end of the siege allowed for humanitarian efforts and rebuilding to begin in the war-torn region. source: bbc.com
- 1995: On February 28, 1995, Poland experienced significant political changes as it continued to solidify its democratic transition following the fall of communism. This period marked the establishment of a more stable political environment and the strengthening of democratic institutions in the country. source: bbc.com
- 1993: The Waco Siege began when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) attempted to execute a search warrant at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. The raid resulted in a gunfight, leading to a 51-day standoff between the group and federal agents. source: fbi.gov
- 1988: The XV Olympic Winter Games concluded on February 28, 1988, with a closing ceremony at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The event was attended by 60,000 spectators, including 10,000 volunteers who received free admission. This marked the first time a Winter Olympics had a closing ceremony held outdoors. source: britannica.com
What famous birthdays are on February 28?
On February 28th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Mario Andretti]()
Mario Andretti (1940)Mario Andretti is an Italian-born American former racing driver widely regarded as one of the most successful Americans in the history of motorsport. He is one of only two drivers to have won races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship, and NASCAR. Andretti won the 1978 Formula One World Championship, four IndyCar championships, and the Daytona 500, among many … [bio]
![Natalia Vodianova]()
Natalia Vodianova (1982)Natalia Vodianova is a Russian supermodel, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, widely recognized for her successful international modeling career and her extensive charitable work. [bio]
![Bernadette Peters]()
Bernadette Peters (1948)Bernadette Peters is an American actress, singer, and children's book author, widely recognized for her work on Broadway and in film and television. Known for her distinctive voice and critically acclaimed performances, she has become one of the most celebrated interpreters of Stephen Sondheim’s musicals. [bio]
![Dorothy Stratten]()
Dorothy Stratten (1960)Dorothy Stratten was a Canadian model, actress, and Playboy Playmate, who rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She is best known as Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month for August 1979 and Playmate of the Year for 1980. Her promising career was tragically cut short when she was murdered at the age of 20. [bio]
![Paul Krugman]()
Paul Krugman (1953)Paul Krugman is an influential American economist, professor, and author best known for his analysis of international trade, economic geography, and macroeconomic policy. He has made significant contributions to economic theory and is a prolific writer on economic and political issues. [bio]
![Gavin MacLeod]()
Gavin MacLeod (1931)Gavin MacLeod was an American actor best known for his roles as Captain Merrill Stubing on 'The Love Boat' and Murray Slaughter on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show.' His distinctive performances made him an enduring presence on American television throughout the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]
![Gilbert Gottfried]()
Gilbert Gottfried (1955)Gilbert Gottfried was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and voice actor known for his distinctive loud, grating voice and offbeat sense of humor. He became famous for his stand-up routines, roles in films and television, and extensive voice work in animated features. [bio]
![Zero Mostel]()
Zero Mostel (1915)Zero Mostel was an American actor, comedian, and singer, renowned for his versatile stage and film performances, particularly on Broadway and in Hollywood. He became widely recognized for his comedic talents and his dynamic presence in both drama and musical theatre. [bio]
![Ali Larter]()
Ali Larter (1976)Ali Larter is an American actress and model, best known for her roles in the horror films 'Final Destination' and 'Resident Evil', as well as her portrayal of Niki Sanders and Tracy Strauss on the NBC science fiction drama series 'Heroes'. [bio]
![Vincente Minnelli]()
Vincente Minnelli (1903)Vincente Minnelli was an acclaimed American film director, especially known for his work in the musical and melodrama genres during Hollywood's Golden Age. He was the father of actress and singer Liza Minnelli. [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on February 28?
On February 28th the following celebrities died:
![Jim Thorpe]()
Jim Thorpe (1953)Jim Thorpe was an American athlete and Olympic gold medalist, widely regarded as one of the most versatile athletes in modern sports history. Excelling in track and field, football, and baseball, Thorpe was the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States. [bio]
![Ruby Keeler]()
Ruby Keeler (1993)Ruby Keeler was a Canadian-born American actress, singer, and dancer who became a major musical film star in the 1930s, best known for her roles in Warner Bros.' successful Broadway-style musicals such as '42nd Street.' [bio]
![George Kennedy]()
George Kennedy (2016)George Kennedy was an American actor known for his extensive career in film and television, most notably for his roles in 'Cool Hand Luke', 'The Naked Gun' series, and 'Airport.' He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in 'Cool Hand Luke.' [bio]
![Henry Luce]()
Henry Luce (1967)Henry Luce was an influential American magazine publisher and editor, best known for founding several major publications including Time, Fortune, and Life. His innovative approach to journalism and magazine publishing helped shape American media in the 20th century. [bio]
![Mary Stuart]()
![Anny Ondra]()
![Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson]()
![Yaşar Kemal]()
Yaşar Kemal (2015)Renowned Turkish novelist and journalist who was a significant voice in Turkish literature, known for his powerful storytelling about rural...
![Freeman Dyson]()
Freeman Dyson (2020)Renowned theoretical physicist and mathematician who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics, nuclear engineering, and...
![Frankie Lymon]()
Frankie Lymon (1968)Legendary early rock and roll singer known for his exceptional boy soprano voice with the group Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers.
What day of the year is February 28?
February 28th marks the 59th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 306 days remaining until the end of the year (or 307 days in case of leap years).
February 28th is the 28th day of the month of February.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 28?
The zodiac sign associated with February 28th is Pisces according to the Western Zodiac.
