Anniversaries and commemorations come and go daily. Most of us, even the best historians, miss most occasions. If we think of history as events then we are faced with a continually showering in the grains of sand. Nevertheless, we do pick out certain patterns in the remembrance of historical dates. The blog here reminds us of some dates where the local, state, national, and global perspectives entwine.
On 6, Thursday June 1844, George Williams sets up (in London) what is often cited as the first youth organisation in the world – “The Young Men’s Christian Association”, commonly known as YMCA. It would grow to a worldwide organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland, with more than 57 million beneficiaries from 125 national associations. George Williams aimed to put Christian principles into practice by developing a healthy “body, mind, and spirit.” These three angles are reflected by the different sides of the (red) triangle—part of all YMCA logos.
On 6, Friday June 1919, The Hungarian Red Army attacks the Republic of Prekmurje.
On 6, Friday June 1919, Peter Carington, British politician, born (d. 2018)
On 6, Friday June 1919, Doris Merrick, American actress and model
On 6, Tuesday June 1944, Matt Carroll, film and television producer, born.
On 6, Tuesday June 1944, Rene Rivkin, businessman, born (died 2005)
On 6, Tuesday June 1944, WWII: D-Day: 155,000 Allied troops shipped from England land on the beaches of Normandy in northern France, beginning Operation Overlord and the Invasion of Normandy. The Allied soldiers quickly break through the Atlantic Wall and push inland, in the largest amphibious military operation in history. This operation helps liberate France from Germany, and also weakens the Nazi hold on Europe.
On 6, Tuesday June 1944, Phillip Allen Sharp, American scientist, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, born
On 6, Tuesday June 1944, Edgar Froese, German musician, born (d. 2015)
On 6, Tuesday June 1944, Tommie Smith, American athlete, born
On 6, Tuesday June 1944, Joseph Campbell, Northern Irish poet and lyricist, died (b. 1879)
On 6, Tuesday June 1944, Wilhelm Falley, German general (killed in action), died (b. 1897)
On 6, Tuesday June 1944, Don Pratt, American general (killed in action), died (b. 1892)
On 6, Tuesday June 1944, Ker-Xavier Roussel, French painter, died (b. 1867)
On 6, Saturday June 1959, Paul Germain, American television screenwriter and producer, born
On 6, Wednesday June 1979, Ion Idriess, author, died (born 1889)
On 6, Wednesday June 1979, Shanda Sharer, American murder victim, born (d. 1992), born
On 6, Wednesday June 1979, Jack Haley, American actor, died (b. 1897)
On 6, Tuesday June 1989, The Ayatollah Khomeini’s first funeral is aborted by officials after a large crowd storms the funeral procession, nearly destroying Khomeini’s wooden casket in order to get a last glimpse of his body. At one point, Khomeini’s body almost falls to the ground, as the crowd attempt to grab pieces of the death shroud.
On 6, Tuesday June 1989, Bryn McAuley, Canadian actress, born
On 6, Monday June 1994, (6–8) Ceasefire negotiations for the Yugoslav War begin in Geneva; they agree to a one-month cessation of hostilities (which does not last more than a few days).
On 6, Monday June 1994, Barry Sullivan, American actor, died (b. 1912)
On 6, Sunday June 1999, Tony Lockett becomes the greatest goalscorer in VFL/AFL history by overtaking Gordon Coventry’s long held record of 1299 career goals when he scores career goal number 1300 against the Collingwood Magpies at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Tony Lockett announces his retirement on 14 August.
On 6, Sunday June 1999, Anne Haddy, 58, actress, died
On 6, Sunday June 1999, Anne Haddy, Australian actress, died (b. 1930)
On 6, Saturday June 2009, Jean Dausset, French Nobel immunologist, died (b. 1916)
On 6, Friday June 2014, Don Banfield, 97, politician and trade unionist., died
On 6, Friday June 2014, Brian Miller, 93, politician, member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council (1957–1986)., died
Other On This Day days in history
Neville Buch
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