December 31, 1961
JFK issued a statement of "sincere wishes" to Nikita Khrushchev & the people of the USSR for a "peaceful & prosperous New Year."
JFK described 1961 as a "troubled" year between their countries & expressed hope for improved relations in 1962.
Berlin, however, continued to be troublesome & the world would come to the brink of nuclear war in October 1962 in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Nikita Khrushchev & JFK in Vienna June 1961
December 31, 1879
Thomas Alva Edison demonstrated his incandescent light for the first time in public.
Thomas Alva Edison demonstrated his incandescent light for the first time in public.
The demonstration took place in Menlo Park, New Jersey & involved lighting up a city street.
Thomas Alva Edison
December 31, 1862
The Battle of Stones River begins near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The 3 day battle fought in bitterly cold weather resulted in a Union victory. Federal General William Rosecrans defeated Confederate General Braxton Bragg.
December 31, 1775
Patriots under Colonel Benedict Arnold & General Richard Montgomery failed to capture Quebec. Montgomery is killed & Arnold & his forces retreat from Canada.
Happy New Year 2011
In keeping with JFK's statement on this day in 1961, I would like to wish all of you around the world a "peaceful & prosperous New Year".
I am going to take a holiday tomorrow & will publish a new post on January 2, 2011.
I want to thank each of you for your interest in my JFK+50 Blog.
I want to thank each of you for your interest in my JFK+50 Blog.
