Discover what happened on June 14 in history, featuring the birth of the United States Army, the adoption of the American flag, groundbreaking advances in transportation and technology, and memorable moments connected to Michigan history.
What Happened on June 14 in History?
Important events on this day include the founding of the United States Army, adoption of the Stars and Stripes as America’s national flag, the unveiling of the world’s first commercial computer, and the dedication of Grand Rapids’ iconic La Grande Vitesse sculpture.
JUNE 14 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1775 – The Continental Army was founded by the Second Continental Congress. This is considered to be the birth of the United States Army. On June 15, George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief.
1777 – The Continental Congress in Philadelphia, PA adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as the national flag of the United States. The Flag Resolution stated “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” On May 20, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 “Flag Day” as a commemoration of the “Stars and Stripes.”
1789 – Whiskey distilled from maize was first produced by clergyman Rev. Elijah Craig. It was called Bourbon because Craig lived in Bourbon County, KY.
1789 – HMS Bounty mutiny survivors, including Captain William Bligh and 18 others, reached Timor after a nearly 4,600 mile journey in an open boat.
1834 – Isaac Fischer Jr. patented sandpaper.
1837 – The first steamboat was dropped into the channel at Grand Rapids, MI for service on the Grand River. It was called the Governor Mason and was constructed of lumber taken from land owned by the Campau’s within the original plot of Grand Rapids.
1881 – Ephraim Shay, of Cadillac, MI, received a patent for a geared steam engine that went on to be highly successful.
1893 – Philadelphia, PA observed the first Flag Day.
1900 – Hawaii became a U.S. territory.
1919 – Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown made the first trans-Atlantic crossing by air, leaving St. John’s, Newfoundland and landing in Clifden, County Galway, Ireland.
1922 – Warren G. Harding became the first President to be heard on radio. The event was the dedication of the Francis Scott Key Memorial at Fort McHenry.
1937 – The state of Pennsylvania became the first state in the United States to celebrate Flag Day officially as a state holiday.
1943 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that school children could not be made to salute the U.S. flag if doing so conflicted with their religious beliefs.
1951 – “Univac I” was unveiled. It was a computer designed for the U.S. Census Bureau and billed as the world’s first commercial computer.
1952 – The first nuclear powered submarine, The Nautilus, was dedicated.
1954 – President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an order adding the words “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. READ MORE.
1954 – Americans took part in the first nation-wide civil defense test against atomic attack.
1959 – The first daily operating monorail system in the Western Hemisphere, the Disneyland Monorail System, opened to the public in Anaheim, CA.
1967 – Mariner 5 was launched from Cape Kennedy, FL. The space probe’s flight took it past Venus.
1969 – The Calder Stabile “La Grande Vitesse” was dedicated in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.
1971 – In London, the first Hard Rock Cafe opened.
1976 – TV’s “The Gong Show” debuted on NBC’s daytime schedule.
1989 – Zsa Zsa Gabor was arrested in Beverly Hills, CA for slapping a motorcycle policeman.
1989 – Former President Ronald Reagan received an honorary knighthood from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.
1990 – The U.S. Supreme Court upheld police checkpoints that are used to examine drivers for signs of intoxication.
1995 – Michael Jackson appeared on TV, with his wife Lisa Marie Presley, in a live interview with Diane Sawyer on “Prime Time Live”. Sawyer interviewed Jackson about accusations of child molestation against him.
1996 – The movie “The Cable Guy”, starring Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick, premiered in theaters. It was directed by Ben Stiller.
2002 – Near-Earth asteroid 2002 MN missed the Earth by 75,000 miles (about 1/3rd of the distance between the Earth and the Moon).
2002 – Actor Kirk Douglas received the UCLA Medal. The award is presented to people for cultural, political and humanitarian achievements.
2015 – The movie “Jurassic World” became the first film to make $500 million worldwide in its opening weekend.
2019 – The Toronto Raptors won the NBA Championship over the Golden State Warriors in game six by a score of 114-110.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JUNE 14:
Marla Gibbs – 95 years old (1931) – Actress and comedian
Steny Hoyer – 87 years old (1939) – Lawyer and politician
Harold Wheeler – 83 years old (1943) – Composer, conductor, and producer
Richard Stebbins – 81 years old (1945) – Sprinter and educator
Donald Trump – 80 years old (1946) – Businessman, television personality, 45th and 47th President of the United States
Barry Melton – 79 years old (1947) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Laurence Yep – 78 years old (1948) – Author and playwright
Harry Turtledove – 77 years old (1949) – Historian and author
Danny Edwards – 75 years old (1951) – Golfer
Will Patton – 72 years old (1954) – Actor
James Gurney – 68 years old (1958) – Artist and author
Marcus Miller – 67 years old (1959) – Bass player, composer, and producer
Tonie Campbell – 66 years old (1960) – Hurdler
Sam Perkins – 65 years old (1961) – Basketball player
Dedrick Dodge – 59 years old (1967) – Football player and coach
Faizon Love – 58 years old (1968) – Cuban-American actor and screenwriter
Heather McDonald – 56 years old (1970) – Comedian, actress, and author
Bruce Bowen – 55 years old (1971) – Basketball player and sportscaster
Rick Brunson – 54 years old (1972) – Basketball player and coach
Sami Kapanen – 53 years old (1973) – Finnish-American ice hockey player and manager
Chris McAlister – 49 years old (1977) – Football player
Diablo Cody – 48 years old (1978) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Annia Hatch – 48 years old (1978) – Cuban-American gymnast and coach
Lorenzo Booker – 42 years old (1984) – Football player
Kevin McHale – 38 years old (1988) – Actor, singer, dancer and radio personality
Lucy Hale – 37 years old (1989) – Actress and singer-songwriter
Daryl Sabara – 34 years old (1992) – Actor
Gunna – 33 years old (1993) – Rapper
Naomi Girma – 26 years old (2000) – Soccer player
Bobby Witt Jr. – 26 years old (2000) – Baseball player
Bryce James – 19 years old (2007) – Basketball player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JUNE 14:
- International Bath Day: Take some time to truly relax and unwind from the stress of daily life. Try some bath bubbles, a bath bomb, or some essential oils to up the experience.
