Today in History: November 27

November 27, 2024 Today In History No Comments

1978: A dark day in San Francisco history unfolded when Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, a trailblazer for gay rights, were fatally shot inside City Hall by former Supervisor Dan White. Milk’s legacy as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. remains a beacon for LGBTQ+ rights, while the tragedy underscored the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in America.

More than 25,000 persons jammed the park and streets in a demonstration of grief for slain Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk (AP Photo)

1924: The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, originally called the “Christmas Parade,” dazzled New York City with floats, bands, and live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. Today, this iconic parade attracts millions of spectators and marks the beginning of the holiday season for many Americans.

Captain Nemo makes its way down the street during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City in 1929 (AP Photo-File)

1934: In Barrington, Illinois, a violent end came for notorious bank robber Lester Joseph Gillis, better known as George “Baby Face” Nelson. Declared “Public Enemy No. 1” by the FBI, Nelson was killed during a shootout that highlighted the dangerous game of cat and mouse between federal agents and the era’s infamous criminals. His death signaled a turning point in the government’s crackdown on organized crime.

A crowd of people gather outside the undertaking parlor in Niles Center, Illinois after the body of George 'Baby Face' Nelson was taken there (AP Photo) — A crowd of people gather outside the undertaking parlor in Niles Center, Illinois after the body of George ‘Baby Face’ Nelson was taken there (AP Photo)

2003: In an unprecedented display of solidarity, President George W. Bush made a surprise visit to Iraq to celebrate Thanksgiving with U.S. troops. Under extreme secrecy, the visit not only boosted morale but also demonstrated the importance of U.S. military operations during a pivotal phase of the Iraq War.

President Bush holds up a turkey platter for U S troops at Baghdad International Airport (AP Photo-Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

2015: A Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs became the site of a devastating attack that left three dead and nine injured. The tragedy reignited heated debates about gun control and reproductive rights in the United States, highlighting ongoing tensions over deeply divisive social issues. The accused, Robert Dear, remains unfit to stand trial, prolonging the case’s legal resolution.

Police confer at an intersection near the scene of a shooting at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs (AP Photo-David Zalubowski)

Today in History: December 25

December 25, 2024 Today In History No Comments

A Look Back At Today: December 25
Washington crossed the Delaware
William the Conqueror was crowned King of England
President Andrew Johnson granted unconditional pardons to every person who supported the Confederacy
Hirohito became emperor of Japan

Spontaneous truces between German and British soldiers broke out along the front

Today in History: December 24

December 24, 2024 Today In History No Comments

A Look Back At Today: December 24
During WWI Impromptu Christmas Truces Pop Up Along Western Front
Devastating fire at the Library of Congress
The Ku Klux Klan is born
Queen Elizabeth granted a posthumous pardon to Alan Turing

The poem is more popularly known as 'The Night Before Christmas'

Today in History: December 23

December 23, 2024 Today In History No Comments

A Look Back At Today: December 23
“The Night Before Christmas” first appears in a newspaper.
Pilgrims began construction of Plymouth settlement.
The Federal Reserve System was created.
The airplane Voyager completed the first non-stop flight around the world.