July 29

On July 29, 1836, the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’s most iconic monuments, was inaugurated under King Louis-Philippe’s reign. Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to honor the Grande Armée, the monument took three decades to complete due to political upheaval and funding challenges. Standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the arch features ornate reliefs depicting France’s military victories and the names of generals and battles. At its base lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, added later to commemorate fallen soldiers. The Arc de Triomphe has since become a symbol of French national pride and unity, witnessing major historical events and annual ceremonies. Visitors can climb to its rooftop for panoramic views of Paris and its grand boulevards.

It launched as part of the BBC’s postwar reorganization to provide cheerful music and variety programs to a nation recovering from conflict. The Light Programme replaced the wartime Forces Programme and quickly became a staple of British radio listening. It featured a mix of live and recorded music, comedy sketches, and magazine-style shows that appealed to a wide audience. Broadcasting on medium wave, it set the tone for postwar entertainment and influenced the development of commercial radio. The station continued until it was replaced by BBC Radio 2 in 1967, leaving a lasting legacy on the UK’s broadcasting landscape.

Replacing Steve Allen, Jack Paar brought a candid and conversational style to the Tonight Show, interacting spontaneously with guests and audiences. His humor and willingness to push boundaries set the template for future hosts and segments. Filmed in New York City, the show featured celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, and musical performances that captivated late-night viewers. Paar’s tenure established the program’s reputation for cutting-edge humor and cultural commentary. His success paved the way for the modern talk show format that continues to evolve today.