Dr. Charles E. Whitman, Jr., Historian at Large

What Happened On June 15th? On June 15th of 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted with unparalleled ferocity. This catastrophic explosion is now recognized as one of the most violent volcanic eruption of the 20th century, impacting not only the local populace but also the global climate. Rumblings Beneath The Surface Mount Pinatubo, located on the island of Luzon, had been a relatively quiet volcano, its last eruption occurring over 600 years earlier. However, in early 1991, a series of earthquakes and gas emissions hinted at a brewing disaster. By April, these signs intensified, prompting geologists to closely monitor…

What Happened On June 9th? Nestled in the heart of the Karakoram Range, Broad Peak soars to an altitude of 8,051 meters. On June 9th of 1957, this colossal mountain was finally conquered by a team of determined four Austrian climbers. The Climb Begins The story of Broad Peak's first ascent is intertwined with the personalities and skills of four Austrian climbers: Fritz Wintersteller, Marcus Schmuck, Kurt Diemberger, and Hermann Buhl. Each climber brought a unique set of skills and experiences, which contributed to a cohesive and dynamic team. Their journey to the summit of Broad Peak began long before…

What Happened On June 6th? On June 6, 1944, known as D-Day, 160,000 Allied soldiers stormed the shores of Normandy, France. In a courageous effort to liberate Western Europe from Nazi occupation, this was the most important military operation in history. Through immense sacrifice and strategic brilliance, the allied forces made a big step in the eventual defeat of Hitler’s forces. Meticulous Planning Operation Overlord, the codename for the Allied invasion, took months to plan. Supreme Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower led the intricate coordination of forces from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations. The goal…

What Happened On June 3rd? On June 3, 1998, the small town of Eschede in Lower Saxony, Germany became the site of the deadliest train disaster in world history. The crash of the Intercity-Express (ICE) train, ICE 884 "Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen," resulted in the deaths of 101 people and left 88 others injured. The tragedy raised serious questions about the safety of high-speed rail travel. The Start The ICE 884 departed from Munich, heading towards Hamburg, carrying 287 passengers. At approximately 10:55 AM, as the train traveled at 200 km/h (124 mph) near the town of Eschede, disaster struck. A…

What Happened On June 1st? On June 1, 1980, Rhodesia officially transitioned to Zimbabwe, ending nearly a century of white minority rule. This day officially marked the country's independence and the establishment of a new government led by Prime Minister Robert Mugabe. The event was celebrated nationwide, celebrating a new era for the nation. The Foundation Of The Independence Movement The roots of Zimbabwe’s independence movement stretch back to the late 19th century when British colonialist Cecil Rhodes established the British South Africa Company, laying the foundation for white settler control. For decades, the indigenous African population faced discriminatory laws…

What Happened On May 29th? On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. With the teamwork between a New Zealand beekeeper and a Sherpa from Nepal, their ascent involved meticulous planning and rigorous training. Not only that, but this accomplishment required the coordination of over 400 people, including 362 porters and 20 Sherpa guides. Before The Immense Climb The quest to conquer Everest, named after Sir George Everest, the British Surveyor General of India, began long before Hillary and Norgay's climb. The first reconnaissance of Everest was conducted…