Daily Archives: May 30, 2015

First Lady Bess Truman christens ambulance plane 70 years ago today (May 30 1945)

1940s, U.S. Presidents, World War II


Video: 'Harry S. Truman — Bess Truman Christens an Ambulance Plane'

(Wednesday, May 30, 1945, Memorial Day; during World War II) — In her first public appearance as first lady, Bess Truman today tried to christen an ambulance plane at Washington’s National Airport with a unprepared bottle of champagne. Eventually a hammer is employed against the bubbly (click here for a clip of this event from “American Experience: Truman” at 1:51:40).

Babe Ruth plays his last game 80 years ago today (May 30 1935)

1930s

(Thursday, May 30, 1935, Memorial Day) — Babe Ruth, 40, today played in his last ever major league baseball game (for the Boston Braves), leaving after the first inning of the first of a double-header against the Philadelphia Phillies, who won both games.

On June 2, 1935, Ruth was given his unconditional release by the Boston Braves, and he announced his retirement from baseball.