On this day: June 20
On this day, June 20, many significant events have taken place throughout history. From battles to inventions, this date has seen its fair share of important moments. Let’s take a look at some of the key events that have occurred on June 20 throughout the years.
1782: Congress Adopts the Great Seal of the United States
On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the Great Seal of the United States. The seal features the bald eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom, clutching arrows and an olive branch. The arrows represent the country’s readiness for war, while the olive branch signifies a desire for peace. The Great Seal is still used today on official documents and government buildings.
1837: Queen Victoria Ascends to the British Throne
On June 20, 1837, Queen Victoria ascended to the British throne at the age of 18. She would go on to become one of the longest-reigning monarchs in British history, ruling for over 63 years. Queen Victoria’s reign was known as the Victorian era, a time of great social, economic, and technological change in Britain.
1863: West Virginia Becomes a State
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia became the 35th state to join the Union. The state was formed during the Civil War as a result of the secession of Virginia. West Virginia played a key role in the war, providing troops and resources to the Union army. Today, West Virginia is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
1948: The Berlin Airlift Begins
On June 20, 1948, the Berlin Airlift began in response to the Soviet Union’s blockade of West Berlin. Allied forces flew in supplies to the city to prevent a humanitarian crisis. The airlift lasted for over a year and was a major Cold War event, showcasing the determination of the Western powers to stand up to Soviet aggression.
1963: The Beatles Release “Twist and Shout”
On June 20, 1963, The Beatles released their cover of “Twist and Shout” as a single in the United States. The song became a huge hit, reaching the top of the charts and solidifying The Beatles’ popularity in the US. “Twist and Shout” remains one of the band’s most iconic songs to this day.
1987: The Voyager 2 Spacecraft Reaches Neptune
On June 20, 1987, the Voyager 2 spacecraft reached Neptune, becoming the first and only spacecraft to visit the distant planet. Voyager 2 sent back stunning images and data about Neptune’s atmosphere, moons, and rings. The mission provided valuable insights into the outer planets of our solar system.
2001: Andrea Yates Found Guilty of Drowning Her Children
On June 20, 2001, Andrea Yates was found guilty of drowning her five children in a bathtub at her home in Texas. Yates suffered from severe postpartum depression and psychosis at the time of the murders. Her case sparked a national conversation about mental health and the criminal justice system’s handling of individuals with mental illness.
2013: Edward Snowden Leaks NSA Documents
On June 20, 2013, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked classified documents to the media, revealing the extent of the US government’s surveillance programs. Snowden’s actions sparked a global debate about privacy, security, and government surveillance. Snowden remains a controversial figure, with some viewing him as a whistleblower and others as a traitor.
Conclusion
June 20 has been a day filled with important events throughout history. From the adoption of the Great Seal of the United States to the Voyager 2 spacecraft reaching Neptune, this date has seen a wide range of significant moments. These events have shaped our world and continue to impact us today.
