Thursday Thirteen

Important things that happened on June 19:

1. Juneteenth (1865): Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of slavery. This marked the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, making it a pivotal moment in American history and a symbol of freedom. This day is now a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S.

2. Lincoln’s Anti-Slavery Legislation (1862): President Abraham Lincoln banned slavery in U.S. territories. This was a crucial step toward the eventual abolition of slavery nationwide, reinforcing the principles of equality and human rights.

3. Rosenberg Execution (1953): Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed for espionage. Their trial and execution remain controversial, highlighting Cold War tensions and debates over justice and government secrecy. This case might be something to look into, given current events.

4. First Father's Day (1910): The first official Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington. It was created to honor fathers and their contributions to family life, eventually becoming a national holiday in the U.S.

5. Battle of the Philippine Sea (1944): A major WWII naval battle between the U.S. and Japan began. Known as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot," it was a decisive victory for the U.S., crippling Japan’s naval air power and shifting the war’s momentum.

6. King Louis IX’s Decree (1269): He ordered all Jews to wear a yellow badge in public. This was an early example of religious discrimination, foreshadowing later oppressive policies against Jewish communities in Europe. (When I saw this on the list, I gasped.)

7. French Postal Service Established (1464): King Louis XI formed France’s postal system. This was a significant development in communication, allowing for more efficient governance and trade across the country.

8. Continental Army Leaves Valley Forge (1778): George Washington’s troops ended their winter encampment. After months of hardship, the army emerged stronger and better trained, thanks to Baron von Steuben’s drills, leading to key victories in the Revolutionary War. (Some information says they left on June 18. I don't think it matters.)

9. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Organized (1934): The U.S. established the FCC. This agency regulates communications, ensuring fair competition and technological innovation in radio, television, and the internet. Unfortunately, it has been defanged and the fairness doctrine is no longer in place. It was abolished in 1987, and finally removed from the Federal Register in 2011.

10. Valentina Tereshkova Returns to Earth (1963): The first woman in space completed her mission. Her historic flight aboard Vostok 6 was a major milestone for women in science and space exploration, inspiring future generations.

11. James Gandolfini Passed Away (2013): The actor best known for The Sopranos died. His portrayal of Tony Soprano revolutionized television, setting new standards for character depth and storytelling in modern drama.

12. Great Britain Recognized Kuwait’s Independence (1961): Kuwait officially became independent. This ended British control and allowed Kuwait to establish itself as a sovereign nation, shaping its modern political and economic landscape.

13. Execution of Emperor Maximilian (1867): The Mexican emperor was executed. His death marked the collapse of the Second Mexican Empire and reinforced Mexico’s resistance to foreign intervention.

*AI helped me create this list.*

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 912th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.