TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT

April 6, 1917

The United States entered World War I as the House joined the Senate in approving a declaration of war against Germany that was then signed by President Woodrow Wilson.

ALSO ON THIS DATE

1830

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized by Joseph Smith in Fayette, New York.

1886

The Canadian city of Vancouver, British Columbia, was incorporated.

1896

The first modern Olympic games formally opened in Athens, Greece.

1909

American explorers Robert E. Peary and Matthew A. Henson and four Inuits became the first men to reach the North Pole.

1947

The first Tony Awards were held in New York; this event, focusing on individual achievement rather than specific works, honored Ingrid Bergman, Helen Hayes, Jose Ferrer, Fredric March and playwright Arthur Miller, among others.

1954

Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy, R-Wis., responding to CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow’s broadside against him on “See It Now,” said in remarks filmed for the program that Murrow had, in the past, “engaged in propaganda for Communist causes.”

1965

The United States launched Intelsat I, also known as the “Early Bird” communications satellite, into geosynchronous orbit.