Today in History

• 1963 U.S. President John F. Kennedy holds his iconic “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech

  The speech was a welcome gesture of support for the people of West Berlin. East Germany had erected the Berlin Wall just two years earlier to stop mass emigration to the West.

• 1945 The United Nations Charter is signed

  The United Nations is the world’s most important international organization.

• 1936 The world’s first practical helicopter lifts off

  The twin-rotor Focke-Wulf Fw 61 was first tested in Bremen, Germany. None of the first prototypes survived World War II but a replica can be seen at the Hubschraubermuseum in Bückeburg, Germany.

• 1925 Charlie Chaplin’s film “The Gold Rush” receives its premiere

  The comedy featuring Chaplin in his famous Little Tramp role is a classic of the silent film genre. The English star actor repeatedly stated that this is the film he wants to be remembered for.

• 1906 The first Grand Prix car race is held

  The competition was held on a circuit around Le Mans, France and organized by the Automobile Club de France (ACF). Renault’s Ferenc Szisz won the competition.