From pivotal battles to groundbreaking achievements, this week has shaped history in profound ways. June 6 marks the anniversary of D-Day, the daring Allied invasion of Normandy that turned the tide of World War II. The space race reached new heights on June 3 when Ed White became the first American to walk in space, while June 5 remembers the tragic assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. A mix of courage, tragedy, and triumph defines these historic days.
June 3
1943: Zoot Suit Riots Begin
In Los Angeles, clashes erupted between U.S. servicemen and young Mexican Americans, leading to several days of racially charged violence known as the Zoot Suit Riots.
1965: First American Spacewalk
Astronaut Edward H. White II became the first American to conduct a spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission, floating in space for 23 minutes.
June 4
1989: Tiananmen Square Massacre
Chinese troops violently suppressed pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, resulting in hundreds, possibly thousands, of deaths.
1942: Battle of Midway Begins
The pivotal World War II Battle of Midway commenced, leading to a significant U.S. victory over Japan in the Pacific Theater.
June 5
1968: Robert F. Kennedy Assassinated
Senator Robert F. Kennedy was fatally shot in Los Angeles shortly after winning the California Democratic presidential primary.
1950: Supreme Court Ends Segregation in Rail Dining Cars
In Henderson v. United States, the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in railroad dining cars violated the Interstate Commerce Act.
June 6
1944: D-Day – Normandy Landings
Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, landing on the beaches of Normandy, France, marking a turning point in World War II.
1889: Great Seattle Fire
A massive fire destroyed much of Seattle’s central business district, leading to extensive rebuilding efforts.
June 7
1989: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9
For one second this morning, the time is 01:23:45, 6-7-89
2024: Sajak’s Final Spin
2024 Pat Sajak’s final appearance on “Wheel of Fortune” after 43 years – the longest continuous stint by a game show host [1]
June 8
632: Death of Prophet Muhammad
Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, died in Medina, marking a significant moment in Islamic history.
1948: First Porsche Completed
The first vehicle bearing the Porsche name, the 356 model, was completed, laying the foundation for the iconic sports
June 9
1934: Donald Duck Debuts
First appearance of Donald Duck in the cartoon “The Wise Little Hen”
1943: Tax Act Signed Into Law
FDR signs Current Tax Payment Act into law – tax is withheld from worker’s wages to go straight to government
