“The Fast and the Furious” Released
On June 22, 2001, the blockbuster hit movie “The Fast and the Furious” was released in theaters. Directed by Rob Cohen and starring Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, this action-packed film about street racing, heists, and family loyalty captivated audiences around the world and kicked off one of the most successful film franchises in cinema […]
FDR Signs the G.I. Bill
The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, commonly known as the G.I. Bill, was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 22, 1944. This landmark legislation was designed to provide a range of benefits for returning World War II veterans, including low-cost mortgages, loans to start a business or farm, and tuition and living expenses […]
Congress Issues Continental Currency
On June 22, 1775, in an effort to fund the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress authorized the issuance of a new currency known as “Continental Currency.” This was the fledgling nation’s first attempt to establish a standard form of money, albeit one that would face significant challenges due to inflation and counterfeiting. Despite its eventual […]
The KKK Kills Three Civil Rights Activists
On the night of June 21, 1964, three civil rights activists, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, were abducted and murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan near Philadelphia, Mississippi. These young men were participating in the Freedom Summer campaign aimed at registering African American voters in the South. Their tragic deaths highlighted […]
Zachary Taylor and Richard Nixon Marry Future First Ladies
June 21, 1810, and June 21, 1940, marked the wedding days of two future U.S. Presidents to their first ladies. Zachary Taylor, who would become the 12th President of the United States, married Margaret Mackall Smith, while Richard Nixon, who would become the 37th President, married Thelma Catherine “Pat” Ryan. These unions not only shaped […]
U.S. Constitution Ratified
On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth and last necessary state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, thereby officially enacting it. The ratification marked a monumental step in the unification and governance of the young nation, establishing the framework for the federal government and the rights of the states. The Constitution has since stood […]
“Jaws” Released in Theaters
On June 20, 1975, the movie “Jaws” was released in theaters across the United States. Directed by Steven Spielberg, “Jaws” is considered a watershed moment in film history, effectively creating the summer blockbuster genre. The film’s success was driven by its thrilling narrative, innovative cinematography, and memorable musical score. “Jaws” not only had a profound […]
Boxer Rebellion Begins in China
The Boxer Rebellion, a violent anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising, began in earnest on June 20, 1900, when Boxers, supported by the Qing Dynasty, laid siege to the Legation Quarter of Beijing where foreigners and Chinese Christians sought refuge. This conflict was driven by widespread resentment against foreign influence, economic distress, and imperialist exploitation. The Boxer […]
West Virginia Enters the Union
On June 20, 1863, amidst the turmoil of the Civil War, West Virginia was admitted to the Union as the 35th state, the only state to form by separating from a Confederate state (Virginia). This event was marked by years of disagreement over secession and significant differences in economic and social structures between the western […]
Construction Begins on the Global Seed Vault
Construction began on the Global Seed Vault on June 19, 2006, in Svalbard, Norway. Often referred to as the “Doomsday” Seed Vault, this facility is designed to store duplicates of seeds from the world’s crop collections. It serves as a backup to protect against the accidental loss of diversity in traditional genebanks due to mismanagement, […]