What’s Happening Today?

International Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989 Memorial Day. In the days following the end of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, several memorials and vigils were held around the world for those who were killed in the demonstrations. Since then, annual memorials have been held in places outside of Mainland China, most notably in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the United States on June 4.

The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. This is a United Nations observance each 4 June. It was established on 19 August 1982. Originally focused on victims of the 1982 Lebanon War, its purpose expanded to "acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. This day affirms the UN's commitment to protect the rights of children.”

What Happened Today?

1.    In 1917, the first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded: Laura E. Richards, Maude H. Elliott, and Florence Hall received the first Pulitzer for biography (for Julia Ward Howe). Jean Jules Jusserand received the first Pulitzer for history for his work With Americans of Past and Present Days. Herbert B. Swope received the first Pulitzer for journalism for his work for the New York World.

2.    In 1989, Ali Khomenei was elected as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Assembly of Experts after the death and funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

3.    1989 Poland holds the first free elections after World War II. The landslide victory of the Polish trade union, “Solidarity”, marked the beginning of the Autumn of Nations, a wave of revolutions resulting in the fall of communism.

Birthdays

1.    1975 – Angelina Jolie.

2.    1987 – Ray Signature, Ugandan musician.

Sources: Wikipedia, bornglorious & Checkiday

Photo: Pulitzer Board