U.S. President Harry S. Truman establishes Medal of Freedom 80 years ago today (July 6 1945)

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


Video: 'The History of the Medal of Freedom: Honoring America's Greatest'

(Friday, July 6, 1945; during World War II) — The Presidential Medal of Freedom, intended to honor civilians whose actions aided in the war efforts of the U.S. and its allies, was created by President Harry S. Truman today through an executive order.

Pink Floyd headlines Knebworth Pop Festival 50 years ago this hour (July 5 1975)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s


Video: 'Pink Floyd - Knebworth 1975 - Unseen Video'

(Saturday, July 5, 1975, shortly after 9:00 p.m. British Summer Time) — The Knebworth Pop Festival was held today near London, with Pink Floyd as the headliner. Other performers included: Captain Beefheart, Linda Lewis, Monty Python, Steve Miller Band and Roy Harper. Continue reading Pink Floyd headlines Knebworth Pop Festival 50 years ago this hour (July 5 1975) →

Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones arrested in Arkansas 50 years ago this hour (July 5 1975)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s

(Saturday, July 5, 1975, soon after 3:00 p.m. CDT) — Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was arrested this afternoon after a traffic stop escalated into drug and weapons charges during the band’s 1975 U.S. tour. Continue reading Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones arrested in Arkansas 50 years ago this hour (July 5 1975) →

‘Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)’ album by The Beach Boys released in USA 60 years ago today (July 5 1965)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s


Video: 'The Beach Boys - Summer Days (And...' (12 tracks)

(Monday, July 5, 1965) — Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!), the ninth studio album by the American rock group the Beach Boys, was released today in the U.S.

FDR signs National Labor Relations Act guaranteeing workers’ right to unionize 90 years ago today (July 5 1935)

1930s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'What is the National Labor Relations Act? | Union Facts Friday Episode 16'

(Friday, July 5, 1935, morning EDT; during the Great Depression) — The National Labor Relations Act of 1935, a foundational statute of U.S. labor law which guarantees basic rights of private sector employees to organize into trade unions, engage in collective bargaining for better terms and conditions at work, and take collective action including strike if necessary was signed today by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Continue reading FDR signs National Labor Relations Act guaranteeing workers’ right to unionize 90 years ago today (July 5 1935) →

U.S. Secret Service founded to suppress counterfeit currency 160 years ago today (July 5 1865)

1860s


Video: 'The History of the United States Secret Service'

(Wednesday, July 5, 1865) — With a reported one third of the currency in circulation being counterfeit at the time, the Secret Service Division of the U.S. Treasury Department was founded today in Washington D.C. with the mission of suppressing counterfeit currency.

Arthur Ashe becomes first Black man to win Wimbledon singles title 50 years ago this hour (July 5 1975)

1970s


Video: 'Arthur Ashe v Jimmy Connors: Wimbledon Final 1975 (Extended Highlights)'

(Saturday, July 5, 1975, 2:00-4:05 p.m. British Summer Time) — Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win a Wimbledon singles title today as he defeated Jimmy Connors, 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4.

American soldier Elisha Hunt Rhodes writes about his fifth 4th of July in the Army 160 years ago today (July 4 1865)

1860s


Video: 'Ken.Burns.The.Civil.War.9of9.The.Better.Angels.Of.Our.Nature' (July 4, 1865 at 37:57)

(Tuesday, July 4, 1865) — Elisha Hunt Rhodes, an American soldier who served for the entire duration of the American Civil War, wrote today in Halls Hill, Virginia, about his fifth (and what would turn out to be his final) 4th of July holiday while serving in the Union Army.