On This Day in History – June 24

Major Events

• 1314 – The Battle of Bannockburn begins: Scottish forces under Robert the Bruce defeat the English army, securing Scotland’s independence.

• 1497 – Explorer John Cabot lands in North America (likely Newfoundland), claiming the land for England.

• 1509 – Henry VIII is crowned King of England alongside his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, at Westminster Abbey.

• 1812 – Napoleon Bonaparte’s Grande Armée crosses the Neman River and begins the invasion of Russia.

• 1916 – The Battle of the Somme begins with one of the largest artillery bombardments in history during World War I.

• 1947 – Kenneth Arnold reports seeing nine unidentified flying objects over Washington state, sparking modern interest in UFOs.

• 2010 – Julia Gillard becomes Australia’s first female Prime Minister, replacing Kevin Rudd.

Famous Birthdays

• Jean Moulin (1899–1943), French Resistance leader during World War II.

• Jack Dempsey (1895–1983), American heavyweight boxing champion and sports icon.

• Mick Fleetwood (born 1947), British drummer and co-founder of the rock band Fleetwood Mac.

• Jeff Beck (1944–2023), English rock guitarist known for his innovative playing style.

• Nancy Allen (born 1950), American actress known for Carrie and RoboCop.

• Mindy Kaling (born 1979), American actress, comedian, writer, and producer known for The Office and The Mindy Project.

• Lionel Messi (born 1987), Argentine soccer star and one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Notable Deaths

• Grover Cleveland (1837–1908), 22nd and 24th President of the United States.

• Jackie Gleason (1916–1987), American comedian, actor, and musician known for The Honeymooners.

• Luciano Berio (1925–2003), Italian composer noted for his experimental and electronic music.

• Eli Wallach (1915–2014), American actor known for his role in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Holidays

• Inti Raymi (Peru and Andean communities) – A traditional Incan festival of the Sun God, celebrated during the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec, Canada) – A public holiday celebrating the patron saint of French Canadians, marked with parades and festivities.

• Army Day (Venezuela) – Honors the Battle of Carabobo in 1821, a decisive victory in the country’s fight for independence.

• Midsummer Day (various Northern Hemisphere countries) – Celebrates the summer solstice and associated traditions.

Fun Facts

• The Battle of Bannockburn, which began on this day, is one of Scotland’s most celebrated military victories.

• Kenneth Arnold’s 1947 UFO sighting gave rise to the term “flying saucers” and launched the modern era of UFO fascination.

• Lionel Messi, born today in 1987, has won numerous Ballon d’Or awards and is regarded as one of the most skillful players in soccer history.

• Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is both a religious and cultural holiday and has become a symbol of French Canadian identity.

• Inti Raymi was once banned by Spanish colonizers but has been revived in modern Peru and draws thousands of spectators each year.