FRANCE GRANTS ALGERIAN INDEPENDENCE
France has granted the North African country of Algeria independence today.
President Kennedy has sent congratulations to the people of Algeria but is withholding diplomatic recognition until a stable government is in place.
JFK said:
"I am proud that it falls to me as the President of the United States to voice the profound satisfaction we feel that the cause of freedom of choice among peoples has again triumphed.
Topographical Map of Algeria
July 3, 1961
KENNEDY FAMILY ON CRUISE TO LEWIS BAY
President John F. Kennedy, the 1st Lady & family & friends took a cruise on the Marlin today as they enjoy the Independence Day holidays.
The Marlin dropped anchor at Lewis Bay.
Along with JFK were brothers Bob & Ted, sister Eunice & Ted Sorenson.
Lewis Bay, Cape Cod
www.rudyalicelighthouse.net
July 3, 1959
SENATOR KENNEDY CAMPAIGNS IN HAWAII
Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts began a tour of the Hawaiian Islands today as he stumps for Democratic candidates for Hawaii's 1st election as a state.
The elections in Hawaii will be held on July 28.
Along with the Senator on the campaign is his sister, Jean Kennedy Smith & her husband, Steve.
July 3, 1957
KHRUSHCHEV TAKES CONTROL IN USSR
Nikita Khrushchev has taken full power in the Soviet Union today by removing his most serious opponents from positions of power.
Those removed include Vyacheslav Molotov, Georgi M. Malenkov & Lazar Kaganovich.
US government officials are pleased with this turn of events because they see Khrushchev as a more moderate Soviet leader.*
*Khrushchev will rule until his removal in 1964.
Nixon & Khrushchev
The Kremlin (1959)
NARA photograph
July 3, 1943
KATHLEEN KENNEDY & RED CROSS ARRIVE IN LONDON
Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., Kathleen "Kick" Agnes Kennedy, age 23, arrived in London, England today with a contingent of American Red Cross volunteers.*
*Kathleen will spend a year & a half in London & will attend Queen's College.
Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy
American Red Cross
London, England
July 3, 1938
FDR DEDICATES "ETERNAL LIGHT OF PEACE"
President Franklin D. Roosevelt journeyed by train from Hyde Park, New York to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania today to participate in the dedication of the Eternal Light Peace Monument.
FDR spoke for 9 minutes & then lit the "Eternal Light".
FDR said:
"The issue which (Lincoln) restated on this spot 75 years ago will be the continuing issue before the nation....to preserve, under the changing conditions of each generation, a people's government for the people's good."*
*The Eternal Light is located on Oak Hill at the Gettysburg Battlefield. The event was part of the 75th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Eternal Light Peace Monument
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
JFK Views Peace Monument
March 31, 1963
www.gettysburgdaily.com
July 3, 1863
US ARMY TURNS BACK PICKETT'S CHARGE
On the 3rd day of battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania today, General Robert E. Lee ordered 15,000 Confederate soldiers under General George Pickett to charge up Cemetery Ridge & take the Union position.
Pickett's soldiers are Virginians who had not yet participated in the battle.
The charge ended in disaster for the Confederacy as Pickett's lines were torn apart by rifle & cannon fire as they crossed a mile of open ground.*
*Pickett would forever blame Lee for the failure of the charge. He would later say: "That old man had my division slaughtered."
Pickett's Charge
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
July 3, 1863
July 3, 1775
GENERAL WASHINGTON TAKES COMMAND
General George Washington of Virginia formally took command today of the Continental Army at Cambridge in the Massachusetts colony.
The ceremony took place just 2 weeks after Washington was selected by the Continental Congress as Commander-in-Chief of the army.
Plaque at Cambridge
July 3, 1754
WASHINGTON GIVES UP FORT NECESSITY
Virginia Colonel George Washington was forced to surrender his position today at the Battle of Great Meadows in Pennsylvania.
Colonel Washington had the fort build to store supplies but found himself surrounded by the French & their Indian allies.*
*The French occupied & then burned Ft. Necessity. This was one of the 1st battles of the French & Indian War (1754-1763).
Fort Necessity Replica
photo by Ikcerog (2009)
July 3, 1608
QUEBEC CITY FOUNDED BY CHAMPLAIN
Quebec City was founded today by French explorer & diplomat Samuel de Champlain.
The city is named after a native Algonquin word meaning "the river narrows here".*
*Champlain will be known as "The Father of New France" & Quebec City will serve as a base for the fur trade.
Panoramic View of Quebec City
Photo by Martin St-Amant (2009)
