Today’s Date: Recognition of a poet

December 6

On this day in 1867, HC Andersen was made a honorary citizen of his native town, Odense. Masses of people gathered to celebrate him with a procession of torches through the city. On 6 December 2005, a large statue was erected in Odense to pay homage to the poet who made Denmark world-famous for fairy-tales enjoyed by both children and adults alike.