America’s First Theme Park
On August 3, 1946, the first themed amusement park in America opened in Santa Claus, Indiana.
World War II
Allied Invasion of Sicily
On July 10, 1943, the Allies launched their successful invasion of Sicily, dubbed Operation Husky.
U.S. Begins Issuing Stamps in Philippines
On June 30, 1899, the American military government issued its first stamps in the Philippines. Spanish colonization of the Philippines began in 1565 and continued for more than three centuries. In the late 1800s, the people of the Philippines revolted against the atrocities of their Spanish rulers. At the same time, unrest was growing in the Spanish colony of Cuba.
Inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was inaugurated as the 265th Pope of the Catholic Church on April 24, 2005.
Happy Birthday Bette Davis
Actress Ruth “Bette” Elizabeth Davis was born on April 5, 1908, in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Birth of Arturo Toscanini
Conductor Arturo Toscanini was born on March 25, 1867, in Parma, Italy.
Victory at Guadalcanal
On February 9, 1943, the Allies claimed a major victory and marked the end of the Guadalcanal Campaign.
Audie Murphy Earns Medal of Honor
On January 26, 1945, Audie Murphy single-handedly held off an entire company of German soldiers at the Colmar Pocket, an action that earned him the Medal of Honor.
Death of former President Harry Truman
On December 26, 1972, America’s 33rd president, Harry S. Truman, died.