Navy
The First Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom by the Emancipation Proclamation (issued two years prior). The day the last American slaves were freed has become a holiday celebrated officially in 45 states.
America Declares War on Great Britain
Just 29 years after gaining independence, the United States took on the greatest naval power in the world by declaring war on June 18, 1812, in what would become America’s “Second War of Independence.”
Birth of General Winfield Scott
Winfield Scott was born on June 13, 1786, in Dinwiddie County, Virginia.
Allies Win Battle of Midway
On June 7, 1942, the Allies won the Battle of Midway in the Pacific, turning the tide of the war.
Bobby Kennedy Assassinated
Robert F. (Bobby) Kennedy was shot by an assassin on June 5, 1968, and died from his wounds early the next day.
Sinking of the Lusitania
On May 7, 1915, a German U-boat torpedoed and sunk the Lusitania.
Battle of the Coral Sea Begins
On May 4, 1942, the World War II Battle of the Coral Sea began. It was the first fight between aircraft carriers; in fact, the ships weren’t even in sight of each other.