1906day.year
The all black infantrymen of the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Regiment are accused of killing a white bartender and wounding a white police officer in Brownsville, Texas, despite exculpatory evidence; all are later dishonorably discharged. (Their records were later restored to reflect honorable discharges but there were no financial settlements.)
In 1906, all-black soldiers of the U.S. 25th Infantry were dishonorably discharged after being falsely accused in the Brownsville Affair.
On August 13, 1906, the Brownsville Affair culminated in the dishonorable discharge of black enlisted men from the U.S. 25th Infantry Regiment.
Despite alibi evidence, these soldiers were accused of killing a white bartender and wounding a police officer in Brownsville, Texas.
President Theodore Roosevelt ordered the mass discharge without court-martial or trial.
The decision ended the military careers of over 160 servicemen and sparked national outrage.
It wasn’t until 1972 that the Army reviewed the case and restored honorable discharges for the men.
The incident remains a stark example of racial injustice in U.S. military history.
1906
25th Infantry Regiment
are accused
Brownsville, Texas
1918day.year
Women enlist in the United States Marine Corps for the first time. Opha May Johnson is the first woman to enlist.
On August 13, 1918, women were allowed to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps for the first time, with Opha May Johnson leading the way.
Amid World War I manpower shortages, the U.S. Marine Corps authorized female enlistment on August 13, 1918.
Opha May Johnson became the first woman Marine, enlisting in Washington, D.C.
The initial cohort of roughly 305 women served primarily in clerical and support roles.
Their service marked the first time women formally joined the Marines in any capacity.
This milestone laid groundwork for expanded military roles for women in subsequent conflicts.
It represents a significant step in the long struggle for gender equality in the armed forces.
1918
United States Marine Corps
Opha May Johnson
1969day.year
The Apollo 11 astronauts enjoy a ticker-tape parade in New York City. That evening, at a state dinner in Los Angeles, they are awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Richard Nixon.
The Apollo 11 crew received a hero's welcome in New York City with a ticker-tape parade and were later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Nixon.
Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins returned from history's first manned lunar landing mission.
On August 13, 1969, they were honored with a ticker-tape parade along New York City's Canyon of Heroes, greeted by cheering crowds.
Later that evening at a state dinner in Los Angeles, President Richard Nixon presented each crew member with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The dual celebrations recognized their pioneering achievements and the culmination of the Space Race.
Millions watched the events on television, cementing the astronauts' status as global icons of exploration and American pride.
1969
Apollo 11
ticker-tape parade
state dinner
Los Angeles
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Richard Nixon
1977day.year
Members of the British National Front (NF) clash with anti-NF demonstrators in Lewisham, London, resulting in 214 arrests and at least 111 injuries.
A violent confrontation erupted in Lewisham, London, on August 13, 1977, between the far-right British National Front and anti-fascist protesters, resulting in over 200 arrests and more than 100 injuries.
Members of the far-right British National Front organized a march through Lewisham, South London.
Anti-fascist groups and local residents formed a counter-demonstration to block the parade route.
Clashes broke out as police attempted to separate the opposing crowds, with fights involving batons, stones, and makeshift weapons.
The disturbances led to 214 arrests and at least 111 reported injuries among protesters and bystanders.
Known as the 'Battle of Lewisham,' the event was a significant moment in Britain's fight against far-right extremism.
It prompted changes in public order policing and greater scrutiny of political marches in the UK.
1977
British National Front
clash
Lewisham