Category Archives: U.S. Presidents

Kennedy calls on congressional critics to pass his programs 50 years ago this evening (1963)


Audio: 'JFK'S SPEECH IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (OCTOBER 19, 1963)'

(Saturday, October 19, 1963, evening) — At a Democratic Party fundraising dinner tonight at Boston’s Commonwealth Armory, U.S. President John F. Kennedy jibed at critics in Congress, suggesting they can demonstrate their concern for the nation by voting for his programs.

President Wilson marks completion of Panama Canal 100 years ago this hour (1913)


Video: 'Experience Panama - Seven Wonders Of The World - Episode 5: The Panama Canal, by BBC' (Oct. 10, 1913, at 47:11)

(Friday, October 10, 1913, 2 p.m. local time) — The Panama Canal was effectively completed today as President Woodrow Wilson sent a signal from the White House by telegraph, setting off explosives that destroyed a section of the Gamboa dike.

Kennedy okays sale of U.S. wheat to Russians 50 years ago this hour (1963)


Video: 'October 9, 1963 - President John F. Kennedy says 'Yes' for wheat for Russia'

(Wednesday, October 9, 1963, 6:00 p.m. EDT) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy announced the sale of U.S. wheat to Russia and communist nations of Eastern Europe during a news conference tonight (click here for extended audio of the news conference). Continue reading Kennedy okays sale of U.S. wheat to Russians 50 years ago this hour (1963)

President Lincoln proclaims last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day 150 years ago today (1863)


Video: Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation Speech with Music

(Saturday, October 3, 1863; during the American Civil War) — U.S. President Abraham Lincoln today proclaimed the last Thursday in November Thanksgiving Day in an attempt to foster a sense of American unity between the Northern and Southern states.

Kennedy suggests joint US-USSR expedition to moon 50 years ago this hour (1963)


Video: 'John F. Kennedy (USA), General Assembly (20 September 1963)'

(Friday, September 20, 1963, 11:00 a.m. EDT) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy urged in a major policy speech before the United Nations today that the United States and Russia become partners in space and put a man on the moon together as a positive step toward ending the Cold War.

Kennedy told the 18th UN General Assembly session that East and West could engage in a “contest of achievement instead of intimidation.”

Four presidents join to push NAFTA 20 years ago today (1993)


Video: 'CLINTON, BUSH, CARTER, FORD - TOGETHER at the White House for NAFTA'

(Tuesday, September 14, 1993) — Flanked by three predecessors at the White House in Washington, U.S. President Bill Clinton today signed side deals to a three-nation free trade agreement and opened a high-profile campaign to promote the much criticized accord. Continue reading Four presidents join to push NAFTA 20 years ago today (1993)

JFK warns Diem regime U.S. will oppose all divisive actions 50 years ago today (1963)


Video: 'JFK PRESS CONFERENCE #61 (SEPTEMBER 12, 1963)'

(Thursday, September 12, 1963, afternoon EDT; during the Vietnam War, part of the the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy placed the Saigon Government on notice today that the United States was not in Vietnam “to see a war lost.”

Kennedys filmed on eve of JFK’s wedding to Jacqueline Lee Bouvier 60 years ago today (1953)


Video: '"JFK: IN HIS OWN WORDS" (1988)' (Sept. 11, 1953, at 9:36)

(Friday, September 11, 1953) — The Kennedy family was filmed having fun today on the eve of U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy’s wedding to Jacqueline Lee Bouvier in Newport, Rhode Island.

Roosevelt warns Nazis to surrender now 70 years ago today (1943)


Video: 'Quebec Conference' (Aug. 25, 1943, at 8:26)

(Wednesday, August 25, 1943; during World War II) — U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt told the people of Canada today that if Adolf Hitler and his generals had attended the First Quebec Conference they would have realized that “surrender would pay them better now than later.” Continue reading Roosevelt warns Nazis to surrender now 70 years ago today (1943)

Roosevelt, Churchill conclude First Quebec Conference 70 years ago today (1943)


Video: 'Quebec Conference' (Aug. 24, 1943, at 7:55)

(Tuesday, August 24, 1943,; during World War II) — The First Quebec Conference (codenamed “QUADRANT”), a highly secret military conference between the British, Canadian and United States governments, concluded today in Quebec City, Canada. Continue reading Roosevelt, Churchill conclude First Quebec Conference 70 years ago today (1943)