This Day In History

Daniel “Uncle Dan” Beard was born on June 21, 1850, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His childhood adventures along the rivers and woods of Kentucky later helped shape the activities and ideals of the Boy Scouts of America.

On June 20, 2017, the USPS issued its first stamp printed with heat-sensitive thermochromic ink, honoring the total solar eclipse expected later that summer. With the touch of a finger, the dark eclipse transformed into a glowing image of the full Moon.

On June 19, 1934, President Franklin Roosevelt signed legislation creating the National Archives. The archives houses billions of historic documents, photographs, maps, videos, and more.

On June 18, 1855, the first ship passed through the Soo Locks, located on the St. Mary’s River between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Today there are four locks, and an average of 10,000 ships pass through them each year.

On June 14, 1846, California settlers staged the Bear Flag Revolt in rebellion against the Mexican government. Their handmade flag, painted with a grizzly bear and a single star, gave the short-lived California Republic its symbol and later inspired the state flag still used today.

On March 3, 1931, the United States officially adopted “The Star-Spangled Banner” as its national anthem. The decision came more than a century after the song was written, ending years of debate and finally giving the nation a single, official anthem.

On June 14, 1777, Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the flag of the United States. Over time, this date became known as Flag Day, with it becoming an official national event in 1949.

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 22, 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill into law creating the US Department of Justice. While the position of attorney general had existed in a part time capacity for decades, it was elevated to a full-time position as head of the new Department of Justice with increased responsibilities.

On June 22, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, also known as the GI Bill, into law.

On June 22, 1943, the first stamp in the Overrun Countries Series, US #909, was issued. These stamps were created to send a message of hope to war-torn residents of the overrun countries.

On June 22, 1946, US Airmail was carried by jet for the first time.  The flight was part of an event to showcase how GE’s aviation products could positively impact people’s lives and the future.