Following his win in the California and South Dakota primaries, presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy made a speech addressing his campaign supporters at the Ambassador Hotel in LA, California. In an effort to make it to a press conference on time, Kennedy decided to pass through the kitchen, where he was shot by Sirhan Bishara Sirhan. He sustained three gun shot wounds and … [Read more...] about June 5, 1968
Today in History
October 13, 1966
Irish American Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara declared on this day in 1966 that the Vietnam War was progressing satisfactorily. McNamara was born in California. His father's side was very Irish. He served as the eighth Secretary of Defense under both President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson. He played a large role in escalating the United States's … [Read more...] about October 13, 1966
May 21, 1966
The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) declared war on the IRA, issuing the following statement: “From this day, we declare war against the Irish Republican Army and its splinter groups. Known IRA men will be executed mercilessly and without hesitation. Less extreme measures will be taken against anyone sheltering or helping them, but if they persist in giving them aid, then more … [Read more...] about May 21, 1966
September 18, 1964
On this day in 1964, Irish playwright Sean O'Casey died from a heart attack at the age of 84 in London. Born in Dublin on March 30, O'Casey first developed an interest in playwriting when he and his brother would put on Shakespeare plays for their family. He joined the Gaelic League in 1906 and became very involved with nationalism politics, leading him to Gaelicize his birth … [Read more...] about September 18, 1964
February 21, 1964
Twin astronauts and U.S. Navy captains Mark and Scott Kelly were born on this day in 1964 to Richard and Patricia Kelly, Irish-American police officers in Orange, New Jersey. To keep the twins on equal footing, their parents refused to tell them which one was older until they were 16. Mark is older by six minutes. Scott has spent 180 days, 1 hour and 51 minutes in outer space, … [Read more...] about February 21, 1964