Today in History

  • Tuesday, June 19, 2012 2:16pm
  • Life

Today is Wednesday, June 20, the 172nd day of 2012. There are 194 days left in the year. Summer arrives at 4:09 p.m.

Today’s highlight:

On June 20, 1782, Congress approved the Great Seal of the United States, featuring the emblem of the bald eagle.

On this date:

In 1791, King Louis XVI of France and his family attempted to flee the country in the so-called “Flight to Varennes,” but were caught.

In 1837, Queen Victoria acceded to the British throne following the death of her uncle, King William IV.

In 1863, West Virginia became the 35th state.

In 1893, a jury in New Bedford, Mass., found Lizzie Borden not guilty of the ax murders of her father and stepmother.

In 1921, U.S. Rep. Alice Mary Robertson, R-Okla., became the first woman to preside over a session of the House of Representatives.

In 1947, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel was shot dead at the Beverly Hills, Calif., mansion of his girlfriend, Virginia Hill, apparently at the order of mob associates.

In 1948, the variety series “Toast of the Town,” hosted by Ed Sullivan, debuted on CBS television.

In 1963, the United States and Soviet Union signed an agreement to set up a “hotline” between the two superpowers.

In 1967, boxer Muhammad Ali was convicted in Houston of violating Selective Service laws by refusing to be drafted. (Ali’s conviction was ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court).

In 1972, three days after the arrest of the Watergate burglars, President Richard Nixon met at the White House with his chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman; the secretly made tape recording of this meeting ended up with the notorious 18½-minute gap.

In 1979, ABC News correspondent Bill Stewart was shot to death in Managua, Nicaragua, by a member of President Anastasio Somoza’s national guard.

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Bald Eagle Day.

Ten years ago: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled, 6-3, in Atkins v. Virginia that executing mentally disabled murderers was unconstitutionally cruel.

Five years ago: For the second time, President George W. Bush vetoed an embryonic stem cell bill as he urged scientists toward what he termed “ethically responsible” research. Sammy Sosa, playing for the Texas Rangers after a year out of baseball, hit his 600th home run, making him the fifth player to reach the milestone. (The round-tripper came in the fifth inning of Texas’ 7-3 victory over Sosa’s former team, the Chicago Cubs.)

One year ago: Syrian President Bashar Assad promised a national dialogue to consider political reforms, but his vague overtures to a pro-democracy uprising fell flat as protesters took to the streets shouting “Liar!” and demanding his ouster. “Jackass” star Ryan Dunn was killed in a fiery car crash near Philadelphia; he was 34.

Associated Press

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

AquaSox General Manager Danny Tetzlaff keeps the whole circus running. (File photo)
Part baseball, part circus: What goes into a game at Funko Field?

It takes a small army of employees to make sure fans have a great time watching the Everett AquaSox.

Arlo Frostad, 7, and his twin brother Harrison Frostad, walk through the fields of Roozengaarde outside of Mount Vernon, Washington during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on April 10, 2025. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Stop and smell the flowers at Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The largest tulip festival in North America features five gardens and runs through April.

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

Image from Canva.com
Say “I Do” to these stunning wedding venues

From rustic barns to elegant halls, discover where love stories in Snohomish County begin.

Grayson Bed and Breakfast (Photo courtesy of HD Estates and Grayson Bed and Breakfast)
The Grayson Bed and Breakfast: Where strangers become friends

A cozy retreat with scenic views and pet-friendly amenities just two miles from downtown Monroe.

Image from Prince Life Photography website.
Light, lens & love: These photographers bring the magic

Want to see who’s turning everyday moments into jaw-dropping memories? Let’s find out.

Small SUV Provides Big Time Value. Photo Provided by Chevrolet Newsroom
2025 Chevy Trax Activ Delivers Beyond Expectations

Sub-Compact SUV Surprises With Value And Features

Hai Viet Hong, center, performs with the Huong Viet Performing Arts Group during The Wendt Mayor’s Arts Awards on Thursday, April 10 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett artists celebrated with The Wendt Mayor’s Arts Awards

Award recipients included a former City Council member and the former publisher of My Everett News.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.