Today in News History

On July 3, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1754, French and Indian War: George Washington surrenders Fort Necessity to French forces. In 1866, Austro-Prussian War is decided at the Battle of Königgrätz, enabling Prussia to exclude Austria from German affairs. In 1913, Confederate veterans at the Great Reunion of 1913 reenact Pickett's Charge; upon reaching the high-water mark of the Confederacy they are met by the outstretched hands of friendship from Union survivors. In 1924, S. R. Nathan, 6th President of Singapore (died 2016) was born. In 1935, Harrison Schmitt, American geologist, astronaut, and politician was born. In 1938, United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicates the Eternal Light Peace Memorial and lights the eternal flame at Gettysburg Battlefield. In 1940, World War II: The Royal Navy attacks the French naval squadron in Algeria, to ensure that it will not fall under German control. Of the four French battleships present, one is sunk, two are damaged, and one escapes back to France. In 1970, Dan-Air Flight 1903 crashes into the Les Agudes mountain in the Montseny Massif near the village of Arbúcies in Catalonia, Spain, killing all 112 people aboard. In 1988, United States Navy warship USS Vincennes shoots down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 people aboard. In 1996, British Prime Minister John Major announced the Stone of Scone would be returned to Scotland. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.