20 June

June 20 is the 171st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 194 days remain until the end of the year.

We have some interesting facts & historic events all about June 20^th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.

Keep reading for more interesting facts about June 20^th in history!

Global Celebrations

World Refugee Day
International Asteroid Day
National Vanilla Milkshake Day
National American Eagle Day
National Ice Cream Soda Day
National Kouign Amann Day
World Productivity Day

Historic Events

What Happened On This Day – June 20

2008: Thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok, Thailand to protest the government in 2008.

1991: The German parliament moves to Berlin

Bonn had been the capital of West Germany until the country’s reunification in 1990. The “Hauptstadtbeschluss” (capital decision) stipulated that the seat of government and the parliament also be moved to the “new” capital Berlin.

1975: The film Jaws is premiered

Steven Spielberg’s thriller about a rogue great white shark terrorizing a summer resort town is often regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

1963: The “Red Telephone” is instituted

The hotline between the U.S. and the Soviet Union was established following Cuban Missile Crisis. Contrary to popular belief, communications between the two superpowers occurred via teletype or fax, and today, via email.

1942: Kazimierz Piechowski and three others escape from Auschwitz concentration camp

In a feat of “exceptional courage and gallantry”, as stated by the Polish author Kazimierz Smoleń, the four prisoners left via the front gate in a stolen SS staff car, dressed as SS officers. During World War II, the Nazi regime murdered 1.1 million people in Auschwitz. Only 144 are known to have escaped.

1837: Victoria becomes Queen of the United Kingdom

During the 64 years of her regency, the United Kingdom became one of the world’s most potent powers. The British Empire soon encompassed large parts of the planet. Queen Victoria died in 1901.

1967: Boxer Muhammad Ali refused induction into the US Army 1967.

1963: A hotline was established between the US and Soviet Union in 1963.

1942: Soldiers of the Free French Foreign Legion who distinguished themselves at the Battle of Bir Hakeim, Libya in 1942. They were from Senegal, Equatorial Africa and Madagascar respectively.