On this day: June 15
June 15 has been a significant day throughout history, with many important events taking place on this date. From political milestones to cultural achievements, June 15 has seen it all. Let’s take a look back at some of the key events that have occurred on this day.
1775: George Washington Appointed Commander-in-Chief
On June 15, 1775, the Second Continental Congress appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. This marked a crucial moment in the American Revolutionary War, as Washington would go on to lead the colonists to victory against the British forces.
1215: King John Signs the Magna Carta
On June 15, 1215, King John of England signed the Magna Carta, a historic document that limited the power of the monarchy and established the principle of rule of law. The Magna Carta is considered a foundational document in the development of constitutional law and individual rights.
1836: Arkansas Becomes the 25th State
On June 15, 1836, Arkansas was admitted to the Union as the 25th state. The territory had been part of the Louisiana Purchase and had undergone significant growth and development before achieving statehood.
1904: The General Slocum Disaster
On June 15, 1904, the steamship General Slocum caught fire in the East River in New York City, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 passengers. The disaster remains one of the deadliest maritime accidents in U.S. history.
1944: D-Day in the Pacific
On June 15, 1944, American forces launched an amphibious assault on the Japanese-held island of Saipan in the Pacific during World War II. The battle was a crucial turning point in the war in the Pacific, as the capture of Saipan provided a strategic base for further Allied operations.
1963: Valentina Tereshkova Becomes the First Woman in Space
On June 15, 1963, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel to space. She orbited the Earth 48 times aboard the Vostok 6 spacecraft, paving the way for future female astronauts.
1978: The Rainbow Flag Debuts as a Symbol of LGBTQ Pride
On June 15, 1978, the rainbow flag was first used as a symbol of LGBTQ pride during the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. Designed by artist Gilbert Baker, the flag has since become an iconic emblem of the LGBTQ rights movement.
1985: The Live Aid Concerts Raise Funds for Famine Relief
On June 15, 1985, the Live Aid concerts were held in London and Philadelphia, featuring performances by some of the biggest music stars of the time. The concerts raised millions of dollars for famine relief in Africa and raised awareness of the global issue.
2015: The Charleston Church Shooting
On June 15, 2015, a white supremacist opened fire during a prayer service at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine people. The tragic event sparked a national conversation about race relations and gun violence in the United States.
These are just a few of the many significant events that have taken place on June 15 throughout history. From political milestones to cultural achievements, this date has seen a wide range of important moments that have shaped the world we live in today.
