Today in History
Historical Events
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
1976
English comedian, actor
Federico García Lorca
1898
Spanish poet, playwright, director
John Maynard Keynes
1883
English economist
Pancho Villa
1878
Mexican general
Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough
1660
Famous Deaths
Died on this day
Ray Bradbury
2012
American author
Ronald Reagan
2004
American actor, politician, 40th President of the United States
Paul Keres
1975
Estonian chess player
Herbert Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener
1916
English field marshal
Stephen Crane
1900
American journalist, author, poet