Daily Archives: April 12, 2025

Harry S. Truman sworn in as 33rd President of the United States 80 years ago this hour (Apr 12 1945)

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


Video: 'Truman Being Sworn In (1945)'

(Thursday, April 12, 1945, 7:09 p.m. Eastern War Time; during World War II) — Vice President Harry S. Truman of Missouri, 60, standing erect, with his sharp features taut and looking straight ahead through his large, round glasses, became the 33rd President of the United States tonight in a ceremony lasting not more than a minute in the Cabinet Room of the White House. Continue reading Harry S. Truman sworn in as 33rd President of the United States 80 years ago this hour (Apr 12 1945) →

U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 63, dies of a cerebral hemorrhage 80 years ago this hour (Apr 12 1945)

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


Video: 'Death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt' (Apr. 12, 1945, at 0:00-2:00)

(Thursday, April 12, 1945, 3:35 p.m. Central War Time; during World War II) — Franklin Delano Roosevelt, War President of the United States and the only Chief Executive in history who was chosen for more than two terms, died suddenly and unexpectedly today at Warm Springs, Georgia. He was 63. Continue reading U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 63, dies of a cerebral hemorrhage 80 years ago this hour (Apr 12 1945) →

‘Philadelphia Freedom’ by The Elton John Band peaks at #1 in USA 50 years ago today (Apr 12 1975)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s

(Saturday, April 12, 1975) — “Philadelphia Freedom” by The Elton John Band peaks at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks (Apr. 12/19, 1975). Continue reading ‘Philadelphia Freedom’ by The Elton John Band peaks at #1 in USA 50 years ago today (Apr 12 1975) →

U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt suffers massive stroke 80 years ago this hour (Apr 12 1945)

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


Video: 'FDR: A Presidency Revealed: Part 18' (Apr. 12, 1945, at 7:22)

(Thursday, April 12, 1945, approximately 1:00 p.m. Central War Time; during World War II) — U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 63, was stricken by a massive cerebral hemorrhage (stroke) today at his retreat in Warm Springs, Georgia, while artist Elizabeth Shoumatoff painted his portrait in the living room in the presence of Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd (with whom he had resumed an extramarital affair), two cousins and his dog Fala. Continue reading U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt suffers massive stroke 80 years ago this hour (Apr 12 1945) →

Nazi transit camp Westerbork liberated 80 years ago today (Apr 12 1945)

1940s, The Holocaust, World War II


Video: 'Camp Westerbork: the 'Perfect Camp' in German-Occupied Netherlands in World War II'

(Thursday, April 12, 1945; part of The Holocaust during World War II) — The Nazi transit camp Westerbork near Hooghalen, in the northeastern Netherlands, where Romani and Dutch Jews were assembled for transport to other Nazi concentration camps, was liberated today by Canadian troops. Continue reading Nazi transit camp Westerbork liberated 80 years ago today (Apr 12 1945) →

Formal ceremony marks disbandment of the Army of Northern Virginia 160 years ago this (Apr 12 1865)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Ken.Burns.The.Civil.War.8of9.War.Is.All.Hell' (Apr. 12, 1865, at 1:00:43)

(Wednesday, April 12, 1865 estimated between 9:00-10:00 a.m. local time; during the American Civil War) — A formal ceremony today marked the disbandment of the Army of Northern Virginia and the parole of its officers and men, effectively ending the war in Virginia. Continue reading Formal ceremony marks disbandment of the Army of Northern Virginia 160 years ago this (Apr 12 1865) →

Sen. Jake Garn becomes first sitting member of Congress to fly in space 40 years ago this hour (Apr 12 1985)

1980s


Video: 'STS-51D launch & landing (4-12-85)'

(Friday, April 12, 1985, 13:59:05 UTC) — A crew of seven, including Sen. Jake Garn (R-Utah), the first sitting member of Congress to fly in space, rocketed into orbit today aboard the space shuttle Discovery to deliver two satellites and conduct a variety of scientific tests.

Last Americans leave Cambodia 50 years ago today (Apr 12 1975)

1970s, Cold War, Vietnam War


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History (Ep-9) Cambodia and Laos' (Apr. 12, 1975, at 49:12)

(Saturday, April 12, 1975; during the Cambodian Civil War, part of the Vietnam War, Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Operation Eagle Pull, the United States military evacuation by air of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, began today as helicopters rescued remaining Americans to a naval task force in the Gulf of Thailand.