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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for June 21, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
These observances run for a full week; this calendar day falls inside the week.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for June.
International and other global observances on this date (may include days, weeks, or months).
Events that occurred on June 21 throughout history
John Archer is give the first medical diploma in America, graduating for the College of Philadelphia.
New Hampshire becomes the 9th state to join the Union, becoming the final state needed to ratify the constitution.
Cyrus McCormick patents the horse-drawn reaping machine, featuring a cutting blade, a reel, and a grain platform. The invention revolutionized farm work by automating the manual process of harvesting grain. It also allowed a two-person team to harvest up to eight acres a day, which was unheard of during that time.
Russell Hawes patents the first commercial envelope-folding machine. The invention updated the older machine by adding a a self-feeding device to pick-up blanks automatically.
The first Ferris wheel opens at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. The ride was 264 feet tall, featured 36 wooden cars that held 60 people, and took 20 minutes to complete the ride.
A Japanese submarine surfaces near the Columbia River in Oregon, firing 17 shells at Fort Stevens. The attack was one of a handful by Japan against the U.S. mainland.
The U.S. defeats Japanese forces on Okinawa, ending an 82-day battle that became known as one of the largest (and bloodiest) battles of the Pacific Theater in World War II.
John Hinckley is found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan. He was sentence to a psychiatric facility and released in 2022.
The U.S. Supreme Court rules in Texas v. Johnson (491 U.S. 397) that American flag-burning is a form of political protest protected by the First Amendment. The Act says the government cannot prohibit expression just because they find it offensive or disagreeable.
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) debuts in a game between the New York Liberty and the LA Sparks. The Liberty beat the Sparks 67-57.
The U.S. approves lab-grown meat (chickens) from animals cells, giving clearance to UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat. The process includes cells taken from living animals or cell banks and fed nutrients in stainless-steel tanks until they mature into meat products. As of now, distribution remains limited to select restaurants because of costs.
People born on June 21
The first Black person to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and the second black person to serve in the United States Congress.
Engineer who designed the oil circuit breaker design and a newspaper size fax machine.
Infamous robber who successfully robbed 24 banks and 4 police stations.
Considered a "sex symbol" actress during the 1940s and 1950s starring major films, including The Outlaw and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
The 6th Vice President of the United States
Co-founder of the Boy Scouts of America.
Pharmacist who invented the soda drink Dr. Pepper.
Actor fondly recognized for his character role Doc in the Love Boat.
Pediatrician who made significant contributions to the fields of child hygiene and development.
