JFK SPEAKS TO GRADUATES AT ANNAPOLIS
President John F. Kennedy gave the commencement address today at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
The President told the graduates that devotion to a life of military service "is the greatest contribution a man can make" but that such dedication is a "test of will".
JFK continued:
"Where there is a visible enemy to fight the tide of patriotism in this country runs strong, but where there is a long, slow struggle, with no immediate visible foe....your choice will seem hard."
US Naval Academy at Annapolis
Photo by Michael Slonecker
June 7, 1963
JFK HAS A BUSY DAY IN CALIFORNIA
President John F. Kennedy had a very busy day in the state of California today.
He gave a speech at the Naval Air Station after being introduced by Governor Pat Brown.
Naval Air Station
The President then reviewed naval weaponry at the China Lake Station.
In the evening, JFK attended a Democratic Party fund raising event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The President was presented a silver tray by a group of local high school graduates.
June 7, 1966
RFK SPEAKS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Robert F. Kennedy spoke today on the issue of human rights before a very large crowd at the University of Natal in Durban, South Africa.
University of KwaZulu-Natal
June 7, 1968
SIRHAN INDICTED AS RFK LIES IN STATE IN NEW YORK
The alleged assassin of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Sirhan Bishara Sirhan, was indicted today on a charge of 1st degree murder in Los Angeles, California.
Sirhan Sirhan
Meanwhile, in New York City's St. Patrick's Cathedral, the body of Senator Robert Francis Kennedy lies in state as a line of mourners stretched for a mile & a half.
The Senator's body was in a closed African mahogany coffin.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
New York City
Photo by Matt Weaver (2007)
June 7, 1942
THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY ISLAND ENDS
After 4 days of combat, the United States Pacific Fleet has scored a major victory over the Japanese Imperial Navy.
The victory came as a result of the sinking of 4 Japanese aircraft carriers & 1 cruiser as well as the destruction of 292 Japanese aircraft.
Japanese casualties are over 2500.*
*The Battle of Midway will be the turning point of the Pacific War.
US Navy Dive Bombers at Midway
June 7, 1939
KING GEORGE VI ARRIVES IN THE USA
At the invitation of the President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, King George VI of Great Britain arrived in the United States today.
The King, accompanied by his wife Elizabeth, crossed the Canadian-US border into Niagra Falls, New York.
The Royal Couple Visit America
This Royal Visit will symbolize a new era of American-British relations.*
*During the visit to FDR's home, the King stayed up late talking with the President. At one point, FDR said: "Young man, it's time for you to go to bed."
King George VI said later, "Why don't my ministers talk to me that way."
King George VI & FDR
June 7, 1893
GANDHI REFUSES TO OBEY SEGREGATION RULES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Mohandas K. Gandhi, a young Indian lawyer working in South Africa, refused to comply with the country's racial segregation rules today.
Gandhi was forcibly removed from a South African train at Pietermaritzburg.*
*Gandhi formed the Natal Indian Congress launching a campaign against legislation which would deny the right to vote to Indians living in South Africa. After 7 years of protest, Gandhi was able to negotiate a compromise agreement on the issue with the government of South Africa.
