Today in history: June 6
On June 6, 1944, during World War II, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, on “D-Day” as they began the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe.
1944: “D-Day”
On June 6, 1944, during World War II, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, on “D-Day” as they began the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe.
1968: Robert F. Kennedy
In 1968, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy died at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, 25 1/2 hours after he was shot by Sirhan Bishara Sirhan.
1989: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
In 1989, burial services were held for Iran’s spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Washington state Democrat Tom Foley succeeded Jim Wright as House speaker.
2001: James Jeffords
In 2001, Democrats formally assumed control of the U.S. Senate after the decision of Vermont Republican James Jeffords to become an independent.
2006: Billy Preston
In 2006, soul musician Billy Preston died in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 59.
2017: Adnan Khashoggi
Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, 81, once one of the world’s richest men, who was implicated in the Iran-Contra affair, died in London.
2017: Andrea Constand
Five years ago: Bill Cosby’s chief accuser, Andrea Constand, took the stand at his sexual assault trial to tell her story publicly for the first time, saying the comedian groped her after giving her three blue pills that left her paralyzed and helpless. (The jury deadlocked, resulting in a mistrial, but Cosby was convicted in a second trial; Pennsylvania’s highest court would toss out that conviction.)
2021: Roger Federer
Roger Federer withdrew from the French Open, a day after a four-set third-round victory, in order to rest before Wimbledon.
2022: Boris Johnson
In 2022, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson survived a no-confidence vote, securing enough support from his Conservative Party to remain in office despite a substantial rebellion that left him a weakened leader with an uncertain future. (Johnson would resign on July 7.)