KENNEDY & DE GAULLE FINISH SUMMIT
Today the Presidents of the United States & the French Republic concluded their meetings in Paris.
The major issues discussed included aid to Third World countries, the strength & security of the Atlantic Alliance & the relationship of the West with the Communist bloc nations.
Mr. Kennedy & Mr. De Gaulle reaffirmed their mutual commitment to Berlin.
JFK spoke at a press luncheon at the Palais de Chaillot.
Mr. & Mrs. Kennedy will leave Paris tomorrow morning on Air Force One for Vienna.
President Charles de Gaulle
June 2, 1961
GOVERNOR WALLACE STILL PLANS TO BLOCK THE DOORWAY
Governor George C. Wallace of the state of Alabama said today that he still has plans to personally block the entrance of two African-American students into the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa.
The Governor said that his state cannot guarantee the safety of the two students who plan to enroll.
Foster Auditorium & Malone Plaza
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Photo by Ttownfeen (2010)
June 2, 1956
JFK SPEAKS TO GRADS AT ROCKHURST
Senator John F. Kennedy spoke at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri today.
He urged the United States government to speak out against colonialism.
JFK said that even though such a position will be frowned upon by our allies, "it will displease even more the Soviets who have hypocritically assumed the role of freedom's defender."
Rockhurst College Bell Tower
photo by Jon Bell (2009)
June 2, 1953
QUEEN ELIZABETH II IS CORONATED
Queen Elizabeth was formally crowned Queen of the United Kingdom today at Westminster Abbey in London.
The proceedings were broadcast live on both radio & television.
The Queen, 27 years old, was accompanied by her husband, Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, on a 5 mile procession in which they rode in a gilded horse-drawn carriage.
After the parade, the Queen & her family waved to the crowd of well-wishers from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.*
*Elizabeth II is still the reigning Queen today at the age of 85.
Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip
June 2, 1953
Library & Archives of Canada
June 2, 1950
CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY SPEAKS AT RIVERDALE
JFK's old school, Riverdale, welcomed him back today as he was the guest speaker at their commencement exercises.
The Congressman addressed the Riverdale-on-Hudson School class of 1950.
He said the United States requires young "men & women of integrity & courage in public service".
JFK was a student at the school from 1927-1930.
Riverdale Country School
Bronx, New York
Photo by Anthony22 (2006)
June 2, 1924
COOLIDGE SIGNS INDIAN CITIZENS ACT
President Calvin Coolidge signed into law today the Indian Citizens Act.
This legislation will grant automatic American citizenship to Native Americans born in the United States.
After the signing ceremony, the President posed with 4 Osage tribal leaders.
President Calvin Coolidge
June 2, 1886
MAY & DECEMBER WEDDING IN JUNE AT THE WHITE HOUSE
President Grover Cleveland & Frances Folsom were married in a ceremony which took place at 7 this evening in the Blue Room at the White House.
The invited guests were only relatives, close friends & the President's cabinet & their wives.
The President is 49 years old while his wife, the daughter of his late law partner, is 21. Mrs. Cleveland will be the youngest 1st Lady in US History.
This was also the 1st time a sitting President has been married at the White House.
Mrs. Cleveland was born in Buffalo, New York & attended Wells College in Aurora, New York.
Frances Folsom Cleveland
Library of Congress Photo
The couple were joined together by the Rev. Byron Sutherland. Music was provided by John Philip Sousa & the United States Marine Band.
Although today was a regular "working day" for the President, he & the 1st Lady are off for a 5 day honeymoon in the Cumberland Mountains of western Maryland.*
*The Clevelands will have 3 daughters & 2 sons, the 2nd child, Esther born in 1893, was the 1st child to be born in the White House.
Presidential Wedding in the Blue Room
