A closer look at key historic events that took place on July 9:

In 2011, South Sudan declares its independence

After decades of civil conflict and a peace agreement with Sudan, South Sudan officially became an independent nation. The historic event marked the beginning of South Sudan’s journey as a sovereign state, as it became the newest country in the world.

epa02810422 A handout picture release by United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) shows Sudanese soldiers raising the South Sudanese flag, during the preparations for the celebrations of the independence of the Republic of South Sudan, Juba, South Sudan, 05 July 2011. Intensive preparations including rehearsals and construction are ongoing for the celebrations of South Sudan independence due to take place on 09 July. EPA/PAUL BANKS/HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

In 2001, the British TV series The Office debuts

Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, “The Office” introduced audiences to the comedic and sometimes awkward lives of employees at the Wernham-Hogg paper company. The show’s unique mockumentary style and dry humor gave new strength to television comedy and inspired an American adaptation.

In 1995, Jerry Garcia performs his final concert with the Grateful Dead

The legendary guitarist and frontman of the Grateful Dead played his last show with the band at Soldier Field in Chicago. Garcia’s passing a month later marked the end of an era for the iconic rock group, which had been a cornerstone of the counterculture movement.

ARCHIV -Archivbild (1994) zeigt den amerikanischen Rockmusiker Jerry Garcia. Gut ein Jahr nach dem Tod von Jerry Garcia hat Grateful-Dead-Drummer Mickey Hart rin Soloalbum vorgelegt. Das Project ‘Mistery Box’ hat insgesamt vier Jahre Arbeit erfordert. (AP Photo/Archiv/Toby Talbot)

In 1979, the Voyager 2 spacecraft flies past Jupiter

Voyager 2 provided groundbreaking images and data about Jupiter and its moons, contributing significantly to our understanding of the giant planet. This flyby was part of NASA’s ambitious mission to explore the outer planets of the solar system.

NASA / JPL / Ian Regan

In 1956, American actor Tom Hanks is born

Tom Hanks, known for his versatility in lead roles, has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved and respected actors. His career includes iconic roles in films such as Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan and Cast Away.

epa08936136 (FILE) – Tom Hanks speaks during the 92nd annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, USA, 09 February 2020 (reissued 13 January 2021). According to media reports, Tom Hanks will host a TV special during the celebration of the inauguration of Joe Biden as next President of the United States on 20 January 2021. EPA/ETIENNE LAURENT *** Local Caption *** 55863985

In 1850, U.S. President Zachary Taylor dies in office

President Zachary Taylor (born in 1784), the 12th president of the United States, passed away after only 16 months in office. Remarkably, his grandson, John McCain IV, who was born in 1938, is still alive today!

By Zachary_Taylor_half_plate_daguerreotype_c1843-45.png: unknown, possibly Maguire of New Orleansderivative work: Beao – Zachary_Taylor_half_plate_daguerreotype_c1843-45.png, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=149838718

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