WAR IN KOREA BEGAN 64 YEARS AGO TODAY
Seoul, South Korea (JFK+50) The North Korean People's Army, supported by the Soviet Union, crossed the 38th parallel 64 years ago today, June 25, 1950.
This action marked the beginning of the Korean Conflict which would last until the signing of an armistice on July 27, 1953.
The United Nations Security Council, meeting in New York City, unanimously condemned the invasion and President Harry S Truman ordered United States air and naval forces to support South Korea two days after the invasion.
Korea had been divided at the Potsdam Conference following World War II.
In December 1945, a Joint Commission of representatives of the United States and USSR agreed to allow a 5 year trusteeship for North Korea by the Soviet Union and a 5 year trusteeship for South Korea by the United States.
SUPREME COURT SAYS NO TO SCHOOL PRAYER
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) The United States Supreme Court handed down its controversial ruling 52 years ago today, June 25, 1962, that prayer in public schools is unconstitutional.
The ruling came in the case of Engel v. Vitale.
The high court, by a vote of 6 to 1, ruled that a prayer recommended for classroom reading by the New York Board of Regents was in violation of the First Amendment*.
The prayer in question said...
"Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our country. Amen."
The American Jewish Commission, the Synagogue Council of America and the Ethical Union opposed the prayer.
The court said because the prayer was created by government officials to promote a religious belief it was in violation of First Amendment rights.
*First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
IKE NAMED SUPREME COMMANDER IN EUROPE
London, U.K. (JFK+50) General Dwight D. Eisenhower was named Commander of all United States forces in the European war theater 72 years ago today, June 25, 1942.
Eisenhower, a graduate of West Point, served as an assistant to General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines.
As European commander, General Eisenhower would be directly involved in the planning and execution of military strategy to liberate the continent from Axis control.
Seoul, South Korea (JFK+50) The North Korean People's Army, supported by the Soviet Union, crossed the 38th parallel 64 years ago today, June 25, 1950.
This action marked the beginning of the Korean Conflict which would last until the signing of an armistice on July 27, 1953.
The United Nations Security Council, meeting in New York City, unanimously condemned the invasion and President Harry S Truman ordered United States air and naval forces to support South Korea two days after the invasion.
Korea had been divided at the Potsdam Conference following World War II.
In December 1945, a Joint Commission of representatives of the United States and USSR agreed to allow a 5 year trusteeship for North Korea by the Soviet Union and a 5 year trusteeship for South Korea by the United States.
Korean War Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Photo by John White (2003)
According to an AP story in the New York Daily News, celebrations of remembrance of this event were held today in both North and South Korea.
A rally to mark the 64th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War was held in Kim II Sung Square in Pyongyang while a ceremony including U.S. veterans of the conflict was held in Seoul.
SOURCE
"Rival nations mark 64th anniversary of Korean War," New York Daily News, June 25, 2014, www.nydailynews.com/
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) The United States Supreme Court handed down its controversial ruling 52 years ago today, June 25, 1962, that prayer in public schools is unconstitutional.
The ruling came in the case of Engel v. Vitale.
The high court, by a vote of 6 to 1, ruled that a prayer recommended for classroom reading by the New York Board of Regents was in violation of the First Amendment*.
The prayer in question said...
"Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our country. Amen."
The American Jewish Commission, the Synagogue Council of America and the Ethical Union opposed the prayer.
The court said because the prayer was created by government officials to promote a religious belief it was in violation of First Amendment rights.
*First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Sculpture of Chief Justice Earl Warren
United States Supreme Court Building
Photo by John White (2003)
London, U.K. (JFK+50) General Dwight D. Eisenhower was named Commander of all United States forces in the European war theater 72 years ago today, June 25, 1942.
Eisenhower, a graduate of West Point, served as an assistant to General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines.
As European commander, General Eisenhower would be directly involved in the planning and execution of military strategy to liberate the continent from Axis control.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
U.S. Signal Corps Photo
