34 fun facts for June, 29
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
June 29 is marked with numerous historical events, ranging from the burning of the Globe Theatre in 1613 to the launch of Apple's iPhone in 2007. In addition, it is observed as National Camera Day in the United States, as well as National Statistics Day in India, and features the celebration of various Christian feasts, such as St. Peter's Day and St. Paul the Apostle Day.
34 Fun facts
- In 1613, The Globe Theatre in London, associated with William Shakespeare, was burnt to the ground during a performance of "Henry VIII" after a theatrical cannon accidentally set fire to the building's thatched roof. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and it was later rebuilt.
- June 29 is annually celebrated as National Camera Day in the United States, to recognize the incredible advancements in photography and the invention of cameras that have allowed us to capture significant moments and memories.
- In 2003, actress Katharine Hepburn passed away at the age of 96. She was a highly accomplished actress, whose career spanned over seven decades with four Academy Awards for Best Actress, a record that remains unbeaten.
- June 29, 2007, marked the first day Apple's iPhone went on sale. This smartphone significantly changed the technological landscape and mobile communication, influencing the way people communicate and access information globally.
- In 1956, the United States passed the Federal Aid Highway Act that authorized the construction of the Interstate Highway System. This vast network became the backbone of the U.S. transportation system, effectively connecting different regions and promoting economic growth.
- June 29 is annually observed as National Almond Butter Crunch Day in the United States, celebrating the delicious candy made from a combination of almonds, butter, and sugar.
- On June 29, 1958, Brazil won its first FIFA World Cup by defeating Sweden 5-2 in the final. This victory marked the beginning of Brazil's reign as a football powerhouse and showcased their global dominance in the sport.
- In 1995, the American space shuttle Atlantis docked with the Russian space station Mir, creating the largest human-made satellite to orbit the Earth. This historic event represented a major step in international cooperation in space exploration.
- On June 29, 1972, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty was unconstitutional, declaring it as "cruel and unusual punishment." The ruling was later revised, allowing the resumption of capital punishment under certain conditions.
- In 1974, the first annual Gay Pride March was held in New York City. Today, Pride Month and marches are observed every June, to commemorate the Stonewall Riots and promote LGBTQ+ rights and tolerance worldwide.
- June 29 is celebrated as St. Peter's Day in honor of Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ's apostles, and the first pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Many Christian denominations observe this day with special services and rituals.
- In 1978, actor Bob Crane of the television show "Hogan's Heroes" was found murdered in his apartment. His case remains unsolved, making it one of Hollywood's most infamous unsolved mysteries.
- On June 29, 1868, George Ellery Hale, an American astronomer, was born. He played a critical role in pioneering solar astronomy, discovering magnetic fields in sunspots, and creating solar telescopes to observe the sun.
- June 29, 1900, marks the birth of French composer and pianist Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who is also known for his novella "The Little Prince." This beloved children's book includes themes of love, loss, and friendship.
- In 1862, the Daylight Comet, also known as the Great Comet of 1861, was observed at its closest approach. It was visible during daylight hours and is considered one of the most impressive comets of the 19th century.
- June 29 is annually observed as National Statistics Day in India, to raise awareness of the importance of statistics in policymaking and planning. The day also commemorates the birth anniversary of Indian statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.
- In 1967, The Beatles released their song "All You Need is Love" as a single. The song was first performed on the first-ever global satellite television broadcast, "Our World," as a testament to unity and love.
- On June 29, 1990, Vincent van Gogh's painting "Portrait of Dr. Gachet," was sold at auction for $82.5 million, making it the most expensive artwork sold at that time.
- In 1858, astronomer George Mary Searle discovered the asteroid 55 Pandora. Named after the first human woman in Greek mythology, it is part of the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
- June 29, 1786, saw the birth of Irish mathematician Sir William Rowan Hamilton. He made significant contributions to optics, classical mechanics, and developed a mathematical concept known as quaternions.
- In 1922, France granted 1 km² at Vimy Ridge in memory of the soldiers who fought and gave their lives during WWI. Today, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial stands as a powerful symbol of friendship between Canada and France.
- June 29 marks the Feast of St. Paul the Apostle, who played a crucial role in the development of Christianity. The day is observed by many Christian denominations with special prayers and rituals.
- In 1880, France annexed the island nation of Tahiti. The French flag was officially hoisted on the island, signaling the beginning of French Polynesia as a French overseas territory.
- June 29, 2002, was the opening day of the 2002 FIFA World Cup final tournament held in South Korea and Japan. This marked the first time the tournament was held in Asia and co-hosted by two countries.
- In 1906, the first Grand Prix automobile race was held in Le Mans, France. It marked the beginning of the rich and exciting history of motor racing, leading to the rise of Formula One and other racing championships.
- On June 29, 1925, Charles Francis Jenkins successfully demonstrated the world's first synchronized transmission of pictures and sound, using his invention called the "Radiovisor." This marked a significant milestone in the development of television.
- In 1933, Fatty Arbuckle, a notable silent film actor, and comedian made his final film appearance in the talkie "Tomalio." His career was overshadowed by a scandal that led to his eventual decline in popularity.
- June 29 is celebrated as Peter and Paul Day in Malta, a public holiday to honor the two saints. The day is marked with special church services, processions, and festive events held throughout the island nation.
- In 1950, the United States defeated England 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup, marking one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history. The match became known as the "Miracle on Grass."
- June 29, 1961, saw the birth of Canadian actor, producer, and writer Greg Hetson. He is best known for his work on the popular television series "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Melrose Place."
- In 1982, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was adopted in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This international treaty establishes the rights and responsibilities of nations concerning their use of oceans and their natural resources.
- On June 29, 2006, Spain legalized same-sex marriage, granting equal rights and benefits as heterosexual couples. This progressive move made Spain the third country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
- June 29 marks the birth of French aviator Louis Blériot, born in 1872. He is best known for making the first airplane flight across the English Channel in 1909, winning a prize of £1,000 and international acclaim.
- In 2007, former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was sentenced to one day in jail and three years of probation for drug possession and driving under the influence. This incident solidified Tyson's troubled post-boxing career.