JFK SIGNS MINIMUM WAGE BILL
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy signed into law today the Minimum Wage Bill of 1961.
This legislation will raise the minimum wage to $1.15 an hour for workers previously covered & to $1.00 an hour for newly covered workers.
The administration says the bill will provide millions of American workers a chance to enjoy a greater share of our nations economic progress.
JFK said:
"This is one of the most important domestic accomplishments so far of this administration."
September 2, 1963
CRONKITE INTERVIEWS JFK AT BRAMBLETYDE
Squaw Island, Cape Cod, Massachusetts (JFK+50) CBS News anchorman Walter Cronkite conducted an interview with President John F. Kennedy today on the grounds of "Brambletyde".
The President discussed the issues facing the United States in Southeast Asia.
JFK said his government will continue to support South Vietnam & President Ngo Dinh Diem, but he said ultimately "it is their war....to win or lose".
The President added:
"I don't think that unless a greater effort is made by the government to win popular support that the war can be won out there. Forty-seven Americans have been killed...but this is a very important struggle even though it is far away."
Walter Cronkite & JFK
At Brambletyde*
*According to a posting on www.pinkpillbox.com, Brambletyde was leased to the Kennedy family.
September 2, 1945
WE CELEBRATE VJ DAY, JAPAN SURRENDERS
Tokyo, Japan (JFK+50) Representatives of the Empire of Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender today aboard the USS Missouri docked in Tokyo Bay.
Japanese Minister M. Shigemitsu
Signs for the Japanese Government
Lt.Gen. R.K. Sutherland Watches
General Douglas MacArthur stepped before microphones on the deck of "Big Mo" at 0902 hours.
MacArthur said:
"It is my hope that a better world shall emerge out of the blood & carnage of the past & the fulfillment of....freedom, tolerance & justice."
General Douglas MacArthur
Signs for the United States
VJ Celebration at Oak Ridge
September 2, 1945
Photo by Ed Westcott
American Museum of Science & Energy
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
September 2, 1944
LT. JG GEORGE H.W. BUSH WINS "FLYING CROSS"
Chi Chi Jima (JFK+50) US Naval Reserve Lieutenant J.G. George H.W. Bush was in the process of conducting a bombing mission with his squadron on the island of Chi Chi Jima today when his airplane was hit by anti-aircraft fire.
Lt. Bush managed to fly back to the vicinity of his aircraft carrier where he bailed out into the sea.
After floating on a raft for 4 hours, Bush was rescued. Bush is to be awarded the "Distinguished Flying Cross".
*The future 41st President of the United States flew 58 combat missions during the war & in the process won 3 Air Medals & a Presidential Unit Citation.
George H.W. Bush
www.georgehwbushsr.blogspot.com
September 2, 1938
AMBASSADOR KENNEDY CALLS FOR "COMMON SENSE" TO AVERT A 2ND WORLD WAR
Aberdeen, Scotland (JFK+50) United States Ambassador to Great Britain, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., came to Scotland today to lay the cornerstone of a memorial to be built at the Aberdeen Cathedral in honor of Samuel Seabury, America's first Anglican bishop.
Samuel Seabury
1729-1796
The Ambassador used the opportunity to attack governments which practice religious persecution & also cautioned that another world war could be averted by the use of "common sense" & "spiritual courage".
September 2, 1789
US TREASURY DEPARTMENT FOUNDED
New York City (JFK+50) President George Washington has named his former military aide, Alexander Hamilton of New York, to be the 1st Secretary of the Department of the Treasury.*
The newly founded Treasury Department will print & mint all US paper currency & coins as well as collect all Federal taxes.
*Hamilton, sworn in on September 11, 1789, will present a plan for reviving the nation's failing economy. (Where is Hamilton now that we really need him). The Federal Government will pay $75 million in war debts.
US Treasury Official
With New Currency
National Archives Photo (1907)
