Slideshow: Today In History, June 15
Today is Monday, June 15.
Today's Highlight in History:
1215: Magna Carta
On June 15, 1215, England's King John put his seal to Magna Carta ("the Great Charter") at Runnymede.
Photo credit:Â Alastair Grant
1775: George Washington
In 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted unanimously to appoint George Washington head of the Continental Army.
1944: World War II
In 1944, American forces began their successful invasion of Saipan during World War II.
1978: King Hussein
In 1978, King Hussein of Jordan married 26-year-old American Lisa Halaby, who became Queen Noor.
1994: "The Lion King"
In 1994, the Walt Disney animated feature "The Lion King" was released by Buena Vista Pictures.
2005: Carlton Dotson
Ten years ago: Former Baylor basketball player Carlton Dotson was sentenced to 35 years in prison, a week after he unexpectedly pleaded guilty to murdering teammate Patrick Dennehy.
2005: Douglas Wood
Ten years ago: Iraqi and U.S. forces freed Australian hostage Douglas Wood.
2010: Felipe Calderon
Five years ago: Mexican President Felipe Calderon appealed to his fellow citizens to support the fight against organized crime just hours after troops killed 15 suspected gang members.
2014: Benjamin Netanyahu
One year ago: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Hamas militant group of kidnapping three Israeli teenagers who had disappeared on June 12 (the teens' bodies were found June 30).
2014: Casey Kasem
One year ago: Death claimed "American Top 40" host Casey Kasem, 82.
2014: NBA Championship
One year ago: The San Antonio Spurs won their fifth NBA championship, beating the Miami Heat 104-87 to win the series in five games.
2014: U.S. Open
One year ago: Golfer Martin Kaymer of Germany won the U.S. Open.
Birthday: Courteney Cox
Actress Courteney Cox is 51.
Birthday: Denzel Whitaker
Actor Denzel Whitaker is 25.
Birthday: Eileen Davidson
Actress Eileen Davidson is 56.
Birthday: Helen Hunt
Actress Helen Hunt is 52.
Birthday: Ice Cube
Actor-rapper Ice Cube is 46.
Birthday: Jake Busey
Actor Jake Busey is 44.
Birthday: Jim Belushi
Comedian-actor Jim Belushi is 61.
Birthday: Johnny Hallyday
Rhythm-and-blues singer Ruby Nash Garnett (Ruby and the Romantics) is 81.
Birthday: Leah Remini
Actress Leah Remini is 45.
Birthday: Neil Patrick Harris
Actor Neil Patrick Harris is 42.
Birthday: Polly Draper
Actress Polly Draper is 60.
Birthday: Simon Callow
Actor Simon Callow is 66.
Birthday: Wade Boggs
Baseball Hall-of-Famer Wade Boggs is 57.