What happened in June 1968?
The top front-page story of each day in June 1968, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Jun 1🌊 U.S. Disaster Aid Request – Governor Hughes requests federal disaster aid for New Jersey due to severe flooding, citing health risks and five fatalities.
- Jun 2⚽ West Germany Soccer Win – West Germany defeats England 1-0 in a historic soccer match, marking their first victory over England.
- Jun 3🏛️ First Park Opens – The first Park for Performing Arts opens in Virginia, a gift from the Jouett Shouses, enhancing cultural access outside the capital.
- Jun 4🌪️ Hurricane Heads for Tampa – A hurricane approaches Tampa, causing high tides and resulting in the tragic death of a baby girl, with five others missing at sea.
- Jun 5🕊️ Kennedy Shot – Senator Robert Kennedy is shot after winning the California primary; condition reported as stable following the attack.
- Jun 6🕊️ Kennedy Assassinated – Senator Robert F. Kennedy is shot and later dies, prompting national mourning and halting political campaigns.
- Jun 7🕊️ Schools Close for Kennedy – Schools across the state close in tribute to Senator Kennedy, with mourning lasting through the weekend.
- Jun 8🕊️ Kennedy Requiem Mass – Over 2,000 attend Requiem Mass for Robert F. Kennedy at St. Patrick's, led by the Pope's vicar, with a musical program by Bernstein.
- Jun 9🕊️ Kennedy Tribute Held – President Johnson joins the Kennedy family at a graveside service for Robert F. Kennedy in Arlington, honoring his legacy.
- Jun 10🌍 Thousands Visit Kennedy's Grave – Thousands gather at Kennedy's grave on a day of mourning, reflecting on his legacy and impact on the nation.
- Jun 11🎭 Shakespeare Festival Opens – The 16th Shakespeare Festival begins in Canada with a production of 'Romeo and Juliet' directed by Douglas Campbell.
- Jun 12🏛️ Geisha Tradition Declines – The geisha tradition in Japan faces challenges as modern trends lead to a decline in interest and participation.
- Jun 13🕊️ Johnson Advocates Disarmament – At the U.N., President Johnson calls for new action on nuclear disarmament, urging the U.S. and Soviet Union to seek limitations.
- Jun 14🏃♂️ Lindgren Wins 10,000m – Lindgren triumphs in the National Collegiate 10,000-meter run at Berkeley, finishing in 29:41.
- Jun 15🌾 U.S. Wheat Allotment Cut – The U.S. reduces wheat allotment by 13% for 1969 to raise prices and reduce surpluses.
- Jun 16⛵ Lipton Leads Race – British Ketch Lipton is leading the Trans-Atlantic race, with two other yachts closely trailing behind.
- Jun 17🏆 Trevino Wins U.S. Open – Trevino captures the U.S. Open by 4 shots, achieving a record-tying total of 275, marking his first tournament victory.
- Jun 18🏛️ High Court Housing Ruling – High Court rules 1866 law bars racial discrimination in housing sales and rentals, allowing lawsuits against bias.
- Jun 19⛪ Pope Alters Rites – Pope changes ordination and consecration rites to enhance participation of the faithful in religious ceremonies.
- Jun 20✊ Protesters March for Equality – Over 50,000 march in the capital demanding wealth sharing, with Abernathy delivering a powerful speech against government policies.
- Jun 21🏛️ House Approves Surtax – House votes 268 to 150 to approve surtax on incomes, seen as a victory for the nation, cutting the budget by $6 billion.
- Jun 22🏗️ Ground Broken for Westbeth – Construction begins on Westbeth, a $10 million center providing low-income housing for artists in New York.
- Jun 23🏞️ Navajo Nation Salute – A significant event honoring the Navajo Nation, highlighting their culture and contributions as a distinct community within the United States.
- Jun 24🏆 Wimbledon Open Begins – The first Wimbledon Open starts today, featuring top players like Laver and Scott in initial matches.
- Jun 25🏆 Laver Triumphs at Wimbledon – Rod Laver wins against Scott in four sets on the first day of Wimbledon, advancing alongside other top players.
- Jun 26⛪ Coptic Cathedral Dedicated – Coptic Cathedral of St. Mark dedicated in Cairo, attended by leaders including Nasser and Selassie, with a papal envoy present.
- Jun 27⛪ Pope Claims St. Peter's Bones – Pope declares bones found under the altar of St. Peter's Basilica are those of the apostle Peter, based on archaeological evidence.
- Jun 28🎨 Children Gift Picasso – Sixteen four-year-olds create a unique gift for artist Pablo Picasso, showcasing creativity and innocence.
- Jun 29🎾 Wimbledon Tennis Results – Metreveli defeats Gonzalez and Hewitt ousts Hoad as heavy rain washes out 50 matches at Wimbledon.
- Jun 30🥇 Cruz Wins Lightweight Title – Cruz defeats Ortiz by split decision to claim the World Lightweight Title, knocking down his opponent in the first round.
Happy Birthday! 1968 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1968 in real headlines. See the 1968 book →