Military
Birth of John Singleton Copley
John Singleton Copley was born on July 3, 1738, in Boston, Province of Massachusetts Bay. Copley was one of Colonial America’s most successful artists and went on to have a thriving career in Europe.
Birth of Lou Nolan
Stamp and poster artist Louis James Nolan Jr. was born on June 28, 1926, in Washington, DC. During his long career, he designed several military recruiting posters and over a dozen US stamps.
Happy Birthday Henry “Hap” Arnold
General of the Air Force Henry “Hap” Arnold was born on June 25, 1886, in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. He was an early supporter of military air power, and later became the Air Force’s first five-star general.
Birth of James Montgomery Flagg
Noted artist and illustrator James Montgomery Flagg was born on June 18, 1877, in Pelham Manor, New York. He painted dozens of memorable posters, book covers, magazine covers, and more, with the most notable being his interpretation of Uncle Sam.
Arlington National Cemetery
On June 15, 1864, Arlington National Cemetery was officially established. Arlington was created to provide a burial site for the increasing number of fallen soldiers during the Civil War.
Lafayette Arrives in America
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.”
Birth of George H.W. Bush
George Herbert Walker Bush was born on June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts. As America’s 41st president, he led the US through conflicts in Panama and Iraq, helped bring about the end of the Soviet Union, and negotiated treaties to reduce the number of global nuclear weapons. At home, Bush fought against rising drug use and cracked down on the drug trade.
Birth of Sylvanus Thayer
“The Father of West Point,” Sylvanus Thayer was born on June 9, 1785, in Braintree, Massachusetts. During his 16 years as superintendent, Thayer transformed West Point into one of the finest military academies in the world.
Allies Free Rome
On June 4, 1944, Allied troops entered Rome, Italy, freeing it from German control. This marked the start of the final phase of WWII, during which American bombers would be able to hit targets in Eastern Germany for the first time.