Today in History

Historical Events

1981

The first cases of AIDS are reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described five cases of a rare form of pneumonia, a deadly immune deficiency disease which later became known as AIDS. In 2000, more than 40 million people worldwide were affected by it.

1968

Robert F. Kennedy is assassinated. The attacker, a 24-year old Palestinian, was disgruntled by Kennedy's support for Israel. The brother of former U.S. President, John F. Kennedy, died on the following day.

1967

The Six-Day War begins in the Middle East. Israeli forces launched a surprise attack against Egypt, prompting other Arab allies to enter the conflict. Egypt had previously blocked the Straits of Tiran to Israeli traffic and amassed its troops at the border between the two countries.

1956

Elvis Presley first performs “Hound Dog” live on TV. Presley's suggestive hip movements during this performance earned him his nickname, “Elvis the Pelvis.” “Hound Dog” became his best-selling song with about 10 million sold copies.

1883

The first Orient Express leaves Paris. The legendary train journey from Paris to Istanbul featured in many works of popular culture, including Bram Stoker's “Dracula” and Agatha Christie's “Murder on the Orient Express.“

Famous Births

Born on this day

Ross Noble

Ross Noble

1976

English comedian, actor

Federico García Lorca

Federico García Lorca

1898

Spanish poet, playwright, director

John Maynard Keynes

John Maynard Keynes

1883

English economist

Pancho Villa

Pancho Villa

1878

Mexican general

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough

1660

Famous Deaths

Died on this day

Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury

2012

American author

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan

2004

American actor, politician, 40th President of the United States

Paul Keres

Paul Keres

1975

Estonian chess player

Herbert Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener

Herbert Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener

1916

English field marshal

Stephen Crane

Stephen Crane

1900

American journalist, author, poet