1963: President Kennedy’s Burial Draws Historic Crowds
On November 25, 1963, the nation bid farewell to President John F. Kennedy as his body was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. A somber funeral procession passed through Washington, D.C., drawing an estimated 1 million people to the route. The moment became etched in history as a collective mourning for a leader whose life and presidency were cut tragically short. The eternal flame at Kennedy’s gravesite remains a symbol of his enduring legacy.
1783: British Troops Leave the United States
November 25, 1783, marked the final withdrawal of British forces from New York City, effectively ending their occupation after the Revolutionary War. This event, known as “Evacuation Day,” symbolized the full realization of American independence. During the evacuation, British officers also decided the fates of thousands of formerly enslaved Black individuals who had sought freedom by siding with the British, highlighting the complex and often tragic human cost of the war.
1961: USS Enterprise Commissioned as a Naval Marvel
The USS Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was officially commissioned on November 25, 1961. Measuring a record-breaking 1,123 feet (342 meters), it revolutionized naval engineering and warfare. The vessel, nicknamed “Big E,” played a critical role in Cold War military strategy, serving as a symbol of U.S. technological prowess and defense capabilities for more than 50 years.
1986: Iran-Contra Scandal Shocks the Nation
The Iran-Contra affair burst into public view on November 25, 1986, when President Ronald Reagan and Attorney General Edwin Meese revealed a controversial scheme involving secret arms sales to Iran. Profits from the sales were covertly funneled to Nicaraguan rebels, bypassing congressional restrictions. The scandal exposed significant flaws in government accountability and sparked widespread debates over executive power and foreign policy ethics.
2016: Fidel Castro, Icon of Revolution, Dies at 90
On November 25, 2016, Fidel Castro, the architect of the Cuban Revolution and a polarizing figure in global politics, died at the age of 90. Castro’s leadership transformed Cuba into a communist state that defied U.S. influence for decades, surviving multiple assassination attempts and economic embargoes. His death marked the end of an era, prompting reflections on his complex legacy in both Cuba and the wider world.
Today in History: December 20
A Look Back At Today, December 20
The Louisiana Purchase was completed.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater.
The United States launched Operation Just Cause.
The United States Space Force was established.
Today in History: December 19
Today in History: December 19
In 1777, General George Washington led an army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge.
In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, concluding the Apollo program.
In 2011, North Korean announced the death of Kim Jong Il and proclaimed Kim Jong Un as the leader.
In 2022, the House Jan. 6 Committee urged the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against the previous president
Today in History: December 18
Today in History: December 18
In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was proclaimed in effect.
In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.
In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)
In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nearly nine-year war.
Today in History: December 17
Today in History: December 17
In 1903 The Wright brothers’ flight redefined the possibilities of travel and opened the skies to human exploration.
In 1933 The first NFL championship laid the foundation for professional football’s evolution into a national pastime.
In 1989 “The Simpsons” redefined animated television, blending humor with social commentary to leave an indelible mark on entertainment.
In 1992 NAFTA reshaped North American trade, fostering economic ties while sparking debates on globalization.
In 2014 The U.S.-Cuba rapprochement signaled a pivotal moment in the post-Cold War world, rekindling hopes for reconciliation.
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