Today in history: June 11
In 1955, in motor racing’s worst disaster, more than 80 people were killed during the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France when two of the cars collided and crashed into spectators, and more events that happened on this day in history.
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1770: The Great Barrier Reef
In 1770, Captain James Cook, commander of the British ship Endeavour, “discovered” the Great Barrier Reef off Australia by running onto it.
1776: The Continental Congress
In 1776, the Continental Congress formed a committee to draft a Declaration of Independence calling for freedom from Britain.
1864: Richard Strauss
In 1864, German composer Richard (REE’-hard) Strauss was born in Munich.
1936: Alfred "Alf" Landon
In 1936, Kansas Gov. Alfred “Alf” Landon was nominated for president at the Republican national convention in Cleveland.
1955: 24 Hours of Le Mans
In 1955, in motor racing’s worst disaster, more than 80 people were killed during the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France when two of the cars collided and crashed into spectators.
1962: Alcatraz
In 1962, three prisoners at Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay staged an escape, leaving the island on a makeshift raft; they were never found or heard from again.
2001: Timothy McVeigh
In 2001, Timothy McVeigh, 33, was executed by injection at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people.
2009: Swine Flu
In 2009, with swine flu reported in more than 70 nations, the World Health Organization declared the first global flu pandemic in 41 years.
2011: Anthony Weiner
Ten years ago: Rejecting calls by Democratic leaders for him to resign in a sexting scandal, Rep. Anthony Weiner instead announced he was seeking professional treatment and asking for a leave of absence from Congress. (Weiner ended up resigning.)
2016: Queen Elizabeth II
Five years ago: Queen Elizabeth II and her family marked her official 90th birthday with a parade, a colorful military ceremony and an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
2020: Florida
One year ago: Two Florida amusement parks, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, reopened, but with reservations required to limit crowds amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
2020: Mark Milley
One year ago: Army Gen. Mark Milley, the nation’s top military officer, said he’d been wrong to walk in uniform with President Donald Trump past protesters who’d been cleared from Lafayette Park to a photo op outside a church.