This Day In History

On June 12, 1963, civil rights activist Medgar Evers was killed while standing in his own driveway. As Mississippi’s first NAACP field secretary, Evers led voter registration drives, investigated racial violence, pushed to desegregate schools and public spaces, and became one of the state’s most visible voices for justice.

On June 11, 1944, the USS Missouri was commissioned into the US Navy, giving America one of the most powerful battleships ever built. Within 15 months, the ship known as “Mighty Mo” would help fight the last major battles of World War II and host the ceremony that formally ended the war.

On June 10, 2005, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) printed its last US stamp. The Bureau first began printing US postage stamps in 1894 and for 75 years, printed nearly all US stamps.

On June 9, 1973, Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes race, becoming the first US Triple Crown winner in 25 years.

On June 10, 2005, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) printed its last US stamp. The Bureau first began printing US postage stamps in 1894 and for 75 years, printed nearly all US stamps.

On June 8, 1997, the ninth US stamp show came to an end. Pacific ’97 was the first IPEX (International Philatelic Exhibition) held on the West Coast.

On June 7, 2002, the USPS issued the Heroes of 2001 Semipostal stamp to honor emergency workers who responded to the September 11 attacks. The stamp turned ordinary mail into a small act of support for families who had lost loved ones or whose loved ones had been permanently disabled in the line of duty.

On June 6, 1955, the US Post Office issued its first and only Certified Mail Stamp, US #FA1. The stamp gave mail special protection and provided the sender with proof of delivery.

On June 13, 2002, the USPS issued the final sheet in the Classic Collection Series. The popular series ran for 6 years and included 11 stamp sheets, including one of the most famous stamp errors of modern history.

On June 13, 1987, the North American Wildlife sheet became the third US 50-stamp se-tenant.  It was also the third stamp issue with a First Day ceremony outside of the US, in Canada.   

Winfield Scott was born on June 13, 1786, in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. Nicknamed “Old Fuss and Feathers” and the “Grand Old Man of the Army,” he was one of America’s longest-serving military commanders.

On June 13, 1777, the Marquis de Lafayette arrived in America to offer his services in the Revolutionary War.  He would become like a son to George Washington and was soon known as “the hero of two worlds.”