World Events Today
- The Art Deco–style skyscraper the Chrysler Building, an iconic New York landmark, opened today in 1930, it was the tallest building in the world until the Empire State Building opened about a year later
- The Golden Gate Bridge, connecting San Francisco to Marin County, opened today in 1937
- The British Navy sank the Bismarck today in 1941, it was a key strategic victory as the Bismarck was one of the largest battleships ever built by Germany
Entertainment Events Today
- The British punk rock band the Sex Pistols, released the controversial single God Save the Queen today in 1977
- The Larry King Show, an American radio talk show hosted by Larry King, aired for the last time today in 1994, it had been running since January 1978
- The American actor Christopher Reeve, who gained fame playing Superman, was left quadriplegic today in 1995, he was thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition
Family Events Today
- James Butler Hickok, better known as the American Old West legend “Wild Bill” Hickok, was born today in 1837 in Illinois
- The English actor Christopher Lee, who starred in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies, was born today in 1922 in London
- The British chef, restaurateur and television star Jamie Oliver, was born today in 1975 in Essex
Main Event Today
- The Dunkirk evacuation, the evacuation of Allied soldiers during World War II from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk in the north of France, began today in 1940
National Day Today
- Today, it’s National Cellophane Tape Day