Historical Events on June 6: From James Meredith's Shooting to D-Day
Today in History: June 6, James Meredith shot by sniper during civil rights march
Boston Herald
Image: Boston Herald
On June 6, significant events include James Meredith being shot during a civil rights march in 1966, the founding of the YMCA in 1844, and the D-Day landings in 1944. Notable birthdays include civil rights activist Marian Wright Edelman and singer Gary U.S. Bonds.
- 01James Meredith was shot by a sniper during a civil rights march from Memphis to Jackson in 1966.
- 02The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was established in London in 1844.
- 03D-Day in 1944 saw nearly 160,000 Allied troops land in Normandy, resulting in over 4,400 Allied deaths.
- 04The first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey, in 1933.
- 05American Pharoah won the Belmont Stakes in 2015, becoming the first horse in 37 years to claim the Triple Crown.
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On June 6, several historical events are commemorated, most notably the shooting of civil rights activist James Meredith in 1966. Meredith was targeted by a sniper during his march from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson, Mississippi, aimed at raising awareness for racial injustice. Despite his injuries, he rejoined the march, which had grown to 15,000 participants by the time they reached Jackson. This date also marks the founding of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in London in 1844. Other significant occurrences include the D-Day landings in 1944, where approximately 160,000 Allied troops landed in Normandy, France, resulting in over 4,400 Allied casualties. Additionally, the first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey, in 1933, and in 2015, American Pharoah won the Belmont Stakes, achieving the Triple Crown. Celebrated birthdays on this day include civil rights activist Marian Wright Edelman and singer Gary U.S. Bonds, both turning 87.
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