This day in history: 26 june

John F. Kennedy’s “Ich bin ein Berliner” Speech (1963)
On June 26, 1963, U.S. President John F. Kennedy delivered his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech in West Berlin. The speech was a powerful gesture of support for the citizens of West Berlin, who were isolated by the Berlin Wall, and it became a defining moment of the Cold War era.
Signing of the United Nations Charter (1945)
Representatives from 50 nations, including many European countries, signed the United Nations Charter in San Francisco on June 26, 1945. This act established the United Nations, aiming to promote peace and cooperation after the devastation of World War II.
First Practical Helicopter Flight (1936)
The world’s first practical helicopter, the twin-rotor Focke-Wulf Fw 61, made its maiden flight in Bremen, Germany, on June 26, 1936. This marked a significant milestone in aviation history.
Richard III Becomes King of England (1483)
On June 26, 1483, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, began to rule England as Richard III after deposing his nephew, Edward V. Edward and his brother, Richard, Duke of York, were imprisoned in the Tower of London and later murdered, an infamous episode in English history.
First Grand Prix Car Race (1906)
The first Grand Prix car race was held on June 26, 1906, on a circuit around Le Mans, France. Organized by the Automobile Club de France, this event was won by Ferenc Szisz driving for Renault and is considered the birth of modern motor racing.

End of U.S. Occupation of the Dominican Republic (1924)
On June 26, 1924, the American occupation of the Dominican Republic ended after eight years, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Caribbean relations.
Federal Credit Union Act Signed (1934)
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Federal Credit Union Act on June 26, 1934, establishing credit unions in the United States and promoting financial cooperation among citizens.
FBI Shootout at Pine Ridge (1975)
A deadly shootout occurred on June 26, 1975, at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota between FBI agents and members of the American Indian Movement. Two FBI agents and one AIM member were killed. Leonard Peltier was later convicted in a controversial trial.
Elvis Presley’s Final Concert (1977)
Elvis Presley performed his last concert on June 26, 1977, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at Market Square Arena.
Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court Decision (2015)
On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional, legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
1893: Illinois Governor John P. Altgeld issued controversial pardons for three anarchists convicted after the Haymarket Riot in Chicago.
1974: The first Universal Product Code (UPC) was scanned at a supermarket in Troy, Ohio—a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum.
1945: The United Nations Charter was signed in San Francisco by representatives of 50 nations, including the United States.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: This United Nations observance is held on June 26 and is marked in many Asian countries, raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting efforts to combat illicit trafficking.

June 26, 1950: Marked as the first “National Day of Protest” in South Africa, this date was chosen by the African National Congress (ANC) and allied organizations as a day of mass action against apartheid laws. On this day, hundreds of thousands of South Africans participated in a stay-at-home strike to protest racial oppression and demand freedom.
June 26, 1952: The ANC and its allies officially launched the Defiance Campaign against Unjust Laws, one of the largest nonviolent resistance movements in South African history. Protesters deliberately broke apartheid laws, such as pass laws and curfews, and many were arrested as acts of civil disobedience. This campaign was a turning point, transforming the ANC into a mass movement and laying the groundwork for future resistance.
June 26, 1955: The Congress of the People, a gathering of anti-apartheid organizations, adopted the Freedom Charter in Kliptown, Johannesburg. The Charter became a foundational document for the anti-apartheid struggle, declaring the vision of a non-racial, democratic South Africa and proclaiming that “all shall be equal before the law”.