Video: 'The Eternal Fight (1948) - Birth of the World Health Organization'
(Wednesday, April 7, 1948) — The World Health Organization (WHO), created under the auspices of the United Nations to meet medical problems on an international scale, was established today, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Continue reading World Health Organization founded in Geneva 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 7 1948)
Video: 'US President Truman signs the historic Marshall Plan and makes a short statement ...HD Stock Footage'
(Saturday, April 3, 1948, 12:00 p.m. EST; during the Cold War) — President Harry S. Truman today signed the Foreign Assistance Act of 1948, better known as the Marshall Plan, designed to help rebuild Western European economies after the end of World War II and prevent the spread of Communism. Continue reading Truman signs Marshall Plan to aid Europe 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 3 1948)
Video: 'Al Gore: Mini Biography'
(Wednesday, March 31, 1948) — Al Gore, the 45th Vice President of the United States who served under President Bill Clinton (1993-2001) and as the 2000 Democratic nominee, won the presidential popular vote (but narrowly lost the Electoral College), was born Albert Arnold Gore Jr. today in Washington, D.C. Continue reading U.S. Vice President Al Gore born 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 31 1948)
Video: 'Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House' trailer
(Thursday, March 25, 1948, doors opened at 9:30 a.m. EST) — Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, an American comedy film about a New York businessman whose dream of a country home is shattered when he buys a tumbledown rural shack, opened today at the Astor Theatre in New York City. Continue reading ‘Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House’ opens 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 25 1948)
Video: 'The 20th Academy Awards in 1948'
(Saturday, March 20, 1948, 8:15-10:13 p.m. PST) — Gentleman’s Agreement, a drama film about a reporter who pretends to be Jewish in order to cover a story on anti-Semitism, won three Oscars tonight, including Best Motion Picture, Best Director (Elia Kazan) and Best Supporting Actress (Celeste Holm) at the 20th Academy Awards ceremony at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Continue reading ‘Gentleman’s Agreement’ wins Best Picture 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 20 1948)
(Saturday, March 13, 1948) — “Mañana (Is Soon Enough for Me)” by Peggy Lee with Dave Barbour and The Brazilians peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for nine consecutive weeks (Mar. 13/20/27, Apr. 3/10/17/24, May 1/8, 1948). Continue reading ‘Mañana (Is Soon Enough for Me)’ by Peggy Lee peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 13 1948)
Video: 'McCollum v. Board of Education' (Mar. 8, 1948, at 48:41)
(Monday, March 8, 1948) — The Supreme Court, in McCollum v. Board of Education, struck down today voluntary religious education classes in public school buildings during school hours, saying the program violated separation of church and state. Continue reading Religious teaching in public schools barred by Supreme Courts 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Mar 8 1948)
(Saturday, February 14, 1948) — “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover” by Art Mooney and His Orchestra peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart for three consecutive weeks (Feb. 14/21, Mar. 6, 1948). Continue reading ‘I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover’ by Art Mooney and His Orchestra peaks at #1 in USA 70 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 14 1948)
Video: 'Last Rites For Gandhi (1948)'
(Thursday, February 12, 1948, 1:55 p.m. IST) — The ashes of Indian political and spiritual leader Mohandas Gandhi, who was assassinated Jan. 30, 1948, on his way to prayer by a Hindu extremist, were consigned to the holy waters of the Ganges today amid pageantry epitomizing the ancient civilization that the little man in a white loincloth molded into free membership in the modern family of nations.
Continue reading Ashes of Mahatma Gandhi cast upon waters 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 12 1948)
Video: 'American Experience Truman 2 of 3' (Feb. 2, 1948, at 39:49)
(Monday, February 2, 1948) — President Harry S. Truman sent a special message to Congress today on civil rights, announcing the he had “instructed the secretary of defense to take steps to have the remaining instances of discrimination in the armed services eliminated as rapidly as possible.” Continue reading Truman seeks to desegregate Armed Forces 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 2 1948)
