JFK OPENS WORLDS FAIR IN SEATTLE
The Seattle World's Fair was officially opened today by President Kennedy who declared "Let the fair begin!"
The President, on holiday with his family in Palm Beach, Florida, closed a telegraph key which in turn activated a signal to turn on a strand of lights in Seattle, Washington.
There were 12,000 people at the fair waiting for the lights to come on.
JFK said:
"This manner of opening the fair is in keeping with the exposition's space age theme. Literally,we are reaching out through space...to a star which we have never seen, to intercept sound in the form of radio waves."
1962 Seattle World's Fair
April 21, 1961
JFK ANNOUNCES FIRST PEACE CORPS PROJECT
Just happy to talk about anything but Cuba, President Kennedy today announced the 1st project of the Peace Corps will be to build a road in Tanganyika.
Peace Corps volunteers will lend expertise & assistance in the construction of the road.
Volunteers for the new corps have been applying at the rate of 1500 a week.
Thomas Quimby, who is in charge of recruits, says volunteers should have "serviceable skills" not necessarily "college degrees".
Quimby remarked:
"We want surveyors, people to lay out roads & drainage systems. We need teachers, especially those who can teach the English language."
Quimby was asked why there were so many volunteers for the Peace Corps. He answered:
"I think it springs from a desire to be significant in the development f a peaceful world."
Peace Corps Volunteers
April 21, 1865
LINCOLN'S FUNERAL TRAIN LEAVES WASHINGTON
President Abraham Lincoln's Funeral Train departed Washington, D.C. today for the long journey to his burial in his hometown of Springfield, Illinois scheduled for May 4.
The train will be traveling through 180 cities & 7 states.
At various stops including cities like Indianapolis & Chicago, the martyred President's coffin will lie in state for public viewing.
April 21, 1836
SANTA ANNA SURRENDERS AT SAN JACINTO
The Texan Revolution came to a close today on the banks of the San Jacinto River.
Texas General Sam Houston launched an attack on the Mexican encampment along the river.
The attack proved to be a rout as hundreds of Mexican soldiers were taken prisoner including Santa Anna himself.
As the Texans charged cries of "Remember the Alamo" & "Remember Goliad" could be heard.*
*Santa Anna signed a document which gives Texas her independence in return for his freedom.
Sam Houston would become President of the "Lone Star Republic" & Governor in 1845 when Texas became the 28th state.
Battle of San Jacinto
