July 12: A Day of Milestones in History
July 12th is a day that has seen its fair share of significant events that have shaped the course of history. From the establishment of the Medal of Honor to the first public performance of the Rolling Stones, this day has been marked by numerous milestones that have left an indelible mark on the world.
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1862: The Medal of Honor is Authorized
On July 12, 1862, the U.S. Congress authorized the creation of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration for valor against an enemy. This award was established to recognize the bravery and selflessness of military personnel who have risked their lives to protect their country and its people.
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1957: Dwight D. Eisenhower Takes to the Skies
In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first sitting president to ride in a helicopter. As part of a nationwide civil defense exercise, Eisenhower traveled in a Bell Ranger, marking a significant milestone in the use of helicopters for presidential transportation.
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1962: The Rolling Stones Take the Stage
The Rolling Stones gave their first public performance on July 12, 1962, at the Marquee Club in London. This marked the beginning of a storied career that would see the band become one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time.
1979: Disco Demolition Night
On July 12, 1979, thousands of spectators at a Chicago White Sox game rushed the field at Comiskey Park, declaring disco dead. The event, which came to be known as Disco Demolition Night, resulted in 39 arrests and nine injuries, but ultimately cemented the fate of the disco era.
1984: Geraldine Ferraro Makes History
On July 12, 1984, U.S. Rep. Geraldine Ferraro, D-N.Y., was named as the running mate of Democratic presidential nominee Walter Mondale. Ferraro’s selection marked a significant milestone in American politics, as she became the first woman to share a major U.S. political party’s presidential ticket.
1990: Boris Yeltsin Quits the Soviet Communist Party
In 1990, Boris Yeltsin, then president of the Russian republic, quit the Soviet Communist Party, citing his desire to concentrate on his duties as president. This move marked a significant turning point in Yeltsin’s career and the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union.
1993: A Devastating Earthquake Strikes Japan
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido on July 12, 1993, killing 160 people and leaving thousands more homeless. This disaster was one of the deadliest earthquakes to hit Japan in over a decade.
2008: Tony Snow Passes Away
On July 12, 2008, Tony Snow, who had served as press secretary under President George W. Bush and as a host on Fox News Channel, passed away at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer.
2011: Ahmed Wali Karzai is Killed
Ahmed Wali Karzai, a half-brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai and a powerful figure in Kandahar, was killed at his home by a bodyguard on July 12, 2011. Karzai’s death marked a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.
2018: Sandra Oh Makes History at the Emmys
Sandra Oh became the first Asian American to earn an Emmy nomination for Best Actress for her role in Killing Eve on July 12, 2018. Oh would go on to win the award just two months later, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
2022: Squid Game Makes History at the Emmys
On July 12, 2022, South Korean drama Squid Game became the first non-English-language series to be nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Drama. Although the series ultimately lost to HBO drama Succession, its nomination marked a significant milestone in the recognition of international content in the American television industry.
From the establishment of the Medal of Honor to the first public performance of the Rolling Stones, July 12th has been marked by numerous milestones that have shaped the course of history. Whether it’s the bravery of military personnel, the rise of iconic rock bands, or the recognition of international content, this day has seen its fair share of significant events that have left an indelible mark on the world.
