1. In 1874, the Washington Monument, a towering obelisk located on the National Mall, was completed after several decades of construction. It stands at 555 feet tall and is the tallest freestanding masonry structure in the world.
2. In 1948, Harry S. Truman signed the Displaced Persons Act, allowing for the admission of refugees from Europe following World War II. The act enabled tens of thousands of displaced persons to enter the United States, many of whom settled in the District of Columbia.
3. In 1963, John F. Kennedy delivered his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech in front of the Rathaus Schöneberg in West Berlin, Germany. The speech is remembered for its show of solidarity with the people of Berlin during the Cold War, and as a symbol of American commitment to freedom and democracy.
4. In 2008, Barack Obama became the first African American to secure the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. Obama won the presidential election later that year, becoming the first African American president in United States history.
5. In 2013, the United States Supreme Court struck down a part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, paving the way for same-sex couples to receive federal recognition and benefits. This decision was seen as a landmark victory for the LGBTQ+ community and a step towards greater equality under the law.
5 Fun Facts About June 20 In District Of Columbia History
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