Today in News History

On July 4, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 965, Benedict V, pope of the Catholic Church passed away. In 1648, Antoine Daniel, French missionary and saint, one of the eight Canadian Martyrs (born 1601) passed away. In 1776, American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. In 1831, James Monroe, American soldier, lawyer, and politician, 5th President of the United States (born 1758) passed away. In 1924, Eva Marie Saint, American actress was born. In 1926, Pier Giorgio Frassati, Italian activist and saint (born 1901) passed away. In 1999, Leo Garel, American illustrator and educator (born 1917) passed away. In 2004, The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower is laid on the World Trade Center site in New York City. In 2006, Space Shuttle program: Discovery launches STS-121 to the International Space Station. The event gained wide media attention as it was the only shuttle launch in the program's history to occur on the United States' Independence Day. In 2009, The Statue of Liberty's crown reopens to the public after eight years of closure due to security concerns following the September 11 attacks. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.