June 2 is the 153rd day of the year (154th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 212 days remaining until the end of the year.
Key Events in History
- 1835: P.T. Barnum’s first American Museum opens in New York City.
- 1861: Confederate General Robert E. Lee is appointed commander of the Army of Northern Virginia.
- 1924: Calvin Coolidge becomes the first U.S. president to broadcast a radio address from the White House.
- 1946: The first referendum on the Italian monarchy is held, resulting in the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.
- 1979: Pope John Paul II becomes the first pope to visit the White House.
- 2003: The United States Supreme Court rules in Grutter v. Bollinger that affirmative action programs that consider race as a factor in admissions decisions are constitutional.
Notable Births
- 1740: Marquis de Lafayette, French aristocrat and military leader who fought in the American Revolutionary War (d. 1834)
- 1840: Thomas Hardy, English novelist and poet (d. 1928)
- 1904: Johnny Weissmuller, American swimmer and actor who played Tarzan in the movies (d. 1984)
- 1923: Lloyd Bridges, American actor (d. 1998)
- 1929: Anne Frank, German-born Jewish diarist who died in the Holocaust (d. 1945)
- 1962: Brad Pitt, American actor
Famous Deaths
- 1882: Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italian general and revolutionary (b. 1807)
- 1920: William Dean Howells, American novelist and literary critic (b. 1837)
- 1970: Bertrand Russell, British philosopher and mathematician (b. 1872)
- 1990: Rex Harrison, English actor (b. 1908)
- 2016: Muhammad Ali, American boxer (b. 1942)
Holidays and Observances
- International Day for the Abolition of Child Labour
- National Trails Day (United States)
- National Doughnut Day (United States)
- Feast of Corpus Christi (Catholic Church)
Did You Know?
- June 2 is the birth anniversary of the American Red Cross.
- The first Kentucky Derby was held on June 2, 1875.
- The first transatlantic telephone call was made on June 2, 1927.
Questions for Conversation
- What is your favorite holiday or observance that occurs on June 2?
- Can you name any famous people who were born or died on June 2?
- What do you think is the most important historical event that occurred on June 2?
Tips and Tricks
- If you are planning to celebrate National Doughnut Day, be sure to check out your local bakery for special deals.
- If you are looking for a way to get involved in your community, consider volunteering with the American Red Cross.
- If you are interested in learning more about the history of June 2, check out the following resources:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not confuse June 2 with June 1 or June 3.
- Do not forget to celebrate National Doughnut Day on June 2.
- Do not hesitate to reach out to the American Red Cross if you are interested in volunteering.