- Hawaii Flag Day: Hawaiʻi Flag Day honors the state flag, known in Hawaiian as Ka Hae Hawaiʻi. It’s a day for everyone to pause and feel the spirit the flag brings, not just as a bold piece of design, but as a stitched-together reminder of the islands’ layered story. People feel connected through the...
- Army Birthday: Celebrate the birth of bravery and service to the nation! Join the festivities and honor the heroes who defend our freedom. Happy birthday!
- National Strawberry Shortcake Day: In a world of desserts, there's one that reigns supreme, with juicy strawberries and fluffy cake, it's a treat like no other - strawberry shortcake, the perfect indulgence!
- National Children’s Day: The boundless energy, curious minds, and infectious giggles of the younger generation keep life full of surprises and adventures.
- National Pop Goes The Weasel Day : Have you ever found yourself humming a tune without even realizing it? That might just be "Pop Goes the Weasel" slipping into your day. There's actually a whole day set aside to celebrate this playful rhyme. It's not just for kids either—this bouncy little melody has a way of sticking...
- World Blood Donor Day: Hospitals, clinics, and other medical institutions are always in need of more blood. Find a blood donation center near you and save a life with just one visit.
- National Bourbon Day: The smoothest and most flavorful of all liquors, Bourbon absolutely deserves its own day. Host a tasting, find an event, or treat yourself to an upper-shelf selection.
- National Flag Day: Whether it's waving in the wind or printed on your favorite t-shirt, this symbol represents a nation founded on freedom and hope.
- National New Mexico Day: National New Mexico Day invites everyone to celebrate the unique charm and heritage of the Land of Enchantment. It's a day full of pride, where the spotlight shines on the diverse cultures and stunning landscapes that define New Mexico. From vibrant arts to ancient history, this special day serves as a...
- Falkland Islands Liberation Day: Liberation Day on the Falkland Islands is a day full of meaning and remembrance. This special day marks the end of the Argentine occupation during the Falklands War, celebrating the return of freedom to the islanders. The people of the Falklands hold this day dear, honoring the courage and sacrifices...
- Cucumber Day: Cucumber Day is a charming celebration that honors this humble vegetable, which plays a big role in the local diet. During this event, cucumbers take center stage in markets, recipes, and decorations! How to Celebrate Cucumber Day Cucumber Day is a fun celebration with lots of creative ways to join the...
- National Fishing and Boating Week: National Fishing and Boating Week is a special time each year that encourages everyone to explore the joys of fishing and boating. Celebrated annually, it's a perfect moment to get outdoors, enjoy the water, and perhaps catch some fish. It's a period packed with fun, relaxation, and learning for people...
- Missing Mutts Awareness Day: Missing Mutts Awareness Day shines a light on something no dog lover wants to face—when a dog vanishes. One moment they're at your feet; the next, the leash hangs empty. This day grew from heartbreak. Two missing dogs sparked a mission that now helps others keep hope alive. It doesn’t belong...
- National Little League Baseball Week: Batter up! Kids swinging for the fences, cheers from the crowd, and an abundance of team spirit. It's baseball fun for everyone!
- British Heart Week: British Heart Week is a vital event dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and the importance of heart care. Organized by the British Heart Foundation, this week-long observance emphasizes the significance of cardiovascular well-being. How to Celebrate British Heart Week Get Moving Why not kick off British Heart Week with a...
- British Tomato Fortnight: British Tomato Fortnight is an exciting time that celebrates the peak season for homegrown tomatoes in the UK. This event highlights the wonderful flavors and health benefits of British tomatoes, encouraging everyone to enjoy this versatile fruit in various dishes! How to Celebrate British Tomato Fortnight Host a Tomato Tasting...
- Meet A Mate Week: Attend any number of fun events and meetups for singles during Meet a Mate week, and take the chance on finally finding your true love, no app required.
- Scleroderma Awareness Week: Scleroderma Awareness Week is a special time dedicated to shedding light on a little-known but impactful disease. This week aims to bring attention to scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and other connective tissues. The week encourages conversations about the challenges faced by...
- Diabetes Week: Did you know that the number of people with diabetes keeps growing each year? Diabetes Week aims to highlight this and raise awareness about living with this condition. This event brings attention to the struggles and achievements of those affected by diabetes. It encourages everyone to engage in conversations about...
- Team Green Britain Bike Week: Team Green Britain Bike Week is a vibrant event that promotes cycling across the UK. It encourages everyone to get on their bikes, enjoy the outdoors, and embrace a healthier lifestyle. The week is filled with various activities and events that cater to all age groups and skill levels, making...
- National Pet Wedding Week: Did you know that there's a special week just for pet lovers to celebrate their furry friends uniquely? National Pet Wedding Week, observed annually during the second week of June, is a time when pets get to experience the joys of a wedding ceremony! How to Celebrate National Pet Wedding...
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For additional information check out websites like: www.on-this-day.com, www.born-today.com, www.famousbirthdays.com, www.daysoftheyear.com, and www.nationaldaycalendar.com.
