On This Day in History – June 25

by hpmom June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

1678 – Elena Cornaro Piscopia becomes the first woman to receive a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) from a university, graduating from the University of Padua in Italy.
1876 – The Battle of the Little Bighorn begins, where Lieutenant Colonel George Custer and his troops are defeated by Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors.
1947 – The Diary of Anne Frank is published in the Netherlands, offering a powerful, personal perspective on life during the Holocaust.
1950 – The Korean War begins as North Korean forces invade South Korea, prompting a United Nations response.
1978 – The rainbow flag, designed by Gilbert Baker, is flown for the first time during the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade.
1991 – Croatia and Slovenia declare independence from Yugoslavia, triggering the Yugoslav Wars.
2009 – Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop,” dies suddenly at the age of 50, shocking the world.

George Orwell (1903–1950), British novelist and essayist best known for 1984 and Animal Farm.
Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926), Spanish architect whose works, including the Sagrada Família, define Catalan Modernism.
Sidney Lumet (1924–2011), American film director known for 12 Angry Men, Network, and Dog Day Afternoon.
Carly Simon (born 1945), American singer-songwriter known for hits like You’re So Vain.
Ricky Gervais (born 1961), British comedian, writer, and creator of The Office.
George Michael (1963–2016), British pop icon and member of Wham!, later a successful solo artist.

Michael Jackson (1958–2009), American singer, songwriter, and dancer, known as the “King of Pop.”
Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910–1997), French naval officer, explorer, and pioneer of marine conservation.
James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938), American author, educator, and civil rights activist, famous for the hymn Lift Every Voice and Sing.

Statehood Day (Slovenia and Croatia) – Celebrates the declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Day of the Seafarer (International) – Recognizes the invaluable contributions of seafarers to global trade and the economy.
Independence Day (Mozambique) – Marks the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
National Catfish Day (U.S.) – Established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan to recognize the value of farm-raised catfish.

George Orwell’s birthday is often celebrated with discussions about dystopian themes, censorship, and the relevance of 1984.
The first rainbow pride flag, flown in 1978, originally had eight colors—each with a symbolic meaning (e.g., pink for sex, red for life).
The Battle of the Little Bighorn is often referred to as “Custer’s Last Stand” and remains one of the most studied battles in U.S. history.
The Diary of Anne Frank, published on this day in 1947, has been translated into over 70 languages.
Michael Jackson’s death in 2009 prompted record-breaking digital downloads and tributes around the world.