A lot happened on June 6 through the years.
First, today is the day that Susan B. Anthony was fined for voting in a presidential election. She was in New York (Rochester), and wanted voting rights to be extended to women. Leading a group of women to the polls, she was promptly arrested after casting her vote. It took five decades for women to achieve the vote and in August 1920, the U.S. Constitution ratified the 19th Amendment that allows women to vote.
Today also marks the largest amphibious landing in history. On what is now known as D-Day, Allied forces landed on several beaches along the northern coast of France, in Normandy. More than 1.5 million soldiers took part, with 4,400 ships and landing craft, and 11,000 aircraft. Operation Overlord provided a turning point in World War II. Of the approximately 150,000 Allied men who landed on Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches, more than 15,000 were killed or wounded.
Third, today marks the birthday of American patriot Nathan Hale. Born in 1755 in Connecticut, he was a skilled debater and was in favor of women’s rights. During the Revolutionary War he volunteered as a spy. During a mission to Long Island, New York, he was captured by the British forces and hanged in 1776. Hale stated, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country” as he mounted the gallows.
It’s a pretty heavy day, but, just to keep things fun, I want to mention that it’s also NATIONAL YOYO DAY!
There are several Internet sites dedicated to teaching yoyo tricks (You can spell it yo-yo or yoyo). So pull out your Shutter Yoyo, Replay Yoyo, or the yoyo of your choice and get ready to Split the Atom or do the Kwyjibo Yoyo Trick. I remember being fascinated by Walk the Dog.
Enjoy your day! Sonja