August 11 historical events include Pakistan adopting its national flag and the first prisoners arriving at Alcatraz.
On August 11, history recorded events that shaped nations and institutions. In 1947, Pakistan adopted its national flag, just before three days of their Independence Day a symbol of its Islamic identity, cultural heritage, and commitment to unity.
On the same date in 1934, Alcatraz Island received its first group of federal prisoners, marking the beginning of its notorious era as America’s most secure penitentiary. The day also witnessed the Beatles’ US film premiere in 1964 and Germany’s declaration as a republic in 1919.
Pakistan formally adopted its national flag on August 11, 1947, just three days before Independence Day. The design drew inspiration from the original flag of the All-India Muslim League. Syed Amir-uddin Kedwaii created it, and the Constituent Assembly approved it the same day.
The flag features a dark green field representing the Muslim majority and a white vertical stripe on the hoist side represents religious minorities and the nation’s pledge to protect their rights. A white crescent in the green section stands for progress, while a five-pointed star represents light and knowledge.
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The green honours Islamic traditions. The white stripe reinforces Pakistan’s foundation as a homeland for Muslims that also respects diversity and inclusion. The crescent and star, recognised symbols of the Islamic world, also express Pakistan’s aspirations for growth, enlightenment, and hope for the future.
On August 11, 1934, the first group of federal prisoners arrived at Alcatraz Island, located in the cold waters of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz had served as a military prison before becoming a high-security federal facility. Authorities designed it to hold the most dangerous and escape-prone criminals in the United States.
That morning, officials transferred 137 inmates from Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary in Kansas and other prisons. They travelled under tight security by train to San Francisco and then by guarded boat to “The Rock.” The list included bank robbers, murderers, and gangsters too difficult to manage elsewhere. Later, Alcatraz would confine notorious figures like Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.”
The prison’s isolation offered its greatest defence. Surrounding waters carried frigid temperatures, swift currents, and strong tides, making escape nearly impossible. Prisoners spent long hours in isolation or performing labour under close watch.
The transfer of the first prisoners required careful coordination and dozens of armed guards, US Marshals, and Coast Guard patrols ensured no escape attempt during the move. This operation set the tone for the prison’s next 29 years of operation.
1964 – The Beatles’ First Feature Film Premiered in the US
On this day in 1964, the Beatles brought their first feature film, A Hard Day’s Night, to New York City.
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1919 – Germany Declared a Republic
On August 11, 1919, Germany declared itself a republic after Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated the throne and the announcement marked the birth of the Weimar Republic.
