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On this day in history - June 26

What Happened On This Day – June 26

  • 1963 U.S. President John F. Kennedy holds his iconic “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech

    The speech was a welcome gesture of support for the people of West Berlin. East Germany had erected the Berlin Wall just two years earlier to stop mass emigration to the West.

  • 1945 The United Nations Charter is signed

    The United Nations is the world's most important international organization.

  • 1936 The world's first practical helicopter lifts off

    The twin-rotor Focke-Wulf Fw 61 was first tested in Bremen, Germany. None of the first prototypes survived World War II but a replica can be seen at the Hubschraubermuseum in Bückeburg, Germany.

  • 1925 Charlie Chaplin's film “The Gold Rush” receives its premiere

    The comedy featuring Chaplin in his famous Little Tramp role is a classic of the silent film genre. The English star actor repeatedly stated that this is the film he wants to be remembered for.

  • 1906 The first Grand Prix car race is held

    The competition was held on a circuit around Le Mans, France and organized by the Automobile Club de France (ACF). Renault's Ferenc Szisz won the competition.

Illustration of stork, signifying birth

Births On This Day,
June 26

  • 1980 Michael Vick

    American football player

  • 1961 Greg LeMond

    American cyclist

  • 1942 Gilberto Gil

    Brazilian singer-songwriter, guitarist, politician

  • 1909 Colonel Tom Parker

    Dutch/American talent manager

  • 1908 Salvador Allende

    Chilean physician, politician

Illustration of tombstone, signifying death

Deaths On This Day,
June 26

  • 1975 Josemaría Escrivá

    Spanish priest, saint, founded Opus Dei

  • 1957 Alfred Döblin

    German writer

  • 1856 Max Stirner

    German philosopher

  • 1830 George IV of the United Kingdom

  • 1810 Joseph-Michel Montgolfier

    French inventor, co-invented the hot air balloon