Today in News History

On July 3, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1775, American Revolutionary War: George Washington takes command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1778, American Revolutionary War: The Iroquois, allied with Britain, killed 360 people in the Wyoming Valley massacre. In 1863, American Civil War: The final day of the Battle of Gettysburg culminates with Pickett's Charge. 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 1919, Gerald W. Thomas, American soldier and academic (died 2013) 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 1939, László Kovács, Hungarian politician and diplomat, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs was born. In 1971, Julian Assange, Australian journalist, publisher, and activist, founded WikiLeaks was born. In 1979, U.S. President Jimmy Carter signs the first directive for secret aid to the opponents of the pro-Soviet regime in Kabul. In 2009, John Keel, American journalist and author (born 1930) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.