Today In History July 20th

July 20th has seen several important events that have shaped history. Here are six significant moments from this day.

The Apollo 11 Moon Landing (1969)

On July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin made history by becoming the first humans to walk on the Moon.

Armstrong's famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," marked this incredible achievement. 

Meanwhile, Michael Collins orbited the Moon in the command module.

The Assassination Attempt On Adolf Hitler (1944)

On this day in 1944, a group of German officers tried to assassinate Adolf Hitler to end World War II. 

Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg placed a bomb in a briefcase at a meeting with Hitler. However, the explosion didn't kill Hitler, and the plotters were quickly captured and executed. 

This attempt remains a symbol of resistance against Nazi tyranny.

The Chappaquiddick Incident (1969)

Also on July 20, 1969, Senator Ted Kennedy was involved in a car accident on Chappaquiddick Island, Massachusetts. 

His car went off a bridge into a pond, resulting in the death of his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne. 

This incident raised questions about Kennedy's actions and hurt his political career.

The Roswell Incident (1947)

In 1947, the U.S. Army Air Forces reported finding a "flying disc" near Roswell, New Mexico. 

This announcement sparked rumors of UFOs and aliens. The military later said it was just a weather balloon, but the event became a major part of UFO lore and conspiracy theories.

The Bonus Army Incident (1932)

In 1932, World War I veterans, known as the Bonus Army, gathered in Washington, D.C., to demand early payment of a promised bonus. 

On July 20, President Herbert Hoover ordered the Army to clear out the veterans' camps. 

The violent response to the peaceful protest hurt Hoover's reputation during the Great Depression.

Viking 1 Mars Landing (1976)

On July 20, 1976, NASA's Viking 1 landed on Mars, becoming the first spacecraft to send back detailed pictures and data from the Martian surface. 

This mission provided valuable information about Mars and paved the way for future exploration of the planet.

July 20th has been a day of remarkable events, from space exploration milestones to significant political incidents. 

These moments remind us of the ongoing human quest for discovery, justice, and understanding.