On December 21, 1945, General George S. Patton died from injuries he received in a car crash 12 days earlier. His death came mere months after the end of World War II, in which he’d commanded troops in some of the war’s major battles.
Singer, songwriter, and actress Édith Giovanna Gassion, better known as Édith Piaf was born on December 19, 1915, in Belleville, Paris, France. She was France’s most popular singer in the 1940s, earning worldwide acclaim for her signature song “La Vie en Rose.”
James “Jimmy” Doolittle was born on December 14, 1896, in Alameda, California. A pioneering aviator with many “firsts” to his name, he’s best remembered as the leader and namesake of the “Doolittle” Raid on Japan during World War II.
On December 8, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered his “Atoms for Peace” speech, introducing his goal of using nuclear power for peace.
On December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers attacked American troops at Pearl Harbor, launching the US into World War II.
On November 27, 1924, New York City hosted its first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Hailed as the world’s largest parade, the popular event boasts over 3.5 million spectators every year!
Journalist and author Arnold Eric Sevareid was born on November 26, 1912, in Velva, North Dakota. After fearlessly reporting from the front lines during World War II, he went on to have a successful career in television news.
On November 21, 1848, the first American Turners gymnastic union was established in Cincinnati, Ohio. Still in existence today, the Turners were honored with a stamp marking their 100th anniversary in 1948.
On November 20, 1889, one of the world’s most renowned astronomers, Edwin Hubble, was born. Hubble discovered and classified galaxies beyond ours and his studies revealed an expanding universe. His name lives on today through the Hubble Telescope, which has provided incredibly clear images of deep space for over 30 years.