On This Day - June 25
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let's look back at some of the most significant events in history that happened on this day, starting with...
1788: Virginia Said Yes to the Constitution
Virginia became the 10th state to ratify the US Constitution, officially joining the Union and helping shape the foundation of the nation.
1798: The Alien Act Passed
In a tense political climate, the US passed the Alien Act, giving the president the authority to deport non-citizens considered dangerous—a controversial law at the time, and still discussed today.
1835: San Francisco Got Its Start
The very first building was constructed in Yerba Buena—what we now know as San Francisco. Hard to imagine the Golden Gate City started with just one humble structure!
1868: The Eight-Hour Workday Began (For Some)
A law establishing the 8-hour workday—for federal workers, at least—was passed by Congress. It was a big step toward labor rights as we know them today.
1941: Fighting Workplace Discrimination
FDR established the Fair Employment Practices Commission and signed Executive Order 8802, banning racial discrimination in the defense industry—laying groundwork for civil rights progress.
1947: Anne Frank’s Story Was Shared With the World
The first version of The Diary of Anne Frank (Het Achterhuis) was published in the Netherlands, giving voice to one of the most personal and powerful accounts of World War II.
1950: The Korean War Began
North Korean forces invaded South Korea, igniting the Korean War and a new chapter in global conflict during the Cold War era.
1951: Color TV Made Its Debut
The very first color television broadcast aired—Arthur Godfrey's Premiere—reaching five East Coast cities. Black-and-white wouldn’t be the only option for long!
1957: The Curtain Closed on The Jonathan Winters Show
The unpredictable comedian’s variety show aired its final episode on NBC—but his legacy in comedy was just beginning.
1982: Blade Runner Hit the Big Screen
Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford, premiered—and though it confused some audiences at first, it’s now a cult favorite.
1993: David Letterman Signed Off (For Now)
Late Night with David Letterman aired its final NBC episode before Dave made the leap to CBS later that year.
1996: Independence Day Premiered in California
Aliens beware—Independence Day, starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum, premiered in Westwood, kicking off a blockbuster summer and giving us one of the most quoted movie speeches of all time.
Do you remember any of these events? Or do you have more events (historical or not!) you'd like to share with the community? Post them below and let's reminisce together!
